Miles DeRiggi

What was your title, and where did you work?

Last semester, I had the opportunity to work as a Congressional Intern with the Office of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren in Boston. 

What did you do in your role?

As a Congressional Intern in Senator Warren's Boston Office, I was primarily tasked with assisting staff with constituent services for the South Shore and Metro West regions of Massachusetts. I worked with the South Shore and Metro West teams to manage constituent inquiries, process case requests, ensure follow-up on critical issues affecting residents, and connect them to essential resources and support services. Another important part of my role involved advocating on behalf of constituents to federal agencies. During my time with the office, I assisted residents with cases relating to veterans’ services, Social Security, and immigration. Working on constituent casework allowed me to directly assist residents and make a positive difference here in Massachusetts. 

What did you learn from the role, particularly in terms of growth?

With all the changes in Washington this past semester, being in Senator Warren's Office gave me a firsthand view into how abstract policies made in Washington translate to tangible changes and challenges for Massachusetts residents. It was very rewarding to be able to help people better understand and interact with the government, but also disheartening at times. Learning about the issues Massachusetts residents faced as a result of decisions made in D.C. and being unable to help them could be frustrating but it motivated me to be at my best and always help out as much as I could. My time in the office gave me a profound appreciation for the work Senator Warren and other civil servants do for the people of Massachusetts and the importance of compassionate and effective leadership during times of change. This opportunity reaffirmed my interest in combining my Legal Studies and Political Science majors to pursue a career in civil service, and inspired me to continue making a difference for the people of Massachusetts in the future. 

How did your Legal Studies classes prepare you for the role?

My Legal Studies classes taught me about the intersections of law and policy and how law and the legal system shape our lives. Learning about the United States' legal system through my coursework taught me how to break down and understand complex federal policies. Understanding the nuances of specific policies and how they apply proved to be invaluable in understanding unique constituent issues and effectively advocating for their needs. My Legal Studies coursework gave me the tools to quickly adapt to my role and get the most of out of my internship.