Where are they now?: Michele Andre -- 2016 Session Assistant

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?

Session Assistants Program - 2016.

2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship?

I have had the great opportunity to work as a Session Assistant within Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson’s office.

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your internship office placement.

During my placement I supported and maintained numerous of responsibilities including assisting with directing telephone calls, conducting meetings, writing reports for the various committees, analyzing proposed legislation and drafted legislation at the request of the Senator or Chief of Staff / Counsel.

In April, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson asked me to remain on the staff. I was lined up with a full-time position as a Press Secretary. As a Press Secretary, I managed and created content for the Senator's social media platforms, media announcements, and newsletters. I drafted press releases, statements and media responses and created talking points for the Senator for media appearances.

4. Where are you working now? Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your current place of employment.

Currently, I work for the City of Albany’s Corporation Counsel as a Confidential Secretary. In my current post, I perform administrative support tasks which include assisting with preparation of a variety of legal documents, drafting Request for Proposal (RFP), assisting with City-owned property purchases, distributing contracts/agreements to the appropriate parties for signature, monitoring Corporation Counsel’s annual budget and handling all office purchasing.

5. What did you learn from participating in the New York State Senate internship programs that you have been able to carry over to your new position?

During my internship, I was able to see how an attorney in the public sector can advocate within the legislature. This internship was a great opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand and learn about how ideas become law. I am able to use this knowledge to better serve the public.