Each spring, a select group of undergraduates from across New York State join the New York State Assembly Undergraduate Internship Program—a full-time, paid semester in Albany working directly alongside Assembly Members and legislative staff. During the Spring 2025 semester, three Binghamton University students joined this prestigious program, each entering with different motivations but leaving with a shared understanding: policymaking in state government is not only powerful—it’s personal, dynamic, and transformative.
Aidan Klarman, ‘25 (Political Science), along with two current Seniors, Dylan Ashley Omana (Political Science) and Shane Sekuler (Geography and Political Science) pictured above, share why this program continues to be one of the most sought-after public service experiences available to undergraduates, and why more Binghamton students should consider it.
The Curiosity That Starts It All
For some students, the spark begins early.
Aidan remembers questioning authority before he even knew what authority was.
“When my mother would tell me ‘put your napkin on your lap,’ I’d ask why. Who decided that was a universal rule of etiquette?” he said.
That childhood curiosity grew into an academic interest in history, political systems, and the deeper “why” behind societal structures. Eventually, he realized that only through experience from the inside would he be able to answer the questions that had followed him since he was young.
Dylan’s motivation looked different—but the drive was just as strong. From grade school to college, she sought leadership roles where she could advocate for others:
“I am deeply motivated by change… I grew to love representing people and hearing issues where I could provide improvement.”
Her path through student government, clubs, and activism made public service feel like a natural next step.
And for Shane, the motivation was rooted in place and opportunity:
“I wanted to see what the capital of New York had to offer… living there for six months gave me a new perspective on how unique this state is.”
Albany wasn’t just a location—it was a chance to immerse himself in policy work close enough to stay connected to Binghamton while launching his career.
Different paths, but all led to the same destination: the Assembly chambers, where real decisions about New Yorkers’ lives are made every day.
Stepping Into the Legislature
Once in Albany, each student found themselves at the center of fast-moving political activity.
Shane worked with Assemblyman William Magnarelli, Chair of the Transportation Committee, where he researched priority bills, collaborated directly with policy analysts, and produced a policy brief that “deeply impressed” the legislative staff.
Dylan served as a legislative assistant in the office of Assemblyman Sam Berger, drafting newsletters, creating bill summaries, speaking with constituents, and supporting district work for communities across Queens. Her day-to-day role offered a close view of how constituent needs and legislative priorities intersect, often in real time.
Aidan had the opportunity to work for his home district Assembly Member, Tommy John Schiavoni, representing the East End of Long Island. He drafted memos, wrote newsletters, conducted legislative research, and sat in meetings with interest groups. “I got to see how decisions are made, who is making them, and where true political power is derived from,” he reflected.
Their assignments varied, but all had meaningful responsibility, direct involvement, and the realization that state government is far more complex—and far more human—than it looks from the outside.
What They Learned: State Government Is Powerful, Personal, and Honestly… Pretty Cool
All three students left Albany with insights that reshaped their understanding of government and their place within it.
Shane put it simply: “My main takeaway was, frankly, how cool state government could be.” Seeing the direct impact of decisions on issues like transportation and congestion pricing showed him the power state lawmakers hold in everyday life.
Aidan emphasized that an inside perspective is irreplaceable: “You cannot truly understand how governments work without an inside perspective… The influences on policy are so numerous that it took until the end of the internship to feel like I could truly anticipate the moves of the actors within the legislature.”
Dylan’s biggest lessons were about personal and professional growth: “Professionalism, networking, listening, and perspective are ladders to success in any career.”
Together, their reflections reveal a shared truth: the Assembly Internship is more than a résumé builder. It’s a transformational experience that deepens students’ confidence, expands their worldview, and clarifies their future.
Advice for Future Applicants: Be Curious. Be Yourself. Be Ready.
Across all three stories, the advice was strikingly consistent—and inspiring.
Aidan urged honesty—both in the application and with yourself: “Do some soul searching. Why are you interested in this program? Don’t just say what you think they want to hear.” And once accepted? “Soak up as much knowledge as you can… every moment is an opportunity to learn.”
Shane’s advice echoed the same spirit: “Just be yourself. This program wants authenticity, bright minds, and a wide range of applicants who are eager to learn.”
Dylan added: “Be confident in your abilities—you were chosen for a reason.” Her insights for the personal statement were especially powerful: “Be vulnerable in your passions—even if they don’t seem to fit under government. Passion speaks for itself.”
Across the board, their message to future interns was clear:
You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be genuine, open, and ready to grow.
What is the application process?
The 2026 cohort of the NYS Assembly Program has already been finalized, but now is your chance to prepare for the Fall application process. Refer to the NYS Assembly Internship website to learn more about the program and how to apply.
**The application deadline is typically in early November/Late October, but get started now!**
Consider conducting an informational interview with past interns to gather insight about the program! As always, the Fleishman Career Center is here to help every step of the way with thinking through your career path, strategies for success and tailoring application materials. Remember to set up an appointment with a career consultant for one-on-one support.
Main Blog Contributors: Aidan Klarman, Shane Sekuler and Dylan Ashley Omana
*Portions of this blog post have been developed with support from AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI or Google Gemini), used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content has been reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
