Eight years ago, Emily Soud stood at a presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.,
imagining what it might be like to one day work in government at the national level.
This summer, the Jacksonville University senior returned to the nation’s capital as
an intern in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence. The highly selective
program gave her a front-row seat to the inner workings of government and fueled her
career ambitions.
That early experience sparked an interest that never faded. “I’ve always been interested in politics and government,” Soud said. During the internship, she responded to constituent communication and participated in weekly professional development sessions with senior administration officials. She also had the opportunity to interact with President Donald Trump and take part in national events on the South Lawn of the White House. “Everything about the White House complex was stunning in its architectural beauty and filled with history,” Soud said. “I was in awe on a daily basis.”
Jacksonville University President Tim Cost praised Soud’s determination and vision. “Emily is a big talent. She looks at what she thinks is going to be impactful and then asks, how can I participate? Most students may not set their sights on something as ambitious as the White House, but she did and she succeeded,” Cost said.
He added that the program’s rigor makes her achievement all the more impressive. “It’s arduous, it’s rigorous, it goes on for months. Round after round, you have to want to participate in something like this,” Cost said. “To be selected is remarkable, and it lifts the entire university when one of our students earns that kind of opportunity.”
Soud credits the internship with sharpening her professional skills, from communication and time management to teamwork and adaptability. She also noted the importance of business etiquette, explaining how “dressing professionally changes how people perceive and interact with you.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue her path toward public service. “The White House Internship Program has strengthened my desire to work in government at the national level. I look forward to seeing what opportunities may arise as graduation approaches.”
“Emily has exceptional professional gravitas, in addition to excelling academically,” said Dr. Lisa Sutherland, executive director of the Honors College and Interim Dean of the Davis College of Business & Technology. “Her commitment to servant leadership and outstanding communication skills made her an ideal candidate for the Office of Presidential Correspondence. Emily has made a significant impact within JU and I am excited to see what she achieves next.”
For Soud, the experience reinforced lessons about leadership, character and ambition. “Don’t be afraid to dream big,” she said. “You must be willing to work as hard as you can, meet people and take even the little steps necessary to achieve your dream.”
