Public Policy in Practice: From Garrett Hall to the White House

The summer internship between the 1st and 2nd year of the Batten Master of Public Policy program is a pivotal moment for students. It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice, to apply the rigorous policy writing, data analysis and leadership skills honed in the classroom to real-world public policy challenges. 

For Marina Peebles (MPP ‘24), the search for a policy-based internship led her all the way to the White House Summer Program with the Executive Office of the President. We caught up with Marina to hear more about her experience working to support policy development at the highest level of the U.S. government and how her time at Batten prepared her for success. 

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Batten: What department of the White House were you working in this summer and what was your position?

Marina: This summer I was an intern at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in the Office of International Relations and Supply Reduction—quite a mouthful, I know. This office in the White House leads and coordinates the nation’s drug policy so that it improves the health and lives of the American people.
 

Batten: How has this position informed what professional pathway you want to pursue after Batten?

Marina: This position re-affirmed for me a deep commitment to work in public service, which is what I want to do following graduation. I was lucky enough to get to meet a lot of people in different agencies across the government, like State and USAID [the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development], which has informed where I will be applying to.

Batten: What are you most excited for in your final year at UVA and in the Batten School?

Marina: Graduation! Just kidding. While I am excited for graduation, I’m most excited to spend time with my lovely Batten friends and peers and soak up the last of my time in Charlottesville. This is such an awesome community and I feel lucky to be a part of it!