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A Partnership intern takes the road to public service

Inspiring young talent to pursue public service is a critical step toward building a better government and a stronger democracy. But for those just starting their careers, knowing how to find opportunities in government can be difficult.  

That’s why the Partnership launched the Public Service Roadshow, a series of in-person and virtual campus visits that encourage students to consider careers in government and provide them with the resources they need to access federal jobs.  

Eduardo Linardi, a rising junior at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, connected with the Partnership at its fall 2022 Public Service Roadshow. Today, he is a summer intern on the Partnership’s Federal Workforce team, which leads a range of efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of public servants.  

Please note: This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity. 

How did you end up at the Partnership?  

I have always had a strong interest in government and public policy, so I had been looking for summer opportunities in that industry. I heard that the Partnership’s Public Service Roadshow was making a stop at my school, Valencia College, so I decided to check it out.  

One of the main goals of the presentation was to encourage students to apply for the Partnership’s Future Leaders in Public Service Program, which places students in paid internships at federal agencies. I’m not eligible for that program since I’m not yet a United States citizen, but a member of the Workforce team suggested I apply to come work at the Partnership instead. This seemed like the perfect opportunity because it would be a way for me to explore my interest in government and make a real impact.  

Describe your experience working at the Partnership. What parts of your job do you like the most? 

I provide support for the Federal Advisor Certificate Program, which teaches college advisors how to help students find jobs in the federal government. I also support the team’s employee engagement work, which helps federal agencies solve internal workforce issues and ensure a good employee experience.   

I’ve interacted with many parts of our government, which has been very rewarding.  

What is one thing that surprised you about working at the Partnership? 

I was surprised by the scope and breadth of the Partnership’s work. We provide so many different services, and work with and impact many different parts of the federal government.  

What would you say to students interested in going into public service?  

I would say go for it! I never thought I would end up here—in the nonprofit sector working to make the public sector better—but it’s been an amazing experience. By helping to build a better government, I am able to do work that makes life better for ordinary people.  

Through my work at the Partnership, I’ve also learned so much about what the federal government has to offer. So many people think of the government as just a faceless bureaucracy, but there are so many different agencies. There’s something for everyone.   

I’m so lucky to have had this summer opportunity, and I never would have found it if it weren’t for the Public Service Roadshow.  

Visit the Public Service Roadshow webpage to see if we’re visiting your college or university this year, or register for one of our virtual sessions.  

Click here to learn more about our federal internship programs. Click here to learn more about interning at the Partnership.

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