Isabelle Murphy

I pursued an employment opportunity with HHS through the Pathways to Public Service program because I have a close relationship with and admire civil servants. Growing up in the D.C. metro area heavily exposed me to this kind of work, which became a likely path to pursue as an adult. The inherent direction of my major also motivated me to pursue a career in the government. Therefore, when an opportunity presented itself, I took it. As a result, I am more informed as a student and individual because of my time at HHS, which I look for in anything I do.

I am most excited about being able to contribute to HHS affairs in real-time. As part of the Congressional Appropriations Branch, I assist a team of experts in advancing the department's appropriations priorities by working closely with Congressional Appropriators and their staff. We work in a fast-paced environment, so I have had the privilege of helping with deliverables for the Hill and seeing appropriation activities behind the scenes. I am always learning with constant engagement and a collaborative atmosphere.

Besides implicit work skills, my university did not prepare me for my work at HHS. At the very most, my coursework mentions the area in which I find myself. However, I do not wish it to be any other way. When I started my internship, I was still determining my major-minor combination. My time with the department influenced me to choose based on the work I saw and heard about. Therefore, my course of studies gives me an additional perspective on the agency’s priorities and processes and vice versa. I aim to be a well-rounded public health professional, and HHS encouraged me to expand my knowledge. In other words, my work within HHS has enriched my output as a student and redefined the personal value of university.

I entered the Pathways program in the summer of 2023 and remain at HHS today! This internship is the start and driver of my federal career. The Pathways program provided a structured hiring process, making expectations for post-graduate life less daunting. The program also allowed me to establish professional connections with those my age and above, leading to a secondary networking environment. Having the opportunity to hear other's experiences and aspirations influences my thinking towards the future. I am grateful to have formal job and application experience this early in my career.