July 14, 2025
Real Experience. Real Impact. Abigail’s Journey into Public Service
While many students spend their summers catching up on rest or classes, Abigail DeLong took a different route—one that led her straight into the heart of local government.
A second-year student at The Ohio State University, DeLong is double majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and Public Leadership, Management and Policy through the College of Arts and Sciences. This summer, she brought her academic interests to life through a Public Policy Internship with the City of North Canton.
“I discovered the opportunity on LinkedIn while searching for public service-related internships in Northeast Ohio,” DeLong said. “It felt like the right fit for my interests and goals.”
And it was. Her internship offered a front-row seat to the day-to-day operations of city government. From researching public issues and drafting ordinances for council approval to summarizing meetings for public transparency and analyzing data from a community-wide survey, DeLong’s work was both varied and impactful. She even completed Ohio’s public records training to help update official city records.
“This experience gave me a realistic view of the intricacies of government work,” she said. “I was fortunate to have a mentor whose dedication to public service inspired me and deepened my interest in this career path.”
But the experience wasn’t just about policy and paperwork. It was also about people.
“You’ll often face challenges with limited resources, and teamwork is essential to finding creative and effective solutions,” DeLong said, reflecting on the collaborative nature of public service. She encourages other Arts and Sciences students to consider similar roles where they can contribute meaningfully while learning on the job.
DeLong also credits Ohio State’s ASC Career Services for helping her navigate the internship process and prepare for success.
“I’m grateful to the City of North Canton for providing such a valuable experience and to ASC Career Services for their support throughout the process,”
Her story is a powerful reminder that internships are more than résumé builders—they’re opportunities to explore your passions, grow your skills, and make a real difference in your community.
