Madison senior secures summer internship in D.C.

MADISON — McKaylen Baldridge has been accepted into the Science, Space, and Technology Internship program in Washington, D.C.

Baldridge, a senior business marketing major at the University of Mississippi, will head to D.C. this summer for the internship, which runs from May 13 through July 26.

The program is with the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, which supports representatives by reviewing bills and conducting investigations on space policy, artificial intelligence, environmental impacts, and more.

The committee has several subcommittees, including Energy, Environment, Investigations and Oversight, Research and Technology, and Space and Aeronautics—the latter being Baldridge’s primary area of interest.

Last summer, she interned for U.S. Rep. Michael Guest in D.C., preparing extensively beforehand. That experience taught her the value of initiative and networking, skills she believes are crucial not just for internships but for her future career.

“While I was there, I was exposed to a bunch of different policy issues, but the core ones I was most interested in were space policy, education, and veterans,” Baldridge said.

She actively sought out hearings on these topics and learned how legislation surrounding them is developed. She also reached out to the committee in hopes of meeting staffers and making connections for potential internships.

One of those connections, Cody Elkins, proved instrumental in securing her new internship, providing valuable insight before she began the application and interview process.

“I was really drawn to the space sector,” she said. “When I intern, I will be working for all of the subcommittees doing what I’m assigned, but it was the space subcommittee that I was really focused in on.”

Baldridge credits her enthusiasm for the committee as a key factor in standing out during the interview process.

“I think my passion for the committee and the space side of it really helped me, because it showed them that I not only have an interest in it, but I would be motivated to do my best in any capacity.”

During Christmas break, she also interned for Rep. Guest at his Brandon office, where she had the opportunity to meet with constituents face-to-face.

“Getting to actually meet and talk to constituents about their issues was so valuable,” she said. “I got to learn the issues they’re facing, like veteran’s issues which quickly became very important to me.”

Baldridge found the experience rewarding, especially working with Guest’s district team on casework related to female and veteran’s issues. She described the staff as incredibly supportive and said she formed close connections with them.

Initially, Baldridge considered law school, but during her junior year, she attended a seminar featuring a space law professor. That experience sparked a lasting interest in the field.

“I feel like today there’s not a lot of opportunities to get into something from the ground up,” she said. “With space policy, not only is it so vital to be knowledgeable on it, but to also take part in it, because it has long-term effects—people don’t know how much it affects you on a day-to-day basis like the satellites that help our phones work.”

She is most excited about attending hearings and being involved in the behind-the-scenes work that makes them happen, including setting up binders, conducting research, and assisting with organization. She also hopes to improve her research skills.

“I’m hoping to one day become a legislative assistant focusing on science, space, and technology issues,” Baldridge said. “I would also be interested in working education and veteran’s issues—what’s so good about interning on the Hill is I learned very fast that that’s where most people start.”

Baldridge believes this internship will help her develop specialized skills like research, but she is also grateful for the broader experience gained through her previous internships. Working in different areas has made her well-rounded and prepared for a variety of roles.

Baldridge said this time will be more challenging, as she may be permanently leaving behind her family and friends if she secures a job in D.C. However, she loves the city’s rich history and its accessible public transportation—something very different from Mississippi.

Her advice to students applying for internships is to make an impression, take initiative, and embrace every responsibility given to them.

“Don’t be upset if you have to do something as simple as changing out the water jug,” Baldridge said. “Work is a team, and everything you do is valuable to helping the team and ultimately the congressman, senator, or the committee you’re working for.”

She is a graduate of Madison Central High School. Her parents are Matt and Kristian Baldridge.