Intern Spotlight: Rebecca Rogak

Name: Rebecca Rogak

College: University of Vermont

Field of Study: Major: Political Science, Minors: American Sign Language, Biology

Anticipated Graduation: December 2024

Hometown: Stony Brook, NY

What past or current experiences have prepared you for your internship with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce?

Throughout my time at UVM, I have been an active board member of UVM’s American Sign Language club and Honor Society. I also spent the fall semester of 2024 as an intern at the Federal Public Defender’s office while taking classes and working part-time at Starbucks. Through my political science classes at UVM, I learned about policy decisions such as healthcare in the U.S. and international relations, as well as how media changes policy perception.

My classes at UVM have helped with my foundational understanding of policy and my ability to understand the conversations in legislative meetings and analyze information being presented. My time with the ASL community has not only enhanced my passion for disability and healthcare but has also been extremely beneficial to developing my interpersonal skills and communicating with people from different backgrounds. My previous internship has not only given me firsthand experience in a professional setting while doing research and analyzing information but has also shown me the firsthand issues Vermont residents are facing. I interacted with people who have been dealing with the housing crisis and have witnessed how policy affects Vermonters in prisons, employment, and access to mental health support.

What are you most looking forward to/what do you enjoy the most as part of your internship experience? What skills are you developing?

 I have been enjoying watching the development of policies through the interaction between legislatures, lobbyists, and other people within the State House.

What are your plans for after college?

I am planning to continue my education in the fall of 2026, pursuing a law degree in hopes of working in healthcare and disability policy and law.

Anything else potential employers should know about you?

I am incredibly grateful to the Vermont Chamber for an opportunity to get involved in this environment and continue working towards my goals within the legal and political framework.

How should potential employers contact you?

Email – rprogak5@gmail.com

Phone: (526)287-876