A front-row seat to democracy: student Cady Wood interns with the Speaker of the House in Olympia

Interning in the Washington State Speaker of the House’s office isn’t an everyday opportunity – and for PLU student Cady Wood ’26, it’s an invaluable chance to, in her words, “be in the room where change is being made.”

With civic engagement playing a key role in today’s political landscape, Wood is grateful for the opportunity. 

“It’s been an incredible learning experience to see the legislative process unfold in real time. This internship has given me a unique look at how government functions behind the scenes and how many people are working to make policy happen,” Wood said. 

A political science major with minors in dance and pre-law, Wood is participating in the state’s Civic Education program, gaining firsthand experience in policymaking and government operations. She is using this opportunity to deepen her understanding of nonpartisan political engagement and public service.

2025 is an exciting and challenging time to be working in the Speaker’s office, as the Washington State government faces a projected $12 billion deficit. It’s giving Wood insights into the complexities of governing in difficult times.

In this Q&A, Cady shares her experiences thus far and reflects on how this internship has reinforced her belief that real change can happen within the system.

How did this internship come about?

I heard about this internship through my political science major shortly after starting at PLU. You apply for the Civic Education program, and based on your application, you’re placed in an office where they believe you’ll be the best fit. I found out that I would be in Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins’ office during winter break, and then I started the internship in January. 

I am interested in law school, and the Civic Education part of the internship program helps ensure that you’re prepared for that process.

What’s it like working in politics?

First of all, this internship is intentionally nonpartisan. Although you’re placed in a partisan office, you get to experience what it means to engage in politics without being associated with a specific caucus. I personally am a strong believer that nonpartisan engagement is very uniquely beneficial to the legislative process, and I greatly admire the Washington Legislature’s robust nonpartisan staff programs. In both the House and the Senate, in addition to caucus policy staff, nonpartisan staff analyze bills, post bill reports, and aid in the committee process. That would be a really cool future job for me! 

How is this internship fitting into your educational journey at PLU?

While many students can do this internship during their senior year and then connect it with their capstone, I can have a more unique track and create a portfolio throughout this process. My portfolio will include several projects I work on, items I write, and other materials I could submit to future employers. In addition, it gives me a unique insight into the political process, which will help me as I step back into PoliSci classes.  

The largest benefit is the increased perspectives that I’ll gain. Getting to talk to so many people about why they do the work that they do, plus observing the work they do, allows me to better understand the processes that I want to step into, as well as the kinds of people who I’ll surround myself with. 

What’s a big takeaway you’ve learned during this internship so far?

Though I’m only about a quarter of the way through this experience, the first major thing I’ve learned is that while situations may look a certain way now, they might not always look that way, and it’s crucial not to give up. I’ve always believed that change can only happen from inside the room, and this internship has even solidified that I want to be in that room where change is being made. 

What do you think was the most meaningful part of your experience as an intern?

Thus far, one of the most meaningful things will be getting through difficult challenges together. This will not be the easiest legislative session. With an expected $12 billion deficit and challenges from the federal government, quite a lot feels uncertain. But the power that comes from getting through uncertainty together can be even more powerful than toughing things out alone.

It also renews my hope that even though the best we can do this year isn’t very good, it isn’t the best we can ever do. Things won’t be this bleak forever, and I know that because I personally know many of the people putting in the work to ensure that isn’t the case. Hope and power change the way you see the world, and this internship is proving that to me daily. The most meaningful impact will be how I leave this program, and I feel so grateful to know that I will walk away empowered and hopeful.

Why do you think internships are valuable?

Real work experience is very important. It helps mitigate the learning curve as you step into new opportunities. This internship is valuable because it allows me to engage with the governmental process. Since I know that I want to do something in politics, that familiarity will be helpful wherever I end up, and I think that’s true for any position! Interning also allows you to create a network of people within your field of work. I have already made so many professional connections that I know will continue to benefit me. 

What do you love about PLU?

I have always loved the way that PLU talks about people, and I think because of that, they draw students to their community who are especially good at seeing humanity at its best. I have made incredible friends here who truly see and believe the best about whoever they meet. Being around people who see the good in others, which PLU’s community is especially good at, means that interactions are more friendly, discourse is more civil, and action is more likely, all of which I value highly.  

I also love that PLU is small. I heard about this program through my major. In smaller classes where professors know their students, you have more opportunities. It’s easier to feel the investment in your success.