What if your internship could take you from the classroom to the White House? For Kiyana Tucker, it did! Thanks to a recommendation and encouragement from Amy Cook (IUP’s Eberly College of Business assistant dean at the time), “I thought, why not? I needed an internship, and this sounded cool,” Tucker explained. This quickly became more than just an addition to her résumé, developing into an experience filled with professional growth and personal enrichment. Like Tucker said, “How many people can say they interned at the White House? I can!”
Tucker's role at the White House was as dynamic and vibrant as the environment. Throughout her time as an intern, she managed an assortment of different responsibilities from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Between her first sip of coffee and a gourmet lunch prepared by the White House chefs, she completed various tasks. She wrote grant reports, analyzed financial documents, and handled the preparation and verification of hotel agreements, including reconciliation. Additionally, she played a key role in ensuring that all travel documentation, including IDs and passports, were organized for staff events. She gained hands-on experience with accounting software like Oracle and Excel, while collaborating with the Treasury Department on grants related to taxes and events.
Tucker’s journey amidst the high-profile setting was not without its challenges. Initially feeling overlooked and unchallenged, she took steps to ensure that she was gaining the most from her internship. She displayed passion for self-advocating, desiring changes that led to a more fulfilling experience. Her proactivity not only enhanced her own professional development, but paved the way for her to mentor others, earning her a spot as a trusted advisor among her peers. Tucker exceeded expectations during her time as a spring 2024 intern, leading to an invitation to return for the subsequent summer.
Tucker's time at the White House was not strictly spreadsheets and reports. She fully embraced the rich history of the White House traditions, from the Easter egg hunt to the Fourth of July celebration on the lawn. Alongside exclusive tours and events at the Kennedy Center, she also had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Enjoy a glimpse into her fun at the White House through the photos she captured throughout her journey.
Looking back, Tucker views her internship as transformative, “This experience helped me mature and taught me what it means to be professional.” With aspirations to pursue a career in business consulting, she values the networking opportunities and hands-on experience gained during her time within the historic mansion. Kiyana Tucker’s story is evidence of how courage and determination in seizing opportunities can lead to unforgettable professional experiences.