Success Story

Brandon Neal Jones, an RSU art student from Claremore, spent a semester as an intern at the National Endowment for the Arts. Jones, who earned his associate degree in graphic design from RSU, was offered a full-time position at the NEA and decided to accept the position and continue working on his RSU bachelor's degree online.

He was hired for the government affairs assistant position over candidates with museum jobs and master's degrees because he had successfully completed many of the position's duties during his internship, Jones said.

“This was a chance to work in the nation's capital, and I couldn't pass that up,” he said. His main duties are to make travel and hotel arrangements, plan meeting locations, arrange for catering, and mail materials for the National Council on the Arts, which helps decide which artists receive NEA grants.

“We are all very proud of Brandon, and very impressed with his accomplishments,” said Bryce Brimer, RSU assistant professor, Department of Communications and Fine Arts.

Taylor said although most students completing the Washington Center program are not immediately offered positions as was the case with Jones, the experience they gain during the internship will have life-long value.