Capital Adventure
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes Education, Internship Experiences in Washington, D.C.
Name: Nagomi Katano '28
Hometown: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
High School: Tokaigakuen High School
Major: Accounting
OWU Connection Experience: A summer internship and educational program experience in Washington, D.C.
Katano spent June and July in the nation's capital, where she completed coursework through The Fund for American Studies and worked remotely as a public policy intern for the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure, a nonprofit think tank that focuses on infrastructure innovation through awareness, education, and research.
For her internship, Katano published blogs, created an advertising video, and served as a researcher and fact-checker. She earned OWU Connection and Blaine E. Grimes grants to support her time in the nation's capital.
Why This Experience?
"I wanted to get hands-on experience and connect with professionals and students who are ambitious."
Favorite Moments
"My favorite moment was when we got to film a short video for an advertisement. The eight other interns and I went around Washington, D.C., to capture the city's infrastructure for the video. I also enjoyed writing blogs for the company website. It required a lot of research and fact-checking, which was time-consuming and challenging, but I enjoyed the entire process and was able to improve both my writing and research skills."
I also learned how to communicate opinions that are sensitive and difficult to discuss. I believe this skill is important for future success, as I will need to have challenging conversations with people.
Lessons Learned
"I learned many different aspects through this internship. As I mentioned in the last question, I was able to improve my writing and researching skills. Additionally, I attended events in Washington, D.C., where conversations often included political opinions and perspectives.
"Beyond learning about the political aspects that each industry is involved with, I also learned how to communicate opinions that are sensitive and difficult to discuss. I believe this skill is important for future success, as I will need to have challenging conversations with people."
Campus Involvements
Katano is a member of Ohio Wesleyan's Woltemade Economics and Business Fellows Program, Accounting & Finance Fellows Program, Honors Program, Investment Club, Model United Nations, and Pet Pals.
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"The top reason was that Ohio Wesleyan gave me the largest scholarship. Additionally, I prefer smaller classes where I can ask questions and get to know professors better. Lastly, I was interested in the programs that Ohio Wesleyan has, such as the Woltemade Economics and Business Fellows Program and the Accounting & Finance Fellows Program."
Plans After Graduation
"I am still undecided if I want to get a job or to go to postgraduate education. Either way, Ohio Wesleyan helps me to participate in opportunities that help me with my career and connect me with professionals who could help me shape my career."