Ben Byrd

Ben Byrd is one of only 47 students selected nationwide (out of more than 9,000 who applied!) for a prestigious internship with the United States Chamber of Commerce. So far this summer, Byrd has learned about government affairs and seeing how businesses, policymakers and advocacy organizations work together to address important issues. 

"Being in Washington, D.C., and working alongside professionals in the field has given me valuable insight into the policy process and has reinforced the importance of bipartisanship in a country that is so divided," said the political science major from Greenville, South Carolina.

This internship isn't Byrd's first political rodeo or inaugural stint in D.C. In high school, he served as Youth Governor for the YMCA Youth in Government program, representing South Carolina at a national conference, an experience that showed him his voice could make a positive impact and sparked an interest in public service.

"What appeals to me most about political science is that it combines history, human behavior and problem-solving,"  he explained. "Political science asks important questions: Why do we create laws? How do governments function effectively? How do we balance competing interests in a society? I enjoy studying both the institutions that shape our government and the interpersonal skills required to build consensus and make the political process work."

He chose to pursue an political science degree at Winthrop University due to its strong values, close-knit campus community and the chance to attend a  university where he could receive a quality education plus access to meaningful opportunities. 

"The smaller size of Winthrop allowed me to build relationships with professors, get involved on campus and take on leadership roles that may have been more difficult to find at a larger institution," he said. 

His campus-oriented leadership/service roles have included Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, Student Government Association representative and Model United Nations leader.

"What appeals to me most about service is the opportunity to help people feel heard and valued," he said. "...I found that people often just want someone who will listen and take their concerns seriously. That lesson goes all the way back to my time in Youth in Government. Leadership isn't just about making decisions; it's about meeting people where they are, understanding their perspectives and helping them navigate challenges."

Byrd has completed internships in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, where he had the opportunity to see the legislative process firsthand, interact with visitors, assist with office operations and give tours. He also interned in the U.S. House of Representatives under S.C. Rep. Kambrell Garvin '13 this past spring.

As he enters his final year at Winthrop, Byrd will focus more than ever on his career aspirations: working in government or public affairs while helping organizations navigate the policymaking process and advocate for crucial issues. 

"I enjoy the intersection of policy, relationship-building, and problem-solving, and I hope to build a career that allows me to connect people with the institutions that serve them," he said. "Whether that path leads me to lobbying, advocacy or public policy, I want to continue working in roles that help bring people together and create meaningful impact."