Hannah Davidson
Policy internship provides career insights and hands-on experience
Hannah Davidson came to Loyola for graduate school because they were confident that the School of Environmental Sustainability offered supportive faculty mentors and unique opportunities for hands-on learning. Originally from Mokena, Illinois, Davidson is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science and sustainability. Over the summer, they gained valuable career insights as a policy intern with the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC). They shared their thoughts on the internship experience.
Hannah Davidson's internship with the Environmental Law and Policy Center focused on clean transportation and clean energy advocacy.
How did you get involved with your student internship?
I found my internship through the SES external internship program! My prior work experience in research, permitting, and business operations prepared me well for the role. Being able to reference these job experiences showed the ELPC staff how I could apply these skills to a policy-focused role and benefit their team over the summer.
What sorts of activities are involved in the internship?
My core work focused on clean transportation and clean energy advocacy. I also had the opportunity to work on additional projects with the shoreline resilience and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations teams. Across all teams, activities included collaborating with stakeholders, acquiring and synthesizing data, and producing visually pleasing maps. This work helped the teams identify and monitor snags in our progress and form solutions.
What have you learned from the internship?
I worked on a major transportation project supporting the roll-out of electric school buses across the Midwest. This project taught me a great deal about how different state and federal grant programs operate, particularly the US EPA's Clean School Bus Program. I also learned about the importance of passing policies that further incentivize fleet electrification, such as the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
How did the experience prepare you for future jobs or impact your career plans?
This internship has taught me a great deal about my career intentions. I have completed the SES assessment and planning concentration, which is more data- and risk-driven, so I'm grateful to have been exposed to the world of nonprofits and environmental policy this summer. I still appreciate the technical skills I've learned through my concentration, but this internship has reminded me that advocacy work is extremely motivating to me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I hope to combine my technical skillset with my passion for delivering positive environmental outcomes for communities. I have a passion for and experience in a wide variety of topics in the field, so I'm keeping an open mind as I search for opportunities in botany and restoration ecology, agriculture and food systems, water quality and permitting, transportation and energy, and environmental justice. I'm excited about what the future holds!
What advice would you give to other students who are thinking about doing internships?
I encourage other students to pursue internships with organizations that are willing to invest in their learning and development, even if it means stepping outside of their comfort zone or intended career path.
How did you get involved with your student internship?
I found my internship through the SES external internship program! My prior work experience in research, permitting, and business operations prepared me well for the role. Being able to reference these job experiences showed the ELPC staff how I could apply these skills to a policy-focused role and benefit their team over the summer.
What sorts of activities are involved in the internship?
My core work focused on clean transportation and clean energy advocacy. I also had the opportunity to work on additional projects with the shoreline resilience and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations teams. Across all teams, activities included collaborating with stakeholders, acquiring and synthesizing data, and producing visually pleasing maps. This work helped the teams identify and monitor snags in our progress and form solutions.
What have you learned from the internship?
I worked on a major transportation project supporting the roll-out of electric school buses across the Midwest. This project taught me a great deal about how different state and federal grant programs operate, particularly the US EPA's Clean School Bus Program. I also learned about the importance of passing policies that further incentivize fleet electrification, such as the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
How did the experience prepare you for future jobs or impact your career plans?
This internship has taught me a great deal about my career intentions. I have completed the SES assessment and planning concentration, which is more data- and risk-driven, so I'm grateful to have been exposed to the world of nonprofits and environmental policy this summer. I still appreciate the technical skills I've learned through my concentration, but this internship has reminded me that advocacy work is extremely motivating to me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I hope to combine my technical skillset with my passion for delivering positive environmental outcomes for communities. I have a passion for and experience in a wide variety of topics in the field, so I'm keeping an open mind as I search for opportunities in botany and restoration ecology, agriculture and food systems, water quality and permitting, transportation and energy, and environmental justice. I'm excited about what the future holds!
What advice would you give to other students who are thinking about doing internships?
I encourage other students to pursue internships with organizations that are willing to invest in their learning and development, even if it means stepping outside of their comfort zone or intended career path.