Living in a city like Madison, University of Wisconsin students are given a unique opportunity to get involved in politics thanks to the close proximity of the state capitol.

UW sophomore Adam Korn exemplifies this as well as any. Korn started working as an intern at the capitol last year under Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison.

"Starting off as an intern, there was always something different for me to do," he said.

Between dealing with letters from constituents, organizing Berceau's daily schedule, briefing Berceau on recently introduced bills and answering phone calls in the office, Korn said he kept busy.

"I would probably put in an average of 15 to 16 hours of work a week," he said.

Since his start, Korn has moved on to getting involved with more direct policy-driven work. According to Korn, when a bill was introduced in the state assembly aimed at disallowing UW hospitals from issuing emergency contraception, he helped Berceau write an editorial piece against the bill. The piece appeared in several Wisconsin publications.

In addition, Korn has helped fight against the disenfranchisement of students in terms of their capability to vote in state elections, worked on finding alternatives to incarceration for people who commit non-violent crimes and helped organize a press conference and legislation related to Wal-Mart's poor treatment of employees.

Berceau said Korn has been great to have in the office.

"I have been very impressed with Adam's ability to step into the job of Legislative Assistant and meet and exceed all of my expectations," Berceau said.

She also stressed students with any sort of interest in local or state government can and should become involved in the process and work to influence policy.

Korn is joined by many other students on campus involved in the political opportunities Madison can provide.

College Republicans' Chair and UW senior Jordan Smith started her involvement in politics by working on political campaigns and helping candidates with their run for election. Smith said this work seemed to intensify her appetite to become more involved.

"My work with the campaigns was great, but I became curious about what happened after a candidate was elected," said Smith.

Since July, Smith has worked under State Senator Tom Reynolds, R-West Allis, doing mainly constituent work by responding to letters and answering phone calls. According to Smith, she works 10 hours a week and also helps Reynolds with research. She said she has enjoyed working "behind the scenes" in state government, and wants to one day attain a job in politics where she can directly implement policy.

While many interns at the state capitol, like Smith, have goals of one day becoming politicians, this aspiration is not a prerequisite to involving oneself in politics.

UW senior Toby Zutz is a biochemistry and genetics major who plans to enter the science field upon graduating next semester. However, Zutz has still found time to work as an intern for Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer, D-Manitowoc.

"Even though I have no current plans to enter into the field of politics as a professional, I still love to experience how the government affects our everyday lives," said Toby. "For me, it is a great way to stay informed."