Michael McCarthy '01 knows his strengths. He also knows how to capitalize on those strengths. This summer, McCarthy — a double major in political science and history — put his strong analytic, writing and speaking skills to work as a Ladd intern at the Institute for Higher Education Policy in Washington, D.C.

The Ladd Internship Program, initiated in 1978 through a fund established by Bates benefactor George C. Ladd, exposes liberal arts students to the working world. "Working for a non-profit think-tank in D.C. was appealing," said McCarthy. "It was a unique opportunity to see how public policy worked in relation to education."

At the Institute, one of McCarthy's more significant tasks was to research the chief social, economic, political and educational characteristics of the sub Saharan African country of Mozambique. That information contributed to reports the Institute was preparing on the country's higher education system. McCarthy also worked on projects to redesign the company's Web page and to increase the amount of material available on their Web site.

McCarthy is looking into urban teaching programs but has not ruled out a career in public policy. Although he was invited to return to the Institute after graduation, McCarthy — who spent his half his junior year in Croatia and the other half in Chile — hopes to increase his travel abroad experience by spending the summer in Cuba working as a research assistant for Lillian Guerra, assistant professor of history at Bates. Whatever path he chooses to follow, his Ladd internship will be an invaluable asset. "In terms of overall experience, it was the best summer job I've had." — By Jennifer Giblin '01