Benjamin Gicqueau
Greetings! My name is Benjamin Gicqueau. I am a fourth year senior in the Dual Degree with Sciences Po Asia Campus and, in addition to UCDC, I also participated in a semester exchange Chinese language intensive at National Taiwan University. Feel free to talk to me on how to pack as many off-campus programs as possible into your college experience!
During fall 2024, I was a public interest legal intern at Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto—a whistleblower law firm focused on major financial and medical fraud. Based in DC, the firm worked in confidence with notable domestic and international citizens, to tip off US officials on securities, crypto, money-laundering, medicare schemes worth billions of dollars. From the first day, after a comprehensive lecture on non-disclosure agreements, I was invited to contribute on pressing cases interacting daily with the firm’s founding partners. It was an honor to work for a private firm grounded in public interest.
At UCDC, I found the elections class particularly memorable. Every week our professor with decades of journalistic experience, we broke down the weekly developments, studied polling, and made predictions on the presidential race.
Working four days a week 9 to 4, and one day reserved for classes, I had ample time left to take 3 language classes across the street and take the greyhound across the East Coast almost every weekend!
I recommend the UCDC program to anybody ready to transition to post-grad life knowing they can still rely on the security that student life brings. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
Sofia Gonzalez
Hello! My name is Sofia Gonzalez and I’m a fourth year student studying Rhetoric. I was part of UCDC’s Fall 2024 cohort and interned at Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC), one of 76 coalitions sponsored by the DOE. As a transfer student, I am eager to share my experience in DC and welcome any questions!
My time spent at GWRCCC was nothing short of an unforgettable experience and offered valuable insight into potential career possibilities post grad. I worked directly with the community engagement liaison to help plan, manage, and host all community outreach events throughout the greater DMV. While this role took a hands-on approach, I found myself extremely appreciative in the opportunity of gaining project management skills. From organizing job fairs to conferences, I was also tasked with grant writing. Working on both local and state policy plans for EV electrification & adoption efforts, the intensive research was my favorite part (mainly due to the fact I don’t receive much practice with academic research back on campus). Had it not been for UCDC, I don’t think I would have had access to such opportunities.
I will forever be grateful for participating in the UCDC program for the amount of exposure in the nonprofit sector of renewable energy. I plan on attending law school and definitely see myself returning back to DC in the near future. If you’re at all curious about participating in the UCDC program, I’d love to meet you!
Jasmin Herrera Ramos
Hi everyone! My name is Jasmin Herrera Ramos (she/her), I’m a third-year student studying Legal Studies and Sociology. Last fall (Fall 2024), I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the UCDC program, interning with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas’ office, representing Oregon’s 6th district. During my time as a Congressional Intern, I gained invaluable insight into the legislative process, attending committee hearings and briefings that deepened my understanding of government. This experience not only empowered me but also strengthened my appreciation for civic engagement.
This role confirmed my passion for public service as I served as the face of the office when engaging with constituents. The UCDC program also helped me discover more about my career interests. When I first joined, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in or how to get to my “dream job.” However, after speaking with a Legislative Assistant from another office, I gained clarity and discovered that graduate school was the next step in my academic career.
All in all, the UCDC program was a huge help in creating a plan for my next steps and understanding myself better. The program’s mix of two courses and a full-time internship gave me a taste of what life after college might be like, especially with the 9-5 routine, and helped me better manage my time.
As a first-generation college student and a first-generation American, I know how tough it can be to access opportunities. I’m here to help, so please reach out if you have any questions—I’m happy to work with your schedule (yes, even weekends over Zoom). I’ve been through the process, and I know it can feel overwhelming, so I’m here to support you in any way I can!
Rona Lasam
Hi everyone! My name is Rona Lasam (they/she), and I am a third-year student studying Political Economy. I participated in UCDC last semester during Fall 2024 (yes, during election times). I interned at AsylumWorks as a Development and Communications Intern. AsylumWorks is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to help asylum seekers and other underserved newcomers living in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. In this role, I worked closely with the development team to assist with fundraising campaigns and communications content.
The UCDC opportunity helped me solidify my career interests in working with the immigrant population and continue exploring social work. Still, it also was a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It gave me the confidence to learn about myself and my capabilities. Despite the program’s focus on internships and courses, there’s ample time to explore the city and meet amazing people in your cohort. The UCDC program is a great way to build a network and a sense of community. D.C. is a city full of opportunities, and most activities are FREE! I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone and grow professionally and personally.
If you have any questions about the application process, securing an internship, or D.C. in general, please do not hesitate to email me! I am here to provide you with the support and guidance you need. I’ve been through the process and understand it can be overwhelming, so I’m here to help in any way I can!
Allison Nguyen
Hi everyone! My name is Allie Nguyen and I’m a third year Legal Studies major. I was in the Fall 2024 cohort and I’d love to talk to you about my experience!
I was a Public Interest Law intern for a whistleblower law firm called Kohn, Kohn, & Colapinto. KKC is one of the top firms in the US specializing in protecting whistleblowers. Some of their clients include FBI agents who exposed weaknesses in counterterrorism programs and international bankers who reported billions of dollars in monies held in illegal offshore bank accounts. I worked one-on-one with the attorneys on research and writing articles, landmark cases, and key policy work seeking to expand whistleblower protections. My supervising clerk and attorneys were great mentors and gave me the opportunity to clerk there full time after I graduate from Cal.
Outside of my internship, I loved DC (so much so I’m planning to move there). I joined a local dance team, became a pro at Capital Bikeshare, tried all the best food spots, and took the train to NYC.
If you’re at all interested in UCDC or have questions about finding internships or what it’s like to live there, please reach out! Email me at anguyen2@berkeley.edu to meet in person or over zoom.
Nya Woods
Hi everyone! My name is Nya Woods, and I am a fourth-year Political Science Major with a minor in African American Studies. I was in the Fall 2024 UCDC Cohort and had an amazing experience!
I interned at the White House during the last term of the Biden-Harris Administration in the Office of Management and Administration. In this role, I worked closely with the Personnel Team, helping to facilitate events, programs, and procedures for current and incoming White House staff. I also assisted in managing the White House Internship Program, giving me first-hand experience in government operations and administrative leadership.
I loved living in DC and hope to return in the future. DC is the perfect place to network, even if you’re not looking to be in the political field. There are endless opportunities to meet professionals in various industries and build meaningful connections. If you are interested in UCDC, finding internships, or what it’s like to live and work in DC, feel free to reach out! I highly recommend UCDC to anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone and start preparing for post-grad life!
Hanbing Zhang
Hello everyone! My name is Hanbing Zhang, and I’m a senior studying Political Economy. I was part of the UCDC Fall 2024 Cohort, and I’d love to share my experience in D.C. As a transfer student from community college, I can confidently say that participating in the UCDC program has been one of the most valuable experiences of my academic journey. I served as a Legislative Intern in the office of Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), where I took on a range of responsibilities that strengthened my ability to work independently. Working on the Hill sharpened my networking, writing, and critical thinking skills, all of which are crucial for my future career. My supervisor also provided invaluable guidance and encouragement, helping me gain greater clarity on my professional path.
Beyond my internship, I made the most of my time in D.C. by exploring its many free museums and even took a bus to NYC to celebrate Thanksgiving with my roommate. UCDC truly pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to explore my career interests in a real-world setting.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at hanbing@berkeley.edu to meet in person or over Zoom! I’d love to chat and share my experience in D.C.