Our Interview with Caitlin Costello
Introducing PSU Environmental Science Student, Caitlin Costello. Caitlin is a junior at PSU, and a Grassroots Organizing and Public Policy Intern at OSPIRG (Oregon State Public Interest Research Group). We wanted to interview her to learn more about her experience with a remote, grassroots internship.
Why were you interested in this opportunity?
I was interested in this opportunity because my major is very intertwined with public policy. Even if I never go into politics specifically, research in environmental science and sustainability will be dictated by government bodies for decades to come. It is where a great amount of money comes from and it is how my research will become regulation.
I believed this would be a good fit because I am passionate about current community issues, and I knew this would give me insight regarding the process that scientific researchers and nonprofit lobbyists have to go through in order to influence big businesses and public policy.
Can you tell us a little bit about the duties of your internship? Were you working on any specific projects? If so, what project(s)?
Right now, we are working on lobbying for a public health insurance option to be introduced to the marketplace. It is something that has passed in Washington and Colorado already. It is estimated that in the last 10 years, health insurance premiums have jumped 71% in Oregon. Some counties now only have 2 options for insurance on the marketplace. This public health option will not only provide a cheaper option, it would bring in more competition, driving costs down across the board. For this campaign, I have been working on several projects including a research presentation that speaks to the process, successes and failures of the Colorado Public Insurance Option. I am also developing flyers, RSVP lists, and communication techniques for an upcoming panel discussing health insurance options with students prior to open enrollment. I also phone and text bank regularly (2 to 4 hours a week).
What was something that you learned from your internship experience that you weren't expecting?
I have certainly expanded my knowledge of the process of legislation. This internship, combined with my schoolwork, has helped me better conceptualize the causes of our environmental crisis. I used to get very hung up on the few times I'd forget my reusable cup, or the take out box I use once every few months. With my new knowledge regarding the true and massive contributors to emissions and waste in combination with what OSPIRG has taught me about the slow moving governmental bodies and trials of nonprofit influence, I now better balance my own contributions with my efforts to hold transportation, agriculture, and industry responsible.
How did your internship help you prepare for a career in your field?
This internship is helping me gain a better understanding of my future relationship as a scientist with the government and the public. I'm improving my writing skills in a way that will be incredibly helpful for grant writing and peer review work. I am learning how to influence public policy and to reach out to my community to improve our overall health and happiness while learning how to better interact with our environment. This is also teaching me a lot of technical skills, and quickly! Not only is that helpful in my current, remote classrooms, but overall I am learning how to be more adaptive and capable in this increasingly tech focused world.
What was the mentorship like in your internship?
Instead of simply fixing things for me, my supervisor leads me through the process of learning and improving on my own, so I feel like I am really understanding my role and how to better complete my tasks. We also share a google drive so I can ask her to go over my projects and let me know if I am even on the right track! OSPIRG also conducts an hourlong meeting once a week called "Internship Skills Training". We pop on and work with supervisors to complete quick, mostly guided "mini projects" and go over our results and any questions we might have.
Otherwise, I am usually working on my own. It pushes me to learn on my own and to jump into my projects fearlessly. I consistently practice my time management skills, and if I really need help I can always ask!
Have you utilized services offered by the University Career Center?
I LOVE the career center. I knew that I wanted to start looking for an internship, but I wasn't sure where to start. So, I went to the career center's site and booked a session with Marisa Miller. She reviewed my cover letter and resume prior to our time together, then walked me through how to update each to be the best way of representing myself. Plus, she was incredibly reassuring and validating. She gave me advice on networking, setting up informational interviews, and how best to look for and apply to various opportunities. About a week or two later, I had multiple interviews lined up. I scheduled my interview with OSPIRG at a specific time so that I could see Marisa first. She conducted a mock interview with me, and helped me develop good questions I could bring to the interview. I know that I am a capable person/student, but I really believe that a big part of this accomplishment is due to the time and care the career center, and Marisa put into helping me.
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What advice would you give to fellow PSU students about internships?
ABSOLUTELY ASK FOR HELP! The career center changed the game for me this year. The Career Counselors are not inconvenienced by helping you, they are eager to see you succeed! They want to be a part of your development! It can be scary to ask for help, and it can sometimes feel like admitting defeat or incompetence. But, in fact the opposite is true. Truly successful people ASK QUESTIONS. They get to know their resources, and they reach out when they need assistance. You deserve the same space as anyone else!
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