Student applies artistic design skills through government internship

Jensen Kugler ’27, an English and studio art student pursuing a digital and visual storytelling pathway at The College of Wooster, completed an internship at the Reentry Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington, D.C. Through an APEX Micro Fellowship, she worked with the Reentry Affairs Branch to design digital visuals, update their newsletter, and create original artwork. She expressed her independence and artistic abilities in a creative environment. The hybrid position allowed Kugler to work both at her home in northern Virginia and in a major metropolitan city, as she took advantage of her local connections. 

“I had a lot of freedom with the painting and newsletter I worked on. It was nice to have my design and painting skills valued and trusted.” 

—Jensen Kugler ’27 

FINDING OPPORTUNITIES 

Kugler: I got this internship through networking with local connections in D.C. I knew about the APEX Micro Fellowship program because I received a Micro Fellowship last summer. I enjoyed that this was a hybrid position, so I did not have to commute into the city every day. I was given a lot of flexibility in terms of scheduling, which was very helpful. 

EMPOWERED INDEPENDENCE 

Kugler: The most engaging part of my internship experience was getting to create original visuals. I had a lot of freedom with the painting and newsletter I worked on. It was nice to have my design and painting skills valued and trusted. Most of my time as an intern was spent designing seals for the branches. I worked on sketches, mockups, and final concepts digitally. I met with branch chiefs regularly to discuss design choices. 

TAKING INITIATIVE 

Kugler: As an intern, I developed governmental seals for each branch within the Reentry Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, created original artwork for the Central Office, and redesigned the Reentry Newsletter. 

Kugler ’27 showcases her artwork alongside fellow colleagues at the Reentry Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Photo provided by subject.

GUIDANCE FOR GROWTH 

Kugler: My supervisor was administrator of the Community Reentry Affairs Branch, Samuel J. Hall. He set up meetings for me with the branch chiefs and helped me get situated in the office. 

LESSONS LEARNED 

Kugler: I was able to practice digital illustration and image editing, which are invaluable skills for creatives in this day and age. I also learned to accept and adapt to feedback while designing, which should help prepare me for commission work in the future. 

EXPANDED PERSPECTIVE 

Kugler: This internship clued me in to the fact that cities are not the ideal setting for me. Unless I am particularly passionate about a position, I would prefer jobs located outside of major metro areas. I feel more comfortable in smaller, less hectic settings. That said, I have now worked in a city office, which proves to me that I am capable of doing so. If my dream job ends up being in a city, I now feel more confident in my ability to work in that setting. 

Featured image: Jensen Kugler ’27, photo provided by subject.

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2025 on August 6, 2025.