Kate Langford, a Junior from central Indiana, spent her summer interning at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs on the U.S. and Canada desk. As an English major on the critical track, Kate also pursues a degree in American Studies with minors in Data Science and the Hesburgh Program of Public Service. Through Notre Dame’s Irish Internship Program, Kate secured her experience in Dublin, emboldening her aspirations to pursue a career in “policy or government, focusing on communication strategy and public engagement.”
During her 8 weeks in Ireland’s capital, Kate’s responsibilities “ranged from big projects—like researching Irish trade commissions in all 50 states, promoting work holiday authorizations, and supporting driver’s license reciprocity initiatives—to the everyday tasks that keep a diplomatic office running, such as drafting memos, assembling briefing packets, and writing visa notes.” Kate recounted one of her favorite projects: helping to draft a Fourth of July speech for the Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) that was later delivered at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador.
Through this internship, Kate emphasized the intensive reading and writing skills she’s honed through Notre Dame’s English major. In her experience, “whether drafting impactful speeches, concise memos, or detailed research reports, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively matters.” Kate encourages other English majors to sell their unique skills, whether in applications or during interviews, and to apply for positions even if they don’t seem directly related to English.
For Kate, the English major has allowed her “to think broadly and dream big when it comes to opportunities outside of the classroom.” Whether it be in clubs on campus, jobs in Indiana, or internships abroad, Kate describes how English has given her the “confidence to explore roles [she] might not have otherwise considered.”