Q & A with Aspire’s Summer Intern, Josie Origer
What does a college student that is interested in public policy think about the Johnson County business community? That is the question we asked of our summer intern as she wraps up her work.
Aspire Johnson County teamed up with the Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) this summer to help host a college intern, Josie Origer. Josie will be a junior this fall at Indiana University’s O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs where she is studying law and public policy. Josie focused most of her time researching prominent issues in the community, including early care and education, housing, and workforce development. She also engaged with business leaders at a variety of meetings, networking events, and workshops.
So how did it go? And what did she think of the business leaders she met? One thing is clear; YOU made a positive impression.
Q: What interested you in interning with JCCF and Aspire, and what were you hoping to learn?
One of the biggest things that drew me was the wide range of work across different areas in the community. I had heard a little about Aspire before I started searching for internships, but once I looked more closely, I realized just how involved it is. I thought it would be a unique opportunity to gain experience in several areas at once rather than just focusing on one narrow field.
I also had a strong interest in learning more about how local government operates and how decisions are made at the city and county levels. In school, we focus a lot on federal and state-level government, which is important, but I have realized that local government could have just as much, if not more, of a day-to-day impact on people’s lives. Before this internship, I honestly did not know how much responsibility cities and counties have when it comes to zoning, licensing, and local regulations. I was excited to learn more about those areas up close through hands-on research and real-world conversations.
Q: What projects or experiences stood out to you during your time here?
There are too many to choose from! One of my favorite projects was the public policy survey. I enjoyed being part of the entire process from beginning to end. I helped brainstorm and write questions, format the survey, and eventually review and analyze the results. It gave me a full look at how community feedback can help shape policy priorities.
Another project that made a lasting impression on me was my research on early childhood care and education in Johnson County. It has been fascinating to look at how recent state-level legislative changes are impacting childcare providers, and how differently each city within the county handles regulations. I never realized how much local governments influence the accessibility and quality of childcare. Through this work, I also learned how early education connects directly to workforce development and economic growth.
Outside of projects, one of the most memorable experiences overall was helping with Aspire’s annual golf outing. It was great to see everything come together and to meet so many of the members, ambassadors, and sponsors in person. That event really showed me how much pride and support exist within the business community.
Q: What surprised you most about Johnson County’s business community?
How genuinely connected and community-focused it is. I expected the business world to be a little more formal and competitive, but I found the opposite. There is a strong sense of collaboration and mutual respect among the people involved. At every event I attended, I noticed business owners and professionals greeting each other, asking thoughtful questions, and genuinely wanting to know how each other’s work was going.
Another surprise was how involved these leaders are in the efforts that go far beyond their individual businesses. It showed me that being a part of a business is not just about daily operations or making a profit. It is also about taking responsibility for the well-being of the community and using your position to make a positive impact.
Q: What did you learn about how business and community leaders work together to develop the community / tackle challenges and opportunities?
Business and community leaders in Johnson County are connected, collaborative, and intentional in how they approach challenges and opportunities. Before this internship, I pictured business leaders to be primarily focused on their own organization; however, I quickly realized many leaders take on an active role in shaping the community. It is common for them to serve on boards and committees, participate in policy discussions, or help shape local initiatives.
One thing that stood out to me is the effort that goes into listening to different voices and opinions before decisions are finalized. Whether it is through surveys, roundtables, or meetings, business leaders and partners prioritize gathering input before applying it in meaningful ways. Overall, I learned that progress in a community is not the result of one person or group working alone. It comes from the willingness of leaders to collaborate, compromise, and stay focused on long-term goals.
Q: So, how has this internship shaped your future career goals or interests?
This internship has had a big impact on how I view my future and the career path I want to take. Before interning with JCCF and Aspire, I was completely set on going to law school right after graduation. While I am still passionate about law and public policy, this experience helped me see how many other ways I could apply that interest in a meaningful and practical way. I got to explore local government, economic development, nonprofit leadership, and community planning, all of which gave me a better understanding of how policy and leadership work outside of a courtroom setting. It was exciting to realize that I can be deeply involved in making difference without following just one path. I now feel more open to career opportunities that align with my values and passions, even if they look different than what I originally planned.
At the same time, this experience confirmed that I care deeply about building stronger communities and using my skills to contribute to public good. I am looking forward to taking what I have learned back with me to Indiana University this fall and applying it to my coursework and future goals. The people I have met, and the lessons I have learned, will definitely stick with me long after this summer.
Q: Wow, this experience helped shape your career path? Based on your experience, what suggestion or idea could you share with local business leaders to help others like you?
Continue investing in the next generation of talent. Whether that means supporting internships, mentoring students, or being involved in education and workforce initiatives, the impact is long lasting.
As someone who benefited directly from this kind of opportunity, I can say that real-world exposure makes a big difference. It gives young people the opportunity to explore their interests, build confidence, and better understand how the professional world works. These types of opportunities also help close the gap between what students learn in school and what they experience in the workplace.
Students and young professionals have a lot to offer in return, as they bring fresh ideas, new energy, and a genuine desire to contribute. Having diverse voices at the table can help business leaders think in new ways and stay connected to future generations. Even small efforts, like speaking to class or offering a job shadow, can make a big difference in someone’s future. Supporting young people is not just a short-term investment, it is a way to build a stronger and more resilient community for the long term.