Alaina Babb – a third-year dual-degree student in political science and media communication studies – secured a prestigious externship traditionally reserved for law students.
Founded in 1910, Shutts & Bowen LLP is a full-service law firm, home to over 200 top attorneys. Many teach graduate-level courses, represent Fortune 500 companies, and participate in local, state, and national bar associations. Babb gained professional experience reviewing contracts, attending meetings with development groups, and connecting with attorneys throughout the firm.
“I am one of the only undergraduates in the company’s history to have been given this opportunity,” Babb said. “My time at FSU has been integral in building within me not just a knowledge of the law, but a hunger to learn more and an ensuing confidence to seek it out.”
Babb is also pursuing minors in history and Latin American and Caribbean studies. As the daughter of a Cuban American mother and a military father, she grew up with a deep appreciation for travel and cross-cultural exploration, leading her to participate in FSU’s London Study Centre program with FSU’s International Programs. She credits this journey as one of the most formative experiences she’s had at FSU.
On top of that, Babb had the privilege of writing for the Undergraduate Law Review at FSU for two semesters and was published in the Florida Undergraduate Law Review at the University of Florida. She is also a member of the Honors Legal Scholars, a DJ and Director of Continuity for the WVFS radio station, a legal runner at Ausley McMullen, a staff writer for FSView & The Florida Flambeau, and the secretary of the creative law registered student organization FLAME: Law in Fashion, Art, Media, and Entertainment.
When asked why she chose to attend FSU, Babb said, “I knew that this was the most personalized, intimate, and thorough education I would have the privilege of receiving. I saw opportunities for mentorship and advising that seemed to be specific to FSU.”
This summer, Babb worked as a volunteer leader at Metropolitan Ministries, tutoring unhoused adults seeking their GED. “I have been raised to value the opportunities that education creates, and this role reminded me of how transformative access to learning can be,” she said, reflecting on her experience.
After graduation, Babb plans to attend law school, with interests in practicing transactional law such as Real Estate and Intellectual Property, as well as pursuing her passion for media and journalism.
For more information about FSU’s Department of Political Science, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci. For more information about FSU’s School of Communication and Information, visit comm.cci.fsu.edu.