Cheyenne resident Anthony Farmer left Washington, D.C., just before the new year after participating in an internship for U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. As he moves on to the next step in his career, he is leaving the nation’s capital with a unique, insider’s perspective of American government.
“I feel like I have a much better sense on how the Senate actually functions, and all the components that have to work in tandem to keep things running smoothly,” Farmer said. “Looking in from the outside, I was frustrated with what I viewed as a stagnant institution. Being here, I have seen firsthand that these offices help so many people.”
Farmer said he applied to be an intern after learning about it through a friend who had interned with Enzi earlier.
“She urged me to apply because she had a great experience with the office,” Farmer said. “I always wanted to intern for Senator Enzi because I have a great amount of respect for the work that he does. His work on the budget and finance committees is what caught my attention the most.”
Farmer said working as an intern for Enzi is an experience that is one of a kind.
“Simply being on the Hill has been amazing,” Farmer said. “I enjoyed pretty much all of my time here. I’ve seen and met a lot of influential people, and even got to see Pope Francis address the members of congress.”
As an intern Farmer was responsible for Capitol Hill tours, helping with constituent work, greeting guests in the senator’s front office and helping conduct research for legislative aides, which included covering Senate committee hearings.
“The most memorable part of this experience has been the opportunity to attend committee hearings,” Farmer said. “It is exhilarating to be in the same room the decisions are made. This internship really is a front seat view of government.”
Now that Farmer is done with his internship he feels even more strongly about his goals in life.
“This internship hasn’t changed my career goals all that much, but that’s because this internship was a perfect fit for my aspirations,” Farmer said. “I want to work in the public policy side of economics, so government agencies like the Congressional Budget Office or the Office of Management and Budget would be perfect.”
Farmer is a junior at the University of Wyoming majoring in economics and political science. He is the son of Brian Farmer and Rachel Martinez.
Individuals interested in an internship with Senator Enzi’s office should apply online at www.enzi.senate.gov.
