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Reflecting on my time interning with Leader McConnell has been nothing short of a dream come true. Ever since I was in 8th grade, I've been captivated by the world of politics, glued to the world news and eager to dive into matters of global significance. It was in the summer of 2018, at a business forum in Danville, Kentucky, that I first crossed paths with Leader McConnell. Upon talking with him, I immediately felt his amiable presence. Little did I know then that I would one day work in the office of one of America's most influential senators in American history.
When I arrived in Washington D.C. in early May of 2023, I embarked on a six-week journey that would strengthen my understanding of politics and governance on the official side. Moving to Washington was initially intimidating for me, as it marked my first time away from home for an extended period. The initial days were dedicated to exploring what seemed to be endless underground halls, several ethical training courses, and familiarizing myself with office protocols under the guidance of seasoned staffers. As a press intern, my responsibilities revolved around assisting the Press Secretary, gathering and delivering state and national news clips to the senator, placing and receiving miscellaneous office orders, and organizing political cartoons for the senator's archives.
Beyond my responsibilities as a press intern, I found myself immersed in various facets of office operations. From monitoring the constituents' office phone line, organizing mail for Legislative Correspondents, to leading Capitol tours for Kentucky families, each task offered a unique insight into the inner workings of Capitol Hill. Each intern had to review and memorize a thick packet of Kentucky and U.S. Capitol facts prior to conducting the constituent tours, which was quite interesting given the fascinating history of the Capitol Building. I thoroughly enjoyed conducting numerous tours for Kentucky families, many of whom were visiting Washington for their first-time.
Several standout experiences marked my time in D.C. Among them, I had the privilege of attending a Press Stakeout, where Senate Leadership fielded questions from an eager press pool. Standing behind the scenes, I watched Leaders McConnell and Schumer respond to questions live—an extraordinary moment for me, considering I had followed their appearances on TV for many years. Another memorable and rare occasion was going up to the Capitol Dome and gazing down upon the city. Along the way to the top, we passed original windows with century-old name sketches in the glass, highlighting the historic significance of this singular route. Viewing Washington, D.C. from atop the Capitol Building was an awe-inspiring and indelible experience.
To future Washington interns, I offer a few pieces of advice that I obtained from my own experiences:
• Embrace networking: In a city filled with ambitious young professionals, forging meaningful connections is essential. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself, engage with others, and nurture friendships which can benefit your future and last a lifetime.
• Seize every opportunity: Whether it's attending intern lectures, summarizing a congressional hearing, running office errands, or grabbing coffee with a staffer, make the most of every chance to learn and grow. Follow up on encounters to solidify connections and gain valuable insights.
• Explore the city: Beyond the solemn halls of Congress, D.C. offers a wealth of cultural and historical treasures waiting to be discovered. From national monuments to renowned museums, take time to explore and appreciate the richness of the nation's capital. My personal favorite was travelling to the top of the Washington Monument—the tallest structure in D.C.
• Seize every opportunity: Whether it's attending intern lectures, summarizing a congressional hearing, running office errands, or grabbing coffee with a staffer, make the most of every chance to learn and grow. Follow up on encounters to solidify connections and gain valuable insights.
• Explore the city: Beyond the solemn halls of Congress, D.C. offers a wealth of cultural and historical treasures waiting to be discovered. From national monuments to renowned museums, take time to explore and appreciate the richness of the nation's capital. My personal favorite was travelling to the top of the Washington Monument—the tallest structure in D.C.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the UofL Political Science Department and alumni for their generous financial support. My time interning with Leader McConnell was a high honor and privilege that I will hold close to me for the rest of my life.
Dyllan Tipton is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2026. He is studying political science at the University of Louisville.