Political science student and Experiential Learning Scholarship recipient Annalisa Hagg traveled to D.C. to intern for Oregon Senator Ron Wyden
Annalisa Hagg with Senator Ron Wyden
By Colin Bowyer, Communications Manager - October 21, 2025
Senior Annalisa Hagg never imagined that a summer internship would change the trajectory of her career. Raised in Bend, she had always been curious about the world beyond Central Oregon. That curiosity led her to Oregon State University, where she pursued a major in political science in the School of Public Policy and a minor in Asian languages and culture in the School of Language, Culture, and Society. It was a scholarship from the School of Public Policy’s Experiential Learning Fund that launched her into the heart of American politics—Washington, D.C.
As a press intern for Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, Hagg found herself immersed in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of political messaging. “Eighty percent of what I did was writing,” she recalled. “Press releases, memos, quotes, social media posts. You name it.” Her liberal arts foundation gave her the tools to adapt quickly, and her coursework, particularly American Foreign Policy (PS 351), gave her the historical context to understand the nuances of the issues she was helping to communicate.
Her days were a whirlwind of activity: monitoring media for mentions of the senator, compiling daily press clips, drafting press releases, and even ghostwriting statements. She helped research memos for potential TV interviews, drafted talking points for Senator Wyden’s press conferences, and occasionally walked with him to floor votes. “There was a lot of responsibility,” she said. “But also a lot of trust. There was always an open door to take initiative.”
Despite the intensity, Hagg found the office culture welcoming. Senator Wyden himself made time for lunch with the interns, offering advice and sharing stories. “He was incredibly personable,” she said. “It made the experience feel more human, more grounded. The staff always had open doors and really encouraged us to ask questions.”
Still, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. “It was intimidating at first,” she admitted. “Coming from Oregon State, not an Ivy League school, and suddenly being surrounded by people from Harvard and Georgetown, it was a little overwhelming.” But she quickly realized that her background didn’t define her capabilities. “What mattered was showing up, doing the work, and being willing to learn.”
“The hours are long,” Hagg continued. “There was one weekend when we stayed over at the office.” Yet, she found herself drawn to the energy of it all. “There’s something electric about being close to policymaking, even if it’s behind the scenes. You realize that every task is instrumental to the work that helps your community.”
Initially, Hagg had envisioned herself on the legislative side of politics. But her time in the communications office opened her eyes to a different path. “I hadn’t considered communications before,” she said. “But I realized how powerful it is, how much influence messaging has on public perception and policy understanding.” The experience reshaped her career goals, showing her the breadth of opportunities in the political world.
None of it would have been possible without the support of the Experiential Learning Fund and the College of Liberal Arts. “D.C. is incredibly expensive,” she said. “The scholarship covered my flights, rent, and even helped me buy professional clothes. I couldn’t have done it without that support.”
Now studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh through the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) program, Hagg is continuing to expand her global perspective. Her time in D.C. gave her a clearer sense of purpose, and her studies in Scotland are helping her understand politics from an international lens. “It’s all connected,” she said. “Domestic policy, foreign policy, it’s part of a bigger picture, and communication is the string tying it all together.”
After she returns from Edinburgh and graduates from Oregon State, Hagg is considering a return to D.C., perhaps in a communications role, but she’s also keeping her options open. “There’s so much I still want to explore,” she said. “I know that I want to be where decisions are made, and be a part of how those stories are shaped.”