Intern's corner: Francesca Montialbano

I interned at The Dukakis Center during my junior year of college. I had plans to study abroad and was able to do my required internship at The Dukakis Center for credit at my home university. During my time at The Dukakis Center I focused my research on the meaning of Public Service in both the Greek and American context; which I found to be very different. I was fortunate enough to work very closely with Dr. Wisner,  who helped me grow both professionally and personally.  Since my time at The Dukakis Center, I have become much more involved in politics. I have been able to view public service and politics on a more global scale. Last summer I participated in New Leadership NJ, which is a program to promote women in politics. During this time I had the opportunity to work with New Jersey's lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno.  This past spring I completed a semester internship program in Washington, DC. I interned at PAHO Foundation which is the philanthropic arm of the regional office of the World Health Organization. I helped raise funds for public health initiatives in the Americas. At PAHO Foundation, I was able to learn more about public service in the public health field.  After graduating with my bachelors in May, I began graduate school in September at Rutgers University. I am currently in the School of Public Affairs and Administration getting my masters degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. After grad school I would like to work for an international public health nonprofit either in the U.S. or abroad. Eventually, I plan to continue my education and get my PhD. I owe much of my success to my internship at The Dukakis Center which laid the groundwork for my passion for public service.