Business Student Interns for U.S. Senator Cassidy

Allison Hunt, a McNeese State University management student from Lake Charles, is in Washington, D.C., this fall interning for Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy.

“I was a part of the Governor’s Fellowship Program in Louisiana Government over the summer and when the program ended I knew I wasn’t ready to leave the political sphere,” she says.

The program offers college and university students the opportunity to experience public policy in action, learn the rich history of Louisiana and its current affairs, while earning three hours of academic credit.

Hunt began her search for internship programs with elected officials across the state and found a call for interns on Cassidy’s website.

“My internship began in August and I have enjoyed every moment of learning how our government works behind the scenes,” Hunt says.

Hunt, who is also minoring in psychology, history and political science, says this experience has introduced her to several new career paths.

“My mom, Karla Hunt, is a 1986 business graduate of McNeese so the university was always my first choice,” she says. “However, I have so many areas of interest that I didn’t know where I would land! Through the Governor’s Fellowship and my internship my eyes have been opened to the possibilities in government administration and public policy.”

Hunt is working directly with members of Cassidy’s staff to conduct legislative research, attending Congressional Committee meetings and serving constituents.

“It was a unique experience to support the people of Southeast Louisiana after Hurricane Ida,” she says. “We in Southwest Louisiana are still recovering from two hurricanes last year, so to understand what our neighbors are going through and be on the government side of disaster response was something I will never forget.”

Hunt credits the faculty at McNeese and her involvement with the Student Government Association and Cowgirl Kickers in preparing her for success.

“The faculty on campus are committed to developing every student both inside and outside of the classroom,” she says. “I’m so thankful for a campus environment that allows me to connect one-on-one with my professors and for the multitude of opportunities to develop my leadership skills.”

Hunt plans to graduate in May 2022 and hopes to return to Washington, D.C., one day.

“I am excited about what the future holds and I can’t wait to return to our nation’s capital,” she says. “I don’t believe my time here is finished just yet.”