This Unique Internship Program Brings Aggies to Capitol Hill

As one of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ top leadership programs, the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program has provided more than 1,200 Texas A&M University students with real-world experience in agricultural public policy since 1990. As the program celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, it continues to offer students opportunities to engage with policymaking in Austin, Washington, D.C., and Rome, Italy, each semester.

For many Aggies, the experience of interning on Capitol Hill has been life changing. Being in the nation’s capital offers a rare opportunity to witness and participate in governance on a national scale, from tracking legislation to attending hearings and meetings with policymakers. We caught up with a few past Capitol Hill interns to see how this experience not only shaped their careers but also fueled their passion for public service and agricultural policy.
 

The semester I helped reauthorize the Farm Bill.

Trent Ashby ’95

Texas Representative Trent Ashby’s journey from a small farm in Henderson, Texas, to the Texas Legislature started during his senior year at Texas A&M, where he majored in agricultural economics. Interested in government through his involvement in 4-H and FFA, Ashby’s curiosity about public policy was piqued when he learned about the ANRP Internship Program. He landed an internship with Congressman Jim Chapman, his hometown representative, during a critical time for agricultural policy—Congress was reauthorizing the Farm Bill.

Ashby was given the unique responsibility of tracking the Farm Bill for his office, an experience that opened his eyes to the legislative process and the impact of public policy on rural communities. “It was incredibly rewarding for a small-town farm boy to have a hand in shaping something as important as the Farm Bill,” he emphasized. This hands-on involvement gave Ashby a deep appreciation for policymakers and their role in serving the public good, which still informs his perspective today as a state representative for six counties in East Texas.
 

The semester I ignored the president’s phone call.

Chandler Goule ’99

Chandler Goule’s journey to Washington, D.C., was as unexpected as it was transformative. A third-generation Aggie and animal science major with deep Texas roots, he originally envisioned a career in veterinary medicine. But life had other plans, and Washington, D.C., became a turning point when Goule earned a spot in the competitive ANRP Internship Program.

Just three weeks into the job, he received calls to his representative’s front desk line from someone identifying as “Eagle 1”—he casually dismissed them, only to realize later that he had accidentally hung up on none other than President Bill Clinton. Twice. It was a rookie mistake, but it made for an unforgettable memory he still laughs about today.

Goule went on to work on Capitol Hill for over a decade, where he played a key role in the 2008 Farm Bill. Today, he serves as CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, advocating for farmers nationwide.
 

The semester I navigated a new city.

Joe Patranella ’07

As a senior faced with pursuing the ANRP Internship Program or studying abroad, Joe Patranella chose the path that aligned with his passion for agriculture. During his internship with former Congressman Jeb Hensarling, he focused on learning from those around him and understanding the nitty-gritty of legislative work. His responsibilities included answering calls, giving Capitol tours, and assisting with legislative tasks and hearings. This transformative experience not only honed his professional skills but also fostered significant personal growth as he faced the challenge of living out of state for the first time with tenacity.

“I was tasked with giving a Capitol tour my first day on the job, but I hadn’t even had my own tour yet! I learned quickly to be flexible. There aren’t enough words to convey how much I value this program,” said Patranella, who now also serves on its board and interview panel. Whenever he returns to Washington, D.C., for business, his internship serves as a powerful conversation starter, opening doors in his legislative affairs work for Capital Farm Credit.
 

The semester I witnessed history.

Mickeala Carter ’12

During her first week in Washington, D.C., Mickeala Carter had a moment that would forever shape her perspective. She witnessed the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and listened as President Barack Obama delivered a powerful speech. “It reminded me of the significance of being in a place where history unfolds,” she reflected. It not only solidified her interest in public policy but also reinforced her belief that she was exactly where she needed to be.

Carter’s journey to D.C. wasn’t without uncertainty. Unsure of her future after switching majors, she placed her faith in the ANRP Internship Program, trusting that it would guide her next steps. “I believed I would find a job, and I gave it to God,” she recalled. Combined with her hard work, the experience opened doors in the capital she never expected, such as a communications role with the Department of Agriculture and her current position with FTI Consulting, where she represents companies’ agriculture and public policy endeavors.
 

The semester I experienced a government shutdown.

Rebecca Barnett ’20

In 2020, Rebecca Barnett found herself in Washington, D.C., just as the world turned upside down. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the government shutdown shifted the focus of her internship. What was supposed to be a hands-on experience in the heart of policymaking became something entirely different. “It was overwhelming at first, navigating the pandemic and trying to keep up with the changes,” she said. With tours canceled and limited in-person work, her responsibilities quickly evolved, offering a unique perspective on how government operations adapt during a crisis.

Despite the changes, the experience shaped her outlook on public service and agriculture policy. Now, in her role as a deputy commissioner in Alabama’s Department of Agriculture and Industries, her time in D.C. remains a defining moment. It taught her resilience, the importance of adaptability and the value of networking—lessons that guide her career today.