Legislative Internship
Click the play button below to watch an informative video on the Internship Program:
Legislative internships provide an opportunity for students to gain knowledge of the inner workings of state government by being a part of the process. Interns will thoroughly learn the legislative process, gaining an in-depth understanding of how laws are made in a hands-on environment.
Each intern's responsibilities will depend on the legislators and staff with whom he or she works. Typical intern responsibilities include:
- Staffing committee hearings.
- Analyzing bill content at each step of the legislative process.
- Researching past and pending legislation.
- Attending to constituent correspondence.
- Helping senators prepare for committee meetings and session days.
APPLICATIONS
Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Internship Program.
The Senate Democrat caucus offers spring-semester internships to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent graduates. Applicants must be:
- Indiana residents enrolled in higher-education institutions in or out of state, OR
- Out-of-state residents attending Indiana colleges or universities.
The 2010 Senate Internship will begin in January and end in early April. The Senate Democrats typically hire legislative interns who will work directly with one or two lawmakers, as well as internships specializing in the fields of media relations, law and public finance.
No specific major is required, but a successful candidate must enthusiastically want to learn about government and politics in the real world. Other necessary practical skills include:
- Excellent writing skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Basic computer skills.
- Public speaking skills.
- Organizational skills.
- Effective time management.
- Professional attitude.
Appointments for interviews are made on a competitive basis, with attention given to the application, academic record, work-related experiences, and the value of the internship to the students. Internship appointments will be announced in early November.
STIPEND, ACADEMIC CREDIT AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Interns receive a stipend of $350 per week. Academic credit for the internship is arranged between interns and their colleges.
At the end of each year's legislative session, Verizon Communications offers a $3,000 scholarship to the outstanding intern from each of the four caucuses. Additionally, a $1,000 scholarship from the Rick Gudal Public Service Scholarship Fund is awarded each year to the intern who best exemplifies the public service legacy and love of education of former Senate Democratic staffer Rick Gudal.
Download the 2010 Internship Application (PDF)
Candidates must submit:
- Applications
- Transcript
- Essay
- Writing sample
- References
For additional information contact:
Elise Shrock
Indiana Senate Democrats
200 W Washington St., Rm 401
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2785
Toll-free: 800.382.9497
Local: 317.232.9496
Email: eshrock@iga.in.gov