Claire McCarthy: Building a Career in Public Service Through the Baker School

As a sophomore at the Baker School, Claire McCarthy is already exploring how policy decisions shape communities and impact people’s daily lives. Through her coursework and internship with the Town of Farragut, she is beginning to see where she fits in that process.

McCarthy’s interest in public service is grounded in a desire to see policy in action. Through her coursework at the Baker School, she has developed a strong foundation in understanding how decisions are formed, evaluated, and implemented.

McCarthy joined the Baker School Local Government Internship program and began her spring internship with the Town of Farragut. In this role, she engages with planning initiatives, collaborates with stakeholders, and contributes to projects that support community development.

“The Local Government Internship program has been, in my view, one of the most valuable ways to begin a career in public service as an undergraduate,” McCarthy said. “Through the Baker School, I have had the opportunity to engage directly with areas that genuinely interest me, which has ultimately prepared me to take on a role as a congressional intern this summer. This experience has helped me get my foot in the door when applying for future positions, while also giving me a clearer understanding of what I want in a career and workplace environment.”

The internship has offered McCarthy a hands-on perspective on how policy works in practice and has reinforced her interest in pursuing a career in government relations.

Looking ahead, McCarthy is building on this momentum at the federal level. She has accepted a summer 2026 internship with Representative Tim Burchett’s office in Washington, D.C. There she will gain exposure to legislative processes and federal policymaking. This opportunity allows her to connect local insights with national policy work, broaden her understanding of public service, and strengthen the skills she is developing at the Baker School.

McCarthy reflects on the role the Baker School has played in shaping her path. Programs such as the Local Government Internship, guidance from faculty, and mentorship from Jordan Smith-Porter have provided the resources and support she needed to pursue both local and national experiences. She notes that the opportunities she has had would not be possible without the Baker School and that they have helped her turn classroom learning into real-world impact.

Through these experiences, McCarthy is gaining a clearer understanding of how public service shapes communities and impacts people’s lives. As she continues her journey, she is focused on building the skills and perspective needed to contribute in meaningful ways.