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Government and law major Stephen Orloff ’04 (Port Washington, N.Y.) learned about the inner workings of our nation’s government during the winter interim session.
He spent time shadowing Brian Sklar ’97, an analyst on the Homeland Security and Justice Team of the U.S. General Accounting Office. As the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress, GAO supports the Congress in meeting its Constitutional responsibilities and helps improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the American people.
Orloff was among about 200 Lafayette students who gained first-hand knowledge of the professional world in January. They served externships with alumni and other experienced professionals in business, the arts, education, healthcare, law, engineering, science, government, non-profits, and other fields. The students observed work practices, learned about careers they may consider entering after college, and developed professional networking contacts.
“Brian introduced me to a lot of people, and I learned the ins and outs of the General Accounting Office, including how they investigate and do research,” says Orloff, a four-year member of the varsity soccer team. In addition to acquainting him with the GAO, Orloff says, Sklar suggested web sites and contacts for his job hunt in Washington.
“Stephen is a great guy with a promising future,” says Sklar. “I know how hard it can be to land that first job, especially in a city like D.C., where who you know can be as important as what you know. It’s a tough nut to crack.”
“I’m happy to provide the time to serve as an externship host and in return get to catch up on news and events at Lafayette,” he adds.
A graduate of Paul D. Schreiber High School, Orloff spent a summer helping Nassau County get out of debt as an intern in the office of the county executive.