Develop skills, make connections, and experience the legislative process firsthand
By Janea Byrne, Internship Coordinator
Have you ever thought about a career in public service? Are you interested in learning more about the legislative process and working alongside professionals to support the creation of public policy? Then the Arizona State Legislative Internship Program is for you!
The Legislative Internship Program is an opportunity for NAU students of all majors to gain experience in research, writing, and public speaking, while actively participating in the democratic process during the Legislative Session each spring.
Don’t have prior experience or knowledge of the legislative process? Don’t worry! This internship is open to all backgrounds and majors. You do NOT need previous knowledge of the legislative process in order to apply.
“Don’t let inexperience or lack of political knowledge intimidate you. A sincere interest and willingness to learn will be enough for you to succeed in the internship. If you’re thinking about it, just go for it! It’s an amazing opportunity.” – Spring 2016 NAU Intern Shirley Springer, House of Representatives
Interns are selected for positions with the Arizona State Senate, the Arizona State House of Representatives, the Arizona State Governor’s Office, or the Arizona State Supreme Court. Selected broadcast interns join the Arizona Capitol Television team.
In addition to the experience, Legislative Interns will receive a stipend of $5,000, a tuition/fee waiver, and earn 12 hours of undergraduate upper division credit or 9 hours of graduate credit upon successful completion of the internship.
Those selected for the Legislative Internship Program will work full-time in Phoenix during the Legislative Session from January through May.
“The Arizona Capitol TV internship taught me so much about what life after college will be like. It’s a full-time job that takes field experience to the next level. My managers were amazing, and my fellow interns became some of my greatest friends. The only thing I can say to people that are thinking about applying is that they’d be crazy not to take advantage of such a unique opportunity.” – Spring 2017 NAU Intern Julia Garringer, Arizona Capitol Television
Sound like it might be a fit for you? Descriptions of the different positions within each office or agency as well as the applications can be found online.
“The tours around the state, the in-depth and specialized research, and seeing lawmaking in action, I decided on a clear career path in public service because of the experience I gained at the Arizona Legislature. This internship lead to an astounding insight to public policy making.” – Spring 2017 NAU Intern Maddison Powers, House of Representatives
Want to learn more? Check out what other students who participated in the Program had to say here.
Ready to apply?
You’ll need two letters of recommendation, so now is the time to start asking your professional and academic references. Check out these tips to get the best recommendation letter.
Application materials for the Legislative and Broadcast internships must be submitted via Handshake. This includes a completed application, unofficial transcript, two letters of recommendation, and current resume.
Click here to apply via Handshake.
Legislative Internship applications are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Broadcast Internship applications for Arizona Capitol Television are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2018.
Questions? Contact Janea.Byrne@nau.edu.
Interested in exploring other internship opportunities? NAU Career Development can help! Check out the online Career Steps lesson to learn more about strategies for Finding an Internship. You can also schedule a one-on-one Internship & Exploration Resources appointment with one of our team members via Handshake.