Questions For: Adam Jutha

“Millennial Uprising”

Opinions of a dedicated policy intern on his job, life in D.C. and youth action.

Adam Jutha is a rising junior from Toronto and a Nathan J. Stark Intern at the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) in Washington, D.C. He landed the position through the Roosevelt Institute, a progressive student policy organization that engages its members in policy experience through campus initiatives and summer internships. At NASI, Adam is definitely getting an education on policy matters — his knowledge of complex social insurance policy is robust! I took the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss his work, his day-to-day life as an intern, and the truly important question: boxers or briefs?

(For more information on applying to internships like Adam’s, check out our cover letter tips, resume tips, and our “Mythbusters Political Internships” article.)

Q: What’s your role as an intern from the Roosevelt Institute at the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI)?

I am learning about social insurance and nonprofit development at NASI. I am also helping the organization in realize its mission to promote understanding about social insurance.

I’ll bring back my new knowledge and its impact on the Millennial generation to Roosevelt, so that I can contribute the best policy recommendations possible.

Q: So, all of these are pretty lofty purposes; how is this accomplished day-by-day?

Well, the day-by-day of my internship varies based on the tasks I’m given. On any day, I’ll come to my office desk with a project I’ve been assigned, like the recent 25th Anniversary Celebration for NASI, an event that I helped plan and execute – it was a great learning experience! While at the office, I assist others with their projects if asked. Away from my desk, I attend summits and sessions related to social insurance, the economy and other key policy issues pretty frequently. After those sessions, I love exploring DC and meeting other interns.

Q. Do any of your tasks involve filing papers, getting coffee: the usual intern standbys?

NONE of that! I get to do real work learning about issues that I am interested in! I really feel like an equal in the office: the organization consists of 15 people and I really enjoy working with the team!

Q: How does that translate into a relationship with your supervisors?

My relationship with my supervisors is through conversation: we’ll have a conversation about what projects I’d like to undertake, what summits and sessions I plan to attend, and what I will be working on. Once we’ve had those conversations, I’ll keep up-to-date on completing my project deliverables. It’s fantastic!

Q. What are your takeaways from your internship that you’re bringing back to Roosevelt?

I really love my job and the general atmosphere in DC. I’m learning about social insurance, health policy, and nonprofit development. I’m really learning from the professionals and the experts I get to meet in the field. I’m taking away skills about how to run a nonprofit organization, learning about the management structure, and other important components. The team is so willing and eager to help me understand their work-it’s great!

Q. What’s your favorite part about your internship?

One of my favorite things was a summit I got to attend-the “2011 Fiscal Budget: Solution Initiative.” This summit consisted of 6 think tanks that were invited to propose a national budget and come up with solutions for the budget challenge-too many places need money, and there’s not enough of it! The Roosevelt Institute represented the usually underrepresented Millennial perspective. We were able to contribute a budget at the event, discuss it, and speak with amazing individuals. Former President Bill Clinton was a keynote speaker, and it was really wonderful (and insanely cool) to be at the same summit!