On the Job: Aidan Murray, BA ’26
Aidan Murray, BA ’26 is taking his research skills to the nation's capital this fall as a policy intern.
Aidan Murray, BA ’26, a double major in public policy and economics, is spending 12 weeks in Washington, D.C., as an intern with The Council of State Governments. In this role, he contributes to budget analysis and policy research, helping to inform state legislators on critical topics ranging from housing to healthcare. The analytical and research skills he’s developed at St. Joe’s have proven essential in navigating this fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment just five minutes from the United States Capitol.
Your peers are your network! Collaborating with and learning from fellow students is a great way to build lasting connections and hone your own contributions as a professional.
Aidan Murray, BA ’26
public policy and economics double majorThe Role:
Policy Intern, The Council of State Governments
Describe your internship in three emojis:
📊 (data)
🏛️ (government)
🏙️ (communities)
The Day-to-Day:
The work is a perfect balance of independent analysis and collaborative strategy! Every day involves a mix of tracking legislation, learning technical programs and building comprehensive analyses in Excel, all while learning from full-time research analysts.
It’s 10 a.m. on a workday, what are you up to?
Likely in collaboration with my co-intern, crafting a comprehensive report analyzing how federal policy will ripple through the 56 states and territories.
Go-to snack or drink that gets you through the day:
BBQ chips and an iced-tea!
My “I nailed it” moment:
Coming to a meeting prepared with an economic analysis and policy recommendations to contribute to the conversation. Part of growing as a professional is anticipating the needs of your colleagues and the mission of your organization – I felt like I was able to add value and productively support others in that moment!
Favorite part of your role:
The Council of State Governments has empowered me to dive deep into my specific policy interests, which has made every project feel personally meaningful! Working in an environment that encourages you to pursue what genuinely excites you is something special.
Fit check:
White-button down, blue sweater, khakis and my Sambas!
Tips for the next intern:
I have never regretted asking questions and seeking clarification. A thriving workplace runs on curious, thoughtful people, so your questions are making the whole team stronger. Don't be afraid to dig into the fundamentals, that’s where expertise starts.
Interesting collaborations:
I ran into U.S. Senator Susan Collins one day, and just 24 hours later, I was analyzing the House budget proposal that her committee published. It was a fun, distinctly Washington, D.C., moment!
