NewsWorks freelancer now a White House intern

Readers may know the name Queen Muse as a writer that has covered various stories in Germantown and West Oak Lane, but her writing abilities have taken her all the way to the White House.

The West Oak Lane resident is participating in the White House Internship Program, which is a hands-on program designed to mentor and cultivate young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the nation’s executive office and prepare them for future public-service opportunities. She began in January.

Muse learned about the program during her sophomore year at LaSalle University and immediately knew that she wanted to participate. However, she didn’t feel that she was qualified.

So, she began participating in internships with Philadelphia Daily News, Pennsylvania Society of Newspaper Editors, Scholastic Inc., and the Philadelphia Business Journal. Then, she obtained scholarships from the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, New York Women in Communications in memory of Judy Corman, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

After building up her resume, Muse successfully revisited her White House internship plans.

“I thought this was going to be the opportunity of a lifetime, one that could help direct my future in a positive path,” Muse said recently. “Now that I’m here, I know for sure that I was absolutely right about that.”

Her D.C. duties

Muse currently works in the White House’s Office of Communications. There, she assists staff members with press inquiries, media monitoring and more.

She said she hopes the experience will help her decide whether to pursue a career in journalism or politics. Halfway through the 16-week program, Muse said she is determined to network with leaders in her field and improve her communications skills.

“Every day in the White House is new,” she said of the experience so far. By way of advice, she added, “Don’t be intimidated by the fact that it is the White House. If you have the skills and you want to do an internship that really prepares you for that next step in your career, apply. You won’t regret it.”

The internship counts as her last three credits needed to graduate, thus allowing her to walk in May.

Queen Muse freelanced for NewsWorks from Nov. 2010 through Jan. 2011.