Chelsea Shields
Chelsea Shields
Class Year
’14
Hometown
Janesville, Wis.
Major(s)
Political Science
Chelsea Shields, a political science major at Carthage, has had an internship almost every semester and summer since her freshman year. One internship in particular was in Washington, D.C. where Chelsea was the Co-Program Director of the National Right to Life Academy. “I trained college students on how to lobby for the right to life, and by the end of the summer I was offered the position of Director of the Academy, which I will be taking after I graduate,” she said.
Chelsea hopes to work at a lobbying organization for four to five years before she considers law school. Even though law school isn’t in the immediate future for Chelsea, she said that the program has helped grow her critical thinking and communication skills. “Whether you ultimately pursue law school or not, the Pre-Law Program at Carthage gives you very valuable and transferable skills that can be an asset in any career path.”
Career goal
“I have a strong interest in constitutional law and Mock Trial, though I haven’t figured out yet how that will effect my future career. After graduation I’ll be working for a pro-life lobbying organization, so I’m going to enjoy working there for the next four to five years before I consider law school.”
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“I have several favorite professors. I like Prof. Powers because he understands my passion for constitutional law. I like Prof. Phegley because he is a great Mock Trial coach. And I like Prof. Mast because he encourages me to look at a problem from multiple angles before considering possible solutions.”
Favorite class
“I love any class oriented around law, though I definitely have a soft spot for Mock Trial.”
Campus involvement
“I’m the Chair of Carthage College Republicans, Captain of our Mock Trial Team, and Philanthropy Chair of the Sigma Omega Sigma Sorority.”
Toughest class
“Thesis is my most difficult course so far. It’s like an intellectual boot camp.”
Internships or on-campus employment
“I’ve had an internship almost every semester and summer since my freshman year, but I’m really proud of two in particular. The first was as a field intern for Romney for President Inc. on Wisconsin’s communications team. I spent 20 hours a week gathering press clips, canvassing, hosting campaign events, and speaking with the press. I actually was on CNN at one point, which was amazing and surreal. The second internship was in Washington, D.C. as the Co-Program Director of the National Right to Life Academy. I trained college students on how to lobby for the right to life, and by the end of the summer I was offered the position of Director of the Academy, which I will be taking up after I graduate!”
Opportunities at Carthage
“Carthage has really helped me grow my communication and critical thinking skills, especially in Mock Trial. These skills have proved invaluable in my internships outside of school.”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“My favorite moment at Carthage was last year when we were hit by a big snowstorm, and everyone walking back from class decided to build a gigantic snowman on campus drive. It was a beautiful moment of coming together even though it was so cold!”
Favorite spot on campus
“I love the Sigma Omega Sigma floor in Johnson Hall. Whenever I need to relax or just have someone to talk to, I go there.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“8-year-old Chelsea would be shocked that I’m not exactly like Britney Spears at this age. But I think that’s okay.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“Take lots of internships! Nothing will better prepare you for a career in politics or law than internships that build up your experience and give you meaningful connections. I have a guaranteed job after graduation because of the internships I took. Search for internships early, take them seriously, and enjoy learning from those already involved in your field.”