Conflict of Interest

[Ex.BT.USN]

My DD is interviewing for an internship for one of our state Senators. If she gets the position would it be a conflict of interest when it's time to interview?

 

[kinnem]

No it would not. She almost certainly would not interview with the Senator. They usually have a board of current and former military folks conduct the interview and select the slate. But you know that, right? Keep in mind this is only my opinion and I'm not a trained expert in ethics.... or even an untrained one.

 

[mjm]

My DD is interviewing for an internship for one of our state Senators. If she gets the position would it be a conflict of interest when it's time to interview?

One of your State senators... or one of the US senators from your state? If its a state senator I would think not.. not so sure about a US Senator? I would tend to agree with kinnem that it should not be, as the panel does the interview not the senator.

 

[NavyHoops]

99% of the time it's a panel that does the interview. We see kids on this forum all the time who intern who interview for noms with the same offices they interned at. As long as she competes like the rest, I see no issue with this.

 

[Ex.BT.USN]

I understood how the board was set-up; however, I was not so sure of the ethics. She just found out she has the position. I stand guarded on the political stuff but it will have to be up to her how to handle this now. I will remind here to remain focused what is important for the academy and being competitive for the interview as suggested. Thank you all...

 

[time2]

There is nothing unethical about having an internship with your MOC's office even if you are applying to an SA. Which MOC it happens to be doesn't have any bearing on this situation. In prior threads, you will find some who specifically tried to get an internship thinking this would help their 'chances' of getting a NOM. I am sure the MOC organization is wise to that and knows who are pursuing an internship for the right reasons and if someone is only there to rub-elbows, that will probably hurt their chances of getting a NOM. Having an internship is no guarantee of improving your chance for a NOM.

The NOM interview panel will likely include some individuals that your daughter would be seeing for the first time.

 

[Ex.BT.USN]

Now that would be good, I like that. I will coach her to have a resume without the MOC listed. That would keep the air clear. Good stuff, thank you time2.

I'm actually hoping she can't find the time to do this she is like a machine. I can't wait for hunting season when we are in the woods all the time and she is disconnected from society. Bring on the pheasants and deer!

 

[time2]

I think you misinterpreted what I posted since I don't see any prior comments about what to include in her MOC resume. There is no reason to hide the fact she had an internship.

 

[Sydney C.]

Ah yes...internships.

 

[GNBA2020]

Within the USG, employees may not participate in matters that may have a direct financial gain for that employee or his/her family. Unless your DD is asked by her Senator to serve on the NOM panel and she reviews her own case, there would be no real or perceived conflict of interest as she would not be involved in a matter that would financially benefit her directly. Even if she did, the NOM does not ensure acceptance as that is made by the Academy and not the Senator (though one may “perceive” a conflict which sometimes is a bad as a real conflict).

An example of a conflict of interest would be if you served on the admissions board of the USNA and participated in the review of your DD’s application. In this case, you would have direct influence on an action that would lead to financial gain of your family member (i.e., acceptance of tuition free education plus pay) and thus would constitute a conflict of interest.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

I don't see any conflict of interest ... and in fact, if DD gets the position (which I presume is a competitive application process itself), and impressees the Senator , it would be a nice ticket when applying for nomination from that MOC. I would fully expect that Senator to nominate (or at least give a competitive nomination to) one of his/her interns.

The potential downside is the impact the internship has on other nomination prospects, ie.. if your state has a split delegation with representatives from both parties , a MOC from the other party may view the internship as a negative. That's unfortunate, as the internship is a good opportunity regardless of which party DD interns for, but in today' s political environment ,there is some risk.

 

[DesertCaliMom]

DS served in a red district in a blue state. This only proved to develop his conflict resolution and communication skills. He learned to better define his own opinions and how to remain neutral.

To put OP's mind at ease, politics only plays a small role for a high school intern. Phone skills, listening skills, organization, dedication to seeing tasks through and done well, how to file paperwork (real and digital), speak to the public at large, be part of an office team and how to lead other interns -- all far more important.

 

[mjm]

I understood how the board was set-up; however, I was not so sure of the ethics. She just found out she has the position. I stand guarded on the political stuff but it will have to be up to her how to handle this now. I will remind here to remain focused what is important for the academy and being competitive for the interview as suggested. Thank you all...

Congrats to your DD !

 

[ThePatternisFull]

Congrats on the internship. List it on the resume and application. Usually the Senator will take the guodance of the board and does nothave any interaction with the applicant!.