By Emily McCarthy

For Michael Sechrist, a senior political science major, working in the presidential personnel department at the White House is something he never could have imagined.

But that is how Sechrist is spending his final co-op session.

“I have the opportunity to see famous people and hear them speak, and now election time is getting things going around here. It is a really interesting time to be working here,” Sechrist said.

Sechrist is one of four students from Northeastern currently working in the White House, tying the university with Georgetown University for the largest amount of students in the White House this term from the same school. This accomplishment is unique since few schools accommodate for internships in January.

Each year the political science department is given enough money to pay seven students working at the White House and Congress in what would otherwise be unpaid internships. However, the university ran over its budget and was not able to provide funding for the four current students.

“The university played no role in getting us these jobs and is not providing any funding, and the housing is not subsidized,” said Meredith Lennox, a middler working in the faith-based and community initiative department in the White House.

Northeastern does not help students get jobs at the White House; they apply for them on their own. Out of about 500 applicants each year, about 90 are hired.

But since so many Northeastern students are there and struggling to find housing and get by without an income, it limits the type of student who will end up in a position like this. The money designated for this program takes this into account.

“We are happy if the students break even,” said the co-op advisor for political science majors William Wray.

Northeastern has developed a reputation with the White House over the years because students are applying with real job experience, something that many other intern applicants lack.

Melissa Danforth, a senior political science major, is also working in the White House. She has done five co-ops in her four years at Northeastern.

“Co-op changes your college experience so much. There is less bonding with students and the college routine. I stayed here because it felt right and I will continue to stay here and find work after graduation,” Danforth said

Jesse Suskin is the fourth intern from Northeastern at the White House, and is currently working in the press travel office.

Anyone from any major can apply for this internship. It is partially based on a first-come, first-serve basis, but it requires previous government experience and tends to go to juniors or seniors on their last co-op.