Semester in Washington Program expands career choices for Penn State student

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For Ella Bartnik, a Penn State student majoring in political science and global and international studies with a concentration in human rights, the Semester in Washington Program in the College of the Liberal Arts has been much more than an internship – it provided a rich opportunity to explore new career paths, gain confidence and experience firsthand how law and public policy shape lives around the world.

Housed in the Department of Political Science, the Semester in Washington program allows undergraduate students pursuing degrees offered by the college to spend a semester living and interning in Washington, D.C., where they gain professional experience, complete academic coursework and build connections with alumni and professionals across governmental and non-governmental organizations.

For Bartnik, the experience felt like the perfect next step after Roseanne McManus, professor of political science, encouraged her to apply.

“I knew I wanted to go into the legal profession,” Bartnik said. “The opportunity to intern in Washington while having the support of Penn State made it something I couldn't pass up.”

Although she always envisioned becoming an attorney, her time in Washington has broadened her perspective on where a legal career can lead.

“I’ve realized there are so many different directions I could take,” she said. “I can now see myself working on the legislative side or in another area of government.”

Bartnik interned with the American Bar Association’s Center for Global Programs. Her work centered on researching accountability mechanisms and contributing to projects that promoted transparency, strengthened the rule of law and advanced human rights around the world.

Those responsibilities introduced her to global issues she had not previously studied in depth, including efforts to improve human rights conditions in countries such as Sri Lanka and combat human trafficking in the Philippines.

“Human trafficking work has been the most meaningful,” Bartnik said. “It’s a really scary but prevalent issue, and it feels like I’m contributing to something that could create real change. It feels much more hands-on than just doing research.”

As part of program, Bartnik toured the U.S. Supreme Court and attended networking events that connected her with attorneys and other legal professionals.

Life outside the workplace was just as transformative for Bartnik. Living in Washington with 10 other Penn State students, she said, challenged her to become more self-sufficient as she learned to cook, manage an apartment and navigate D.C.’s Metro public transportation system, all while forming close friendships with her roommates.

One of her favorite places in the city was Dupont Circle, where she enjoyed browsing bookstores and exploring neighborhoods away from the tourist crowds. She said she also appreciated spending time on Capitol Hill and experiencing the energy of the nation’s capital.

Another highlight for Bartnik has been the program’s emphasis on mentorship. Early in the summer, students attended a networking event where they met Penn State alumni who work in a variety of professional settings throughout the greater D.C. area. Bartnik was paired with an alumnus who has continued to offer career guidance, introduce her to legal events and help her build connections.

“My mentor has been amazing,” she said. “We’ve met for coffee, and they continue sending me opportunities happening around D.C. It’s really helpful having someone who understands both Penn State and working here.”

Bartnik said the Department of Political Science and the College of the Liberal Arts played a key role in making the experience possible. The Political Science Board of Visitors also provided important support in helping launch the Semester in Washington Program and build connections and opportunities for participating students. Marie Hojnacki, associate professor of political science and director of the college’s Washington Center Initiative and Semester in Washington Program; and Molly Inman, coordinator of the Semester in Washington Program and assistant teaching professor of political science, helped the students locate and apply for internship opportunities, while career coaches in the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network provided support with resume writing, developing cover letters and interviewing prep.

Bartnik also received enrichment funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, which helped offset the cost of living in Washington and allowed her to fully participate in the program.

Beyond the Semester in Washington Program, Bartnik has built an impressive record of academic achievement and campus leadership. As a Schreyer Scholar and Paterno Fellow, she has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester and is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society at Penn State. She also received a Rock Ethics Institute Undergraduate Fellowship Award, which allowed her to work alongside Assistant Professor of Nursing Sydney A. Axson researching informed consent accessibility and transparency on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Outside the classroom, Bartnik serves as an associate editor for Her Campus at Penn State, a member of the School of Public Policy's Next Gen Leadership Academy, and the recently elected secretary of Lion Caucus, where she advocates for higher education funding and travels to Harrisburg to meet with state officials.

Looking back, Bartnik believes one of the greatest takeaways from the Semester in Washington Program has been developing the confidence to embrace uncertainty and adapt to new situations.

“It teaches you how to be okay with change,” she said. “You learn how to adapt, take initiative and become comfortable putting yourself out there.”

After graduating a year early in May 2027, Bartnik plans to gain professional experience before attending law school. Whether she ultimately pursues traditional legal practice, judicial work or a legislative career, she said the Semester in Washington Program has given her the confidence, perspective and hands-on experience to take the next step. More than preparing her for a career, the program helped her discover the kind of impact she hopes to make.

“This experience showed me that law isn’t just about the courtroom,” Bartnik said. “It’s about helping people, creating change and finding where you can make the biggest difference.”

This is the first in a series of stories featuring students participating in the inaugural Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program.