Maisie Ruddy’s path from UNC to the White House Correspondence Office is a story of dedication and the power of a well-rounded education.
As a double major in English and Peace, War, and Defense (PWAD), Ruddy landed an internship in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, where she worked directly with the presidential writers. It was an experience that was both challenging and rewarding.
“The presidential writers were all brilliant,” she recalls. “It was amazing to see them in action and to work in an environment that was incredibly well-run and full of young people with fascinating stories and top-notch skills.”
Ruddy’s time at UNC, particularly her work in the ECL department, was instrumental in preparing her for this prestigious role. The hard skills she developed—such as copyediting, understanding tone, and adapting to different writing styles—were essential in her daily tasks.
“Being able to copy edit, knowing grammar, prose, tense, and being able to understand and adapt to different styles of writing were skills that got me in the door,” she notes. As the managing editor of the People, Ideas, and Things journal, Ruddy gained valuable experience that stood out on her resume.
Ruddy’s coursework, including a surprisingly influential class on banned books with Professor Tyler Curtain, allowed her to blend her interests in policy and literature, which she found particularly useful during her internship. “That class allowed me to weave my love for policy with English, and it came at a really good time for my application,” she explains.
Reflecting on her journey, Ruddy emphasizes the importance of persistence and authenticity. After applying to numerous internships, it was her passion and fit for the White House program that stood out as a major difference.
“I think I was more genuine in my application for this than many others, and that came through during the interview process,” she says.
Now working full-time in Washington, D.C., at a consulting firm for USAID’s Gender Development Hub, Ruddy continues to pursue her passion for international development and conflict resolution, with hopes of returning to the White House in the future.
