This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we sat down with cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

LEXINGTON, Va. Jun 29, 2023 — Jimmy Murphy ’24 has been working the past two summers in the U.S. Capitol, jumping between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The international studies major and national security minor from Golden Valley, Minnesota, took his first internship the summer of 2021 as a legislative intern with the Office of Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R-Minnesota). 

“I knew that getting internships would aid me in rounding out a well-crafted resume for law school applications, along with opening the door for valuable connections down the road,” he said.

The following summer he spent as a committee intern with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. This summer he will be an intern with Van Scoyoc Associates, a government affairs team based in Washington, D.C.  

Starting his political journey his junior year of high school, he’s been able to add his work in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to his resume, along with being a published political columnist and making media appearances with the Ben Shapiro Show and RealAmericasVoice network.   

He applied to multiple internships at various lobbying firms before landing one at Van Scoyoc Associates. He said his VMI connection with the firm aided in getting the full-time summer position. 

“I had already had experience in the public sector working for Congress, so I wanted to diversify my experiences,” he said. “I ultimately chose Van Scoyoc Associates due to its strong reputation among my D.C. network in addition to the fact that I would be able to work with a VMI alum, Marine Colonel (Ret.) Michael Shupp ’81.” 

What drew him to the firm was its reputation in D.C., its VMI connection, and its diverse legislative portfolio, which aligned with his interests and past experiences working with Congress.  

This summer he will be assisting the firm in various duties like preparing materials for client meetings, researching relevant Congressional legislation, and attending different Congressional hearings relevant to the issue area project he’s been assigned to. 

He said that VMI has taught him the tools of time management and organization, something he applies to himself daily as a Division I student athlete with several extracurriculars.  

Murphy does not take anything for granted.  

“I was born to a poor single mother and was moved around the foster care system before I was adopted from South Korea,” he said. “Every day I am reminded of how grateful I am to be an American and this has greatly fueled my burning passion to help and serve those around me. And this desire has manifested itself into a deep passion and interest in American politics.” 

After VMI, Murphy said he will be pursuing law school, where he will work to earn a commission in the Navy, Air Force or Army JAG Corps. 

“I eventually desire — either following active duty or while in reserve status — to return to my home state of Minnesota and run for political office to represent the people, state, and country that has given me so much,” he said. 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Photos by Kelly Nye
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE