For many students, internships are where classroom learning becomes real-world experience, being able to use what they learn on campus in many industries. Whether an internship is required for your major or not, they can become the best preparation for your future and an integral part of figuring out your path. For CASL student, Egabah Alhabel, a summer fellowship with U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib has done just that, offering firsthand experience in civic engagement, public service and community organizing while helping shape her future career in government.
As a Democracy Summer Fellow, Egabah has spent the summer working alongside community members, campaign staff and fellow interns of U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib to better understand the democratic process and how meaningful change truly begins at the local level.
"I wanted to apply for this experience because I have seen firsthand how political decisions can change people's lives," Egabah said. "I wanted to gain real-world experience and expand my knowledge of democracy and community organizing. I also hope to use what I learn to support my community and encourage greater civic participation, especially among people who may not fully understand that their voices matter."
Throughout the fellowship, Egabah has participated in a variety of hands-on experiences, from phone banking to canvassing, attending community rallies and conducting outreach with local residents. These opportunities have provided an inside look at how political campaigns operate and how candidates connect with voters. "This internship has really given me hands-on experience," says Egabah. "It has helped me understand how political campaigns and candidates connect with voters. These experiences have strengthened my interest in public service and have given me a better understanding of the political process."
Beyond developing professional skills, the fellowship has reinforced the importance of collaboration and community engagement. "I have really enjoyed meeting other Democracy Summer Fellows and community members who are passionate about making a difference" she said, adding that being surrounded by other people actively involved in their communities is a motivator, helping her learn more.
The experience has also helped clarify long-term career aspirations for Egabah. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career as an ambassador or work for the U.S. Department of Education, helping develop policies that expand educational opportunity for others. “I believe in the saying that 'talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not,'" she noted. "My own experiences have shown me how education can transform lives, and I hope to make that opportunity available to others."
Reflecting on the summer, Egabah says she gained valuable insight into politics, but also into personal strengths and career preferences. “This internship helped me learn that I prefer a stable career where I can make a long-term impact." She also feels it has helped to gain deeper understanding of campaign funding; the importance of endorsements and how important effective communication is in influencing public opinion and voter engagement. Egabah says the most important thing is that she learned that she enjoys connecting with people and advocating for issues that matter to her community. 
Egabah encourages fellow CASL students to seek out internship opportunities whenever possible. "I would encourage other students to apply for internships like this because they provide experiences you cannot get just from the classroom," she said. "This internship gave me a realistic view of campaigns and public service. It turned what once felt like vague ideas about my future into a much clearer picture of what a career in politics and public service can look like. It has been an important step in helping me prepare for my future goals."
Internships like the Democracy Summer Fellowship showcase how experiential learning empowers our CASL students to explore careers, build professional networks and develop confidence toward making an impact outside of the classroom. Whether you’re interested in government, business, economics, nonprofits, science, the arts or communication, the CASL Internship Office helps connect you to opportunities that transform learning into experience, and experience into a future career.
To learn more about the internships we offer in CASL and to start your journey, visit the CASL Internship Office.
