Allegheny College Student Spends Summer Interning with Gubernatorial Campaign
Allegheny College student Christopher Ratliff ’24 is eager to make real change through a career in public service. This past summer, he put that passion into action as an intern with Pennsylvania Governor-elect Josh Shapiro’s campaign in Harrisburg.
A political science major with minors in economics and religious studies, Ratliff learned about the internship after meeting the campaign’s political director, Allegheny alumnus Larry Hailsham ’15, through Associate Professor of Political Science Andrew Bloeser.
“Larry is an incredible person to work with and made coming to work every day a fun experience,” Ratliff says. “He brings positive energy and a calm temperament to a work environment. I’m sure he has a bright future, and that is what I strive to be like in the future.”
Ratliff also says he received continued support from Autumn Parker ’16 in the Office of Career Education. She not only helped him tailor his resume but also strategized and developed skills that made the interview process feel less daunting.
“My primary takeaway from this experience was that political campaigns are evolving and changing,” Ratliff says. “There are stressful days, but when positive and highly motivated people surround you, it is easier to come to work every day. The internship gave him faith that campaigns are adapting and becoming more approachable to ordinary citizens, he adds.
After graduating from Allegheny College, Ratliff hopes to direct a political campaign, run as a candidate, or attend graduate school for public policy.
Visit the Political Science Department website to learn more about student internships and research opportunities.