Riley Johnson knows exactly what he wants to do once he graduates from Radford University, and he gives all the credit to an internship.
During the 2024 spring semester, the now-rising senior political science major interned with the university’s Government Relations office, which works with the Virginia General Assembly to establish and foster relationships and monitor issues and legislation important to the university community. It also serves as a resource to public officials.
Much of Johnson’s time was spent working in Richmond, Virginia’s capital, with Del. Jason Ballard.
“I got to sit in on meetings with lobbyists as well as committees and subcommittees,” Johnson said, describing a portion of his internship duties.
“One of the best things about the internship was being able to see all the behind-the-scenes activities,” the Bristow, Virginia, native continued. “It’s one thing to read about it in a textbook and hear it in a lecture; it’s another thing to witness it in person. It was a great learning experience to see how everyone interacts with each other.”
The internship was a paid opportunity, which was a terrific benefit. “I’ve always been a full-time student and worked full time, so I haven’t had time to go after any extracurricular activities,” Johnson said. “The benefits from the internship allowed me to breathe and take this opportunity.”
Working in Richmond also gave Johnson a chance to network with Radford University alumni who work in state government. “Hopefully, these networking opportunities will help me find job opportunities after I graduate.”
The internship, Johnson explained, has “shown me that being in a state government is where I want to go next,” he said. “My time here at Radford and this internship have set me up great for what I want to do personally, which would be working with the public and helping out the community.”
Riley Murtagh and Chad Osborne for Radford University