Cal State DC Scholars Program Student Profile - Victoria Gomez

“The Cal State DC Scholars Program has helped me so much more than I had ever expected… If it weren't for the program, I would not be working at the Supreme Court of the United States right now.”

- Victoria Gomez

Background

A few years ago, had you told Victoria Gomez (2015, Political Science) that she would be working at the Supreme Court of the United States in just a few short years…she might not have believed you. Gomez entered CSUF as a history major, but that quickly changed during her freshman year while reflecting on a recent trip that she had taken to Mexico.

“I had always visited Mexico, at least once or twice a year, but after graduating from high school I had a different way of looking at things in the world.” During that trip Gomez began to wonder about Mexico and other countries around the world. She wondered why they were so different than the United States, and the impacts that their various political systems had on shaping their current social and cultural landscapes.

Gomez became so intrigued that she decided to change her major to political science, with a minor in international politics. “I wanted to learn more about all of these countries, and to start a career in public service.”

The Program

Gomez first learned about the Cal State DC Scholars Program during her second year at CSUF. After attending an orientation session, she knew that she wanted to participate, but decided to wait awhile so that she could further narrow down the scope of her interests.

About the Program

Since 2006, the Cal State DC Scholars Program has offered students from all majors the opportunity to study and intern in our nation's capital. To date, more than 400 students have participated. Through our program students enroll in full-time academic units while interning in Washington during either spring or summer sessions.

Internships can be with congressional offices, executive agencies, museums, security firms, business groups, political parties, advocacy groups, non-profits, and a variety of other offices in and around Washington, D.C. making it ideal for all students regardless of their majors and interests. The program is neither partisan nor ideological and welcomes students from all political persuasions.

Cal State DC Scholars Program Alum Leo Otero (2007) with President Obama

You're encouraged to visit the link below to learn more about the program and to see if it's right for you!

Or attend one of our information sessions:

Jan 26 | H-219 | 12-1pm

Jan 27 | UH-5th floor Conference Room | 5:30-6:30pm

Feb 1 | H-219 | 1-2pm

Feb 2 | H-219 | 2-3pm

Feb 4 | UH-5th floor Conference Room | 5:30-6:30pm

“The program was a great way to learn and grow professionally. It really was a great investment.”

While in DC Gomez had a joint internship with the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) and Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). “The internships were demanding, but definitely the most rewarding that I’ve had…my supervisors have since become my mentors,” she states while reflecting back upon her time there.

The Present

A few months after graduating from CSUF, Gomez landed a job at the U.S. Supreme Court as a Marshal’s Aide. During this 2-year temporary appointment she will serve the Marshal of the court and the justices. “There really isn’t an exact job description,” Gomez explains, adding that she does everything from transporting official court documents to assisting justices while court is in session, and working in the chambers of individual justices when court is not in session.

So far Gomez absolutely loves her job. When asked what’s next for her she says she isn’t sure. “After my appointment I may stay with the court or venture into another department…I would definitely like to go to grad school at some point in the future, but it’s just a matter of finding the right program.”

It’s clear that the Cal State DC Scholars Program has been a huge and impactful part of Gomez’s life. When asked what the program has meant to her, she replies:

“The Cal State DC program has helped me so much more than I had ever expected. I learned skills and gained the confidence necessary to succeed in my field and met people who became mentors to me. If it weren't for the program, I would not be working at the Supreme Court of the United States right now.

I would recommend the program to anyone who is remotely interested in participating. At first it seems to be a program focused on political science majors or related fields, but it has grown so much that people from different backgrounds with different career goals could greatly benefit from it. Students majoring in business, engineering, or really anything else can learn so much from the program and jump start their own careers.”

Created By
Christopher Salomone
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