Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications Student Grace Dunseth Pursues Summer Congressional Internship in Washington, D.C.
What drew you to the Herbert College of Agriculture and/or UT Knoxville?
I chose UT, but more specifically Herbert, because every time I came to campus for a visit, I felt right at home. Everyone that I talked to was extremely kind and helpful, and made me feel comfortable leaving my small hometown in Illinois and going to college ten hours away. I was very impressed with the scholarship and leadership opportunities, along with the family-like feel of Herbert, that made me choose it over the other schools to which I was accepted to. I really wanted to attend a university that has a large SEC atmosphere, but also has a strong agriculture college. For me, that is UTK, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Why did you pursue this internship opportunity? How did you hear about it?
I pursued this internship opportunity because I want to work either on Capitol Hill in a Congressional office or as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., after I graduate. I grew up with a production agriculture background back home in rural Illinois. My dad and grandpa are both farmers, and instead of going back home to work on the farm after I graduate, I found a true passion for agriculture advocacy. I believe I can make a positive difference in their lives and make a positive difference for farmers all across the country with this career path.
This specific opportunity was made possible for me because I applied for and was accepted into the Summer 2025 Congressional Internship Program through the Baker School, which gave me free housing for the summer and resources to obtain this internship. I heard about this program from browsing through Handshake and just decided to apply, and I ended up being the only Herbert student this year to be in the program. I am extremely grateful to Jordan Smith-Porter from the Baker School for believing in me and giving me this platform to be successful as an advocate for agriculture!
What were some challenges you faced?
I would say I had a great internship experience and couldn’t have asked for a better office to work for, but a couple of challenges I faced included learning my way around Capitol Hill. The Hill is very complex with multiple underground tunnel systems that can be difficult to navigate. It took me a couple of weeks to truly get my bearings. Answering the phone for the office could also be difficult because sometimes constituents would call in angry, and learning how to respond to them was a bit of a challenge. Our phone calls were unpredictable most of the time. Otherwise, I loved my internship and had a very positive experience.
What were your main takeaways from this experience? What did you learn?
I learned a lot throughout my two months on Capitol Hill. What surprised me the most was that staffers are often not actually from the Congressional district that they work for. In my office specifically, the only people from the district were myself and another one of the interns. I also learned that there is a wide variety of jobs available within Congressional offices, ranging from constituent outreach/legislative correspondence, policy advisors, scheduler, communications director, and more. I was given the opportunity to work with constituent outreach and communications, and found that I enjoyed both of these areas within the office. My initial career plan was to work as a lobbyist, but now I could see myself working on the Hill in a Congressional office because of this experience.
Finally, I learned more about the legislative process and how bills, amendments, and resolutions are voted on in the House chamber. I was actually given the opportunity to go to the House chamber twice and watch the members vote. One of these times, the members voted on the Big, Beautiful Bill, or H.R. 1, and I will never forget watching one of the largest pieces of legislation, perhaps in my lifetime, be voted on in real time. I truly learned so much about Congress and also learned a lot about myself this summer!
Did you enjoy working in Washington, D.C.?
I loved working in Washington, D.C. Ever since I visited D.C. for the first time, I knew that I wanted to go back and work there one day. I felt comfortable making my way around the city and using the Metro. I think D.C. is a special place with tons of history and beautiful architecture. I had plenty of time to visit the monuments and museums, try multiple restaurants, and shop in Georgetown. D.C. is my favorite city, and I am looking forward to returning soon!
How did Herbert and/or UT Knoxville help prepare you for this opportunity?
Herbert helped prepare me for this internship because I have been given so many opportunities to grow as a leader and a communicator. I have been involved with Agriculture Future of America since my freshman year, which has taken me all across the country learning more about the agriculture industry. In September of last year, I actually traveled to D.C. for the Agriculture Future of America Policy Institute and learned about advocacy in agriculture that reinforced my passion for the industry. Along with being an AFA member, I am also involved in Collegiate Farm Bureau, 4-H, and FFA. As a member of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program through Tennessee Farm Bureau, I have attended conferences with other agriculturalists from across the state that have grown my professional network and leadership skills. Additionally, I work in Herbert Student Life and in the Office of Extension Evaluation and Staff Development on campus, which have both provided me with valuable people skills and office experience.
On top of what Herbert has done for me, UTK as a whole has given me opportunities to grow and lead as well. At the end of my sophomore year, I was elected as one of the Herbert senators in the Student Government Association. I am very excited to serve the place that I love so much and advocate for Herbert students campus-wide. And, as I previously mentioned, I was accepted into the Baker School Congressional Internship Program, which greatly assisted me and prepared me for my internship, and I could not be more grateful for what they have done to help me achieve my dreams. All this to say, UTK and Herbert have given me so much, and there are not enough words to express my gratitude.
How does this contribute to your future professional goals?
This experience has contributed to my future professional goals because I gained valuable knowledge on policy, constituent outreach, communication, and the legislative process. I feel more prepared than ever to take on a role in government and policy. I used every opportunity possible this summer to grow my professional network and learn from people in various roles within government and policy. For example, I met with the press secretary for Senator Todd Young and realized that I could see myself doing her job in the future. I was also given the opportunity to meet with a UT alum who works as a lobbyist for a private firm in D.C. and learn more about policy roles outside of the Hill. I could not be more excited for my future in
agriculture policy, and I am truly blessed to have interned for such an amazing office and serve farmers from the district, including my dad and grandpa, who work tirelessly to feed our great nation.
