washington state legislative intern program
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Washington State Legislative Intern Program. Students learn the legislative process and gain professional work experience while spending winter quarter or spring semester working in Olympia as staff for members of the Washington State House of Representatives or Senate. Requirements. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Washington State Legislative Intern Program
Students learn the legislative process and gain professional work experience while spending winter quarter or spring semester working in Olympia as staff for members of the Washington State House of Representatives or Senate.
Requirements• Junior or senior standing in any major• Attend a four year university or college in
Washington state, or • A resident of Washington state attending
college elsewhere• The internship must be taken for credit. Credit
amounts and academic requirements are determined by the school.
• The Legislative Internship is a full time commitment (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
• Interns receive financial compensation
• Interns attend 3 days of orientation prior to the beginning of the Legislative Session
• Interns are placed in offices with similar interests and political philosophy whenever possible
• Prior political experience is not necessary
The internship starts on the second Monday in January and runs for 60 days in even numbered years and 105 days in odd numbered years.
Students on the quarter system have the option of staying for Spring Quarter during the 105-day session.
Intern Duties• Conduct legislative research• Attend committee hearings and legislative meetings• Correspond with constituents and state agencies• Track legislation• Draft letters, resolutions, talking points, press
releases, and newsletters• Assist with daily office tasks• Participate in intern classes, workshops, and policy
exercises
Workshops and Seminars
• Legislative Ethics• Developing the State Budget • Lobbyist Panel• Media Panel• Legislative Research • Mock Committee Hearing
and Floor Debate• Job Shadow at a State
Agency• Writing for the Legislature• Supreme Court Tour
• Tour of Parliament in Victoria, British Columbia
• Prison Tour• Bill and Amendment Writing• Budget Solving Exercise• Résumé Writing• Networking Opportunities• Professional Development• Agency Casework• Budget Balancing Exercise
In addition to their office duties, interns participate in hands on activities and educational opportunities.
A Good Candidate Has• Strong written and oral
communication skills• Professional work ethic• Mature judgment and
commitment to following all legislative ethics laws
• Ability to handle a fast-paced environment
• Good analytical and research skills
How to Apply• Complete the online application• Write a cover letter explaining
how you meet the qualifications• Résumé• One-page essay responding to
the question “How does the internship fit in with your educational and career goals?”
• Two letters of recommendation: one from a faculty member and one from a personal reference
Selection Process• Applications are open from late August – mid-October • Applications are received jointly by the House and
Senate• Selected candidates are interviewed in October and
November by both House and Senate internship coordinators
• Hiring decisions are made and applicants are notified by December 1st
• Interns are placed with individual legislators’ offices after hiring decisions are complete
For More InformationEmily McCartanSenate Intern [email protected]
Paula RehwaldtHouse Intern [email protected]
Or visit our websitehttp://www.leg.wa.gov/internships