What do legislative interns do
Click here to read blog posts from former NAU interns for a glimpse into the experience! Interns at the Arizona State Legislature participate in the legislative process in a fast-paced, exciting atmosphere at the state capitol.
Serving on non-partisan, Republican, or Democratic staff, interns experience firsthand the process, conversations, and late nights that create legislation and public policy for the entire state of Arizona. Interns speak and work with lawmakers, lobbyists, and committees, getting an exclusive, behind-the-scenes perspective on Arizona politics that is unparalleled to any other internship.
Depending on their placement, interns work with partisan staff on issues important to their respective parties or analyze public policy for members of a legislative committee e. Duties may include conducting research, writing legislative summaries, presenting in committee hearings, briefing senators and representatives, preparing amendments, and communicating with legislators and constituents.
Interns with the Supreme Court work in the Executive Division, with the Legislative Group of the Administrative Office, assisting with judicial department legislation. Duties include attendance at court and legislative committee meetings and hearings; assisting the Legislative Group in preparing, testifying, researching, and tracking legislation with an impact on the courts; acting as a liaison to the Legislature, and communicating with judges and administrative staff on legislative activity.
After work, most interns stick around for networking and events. A typical day would start off with reviewing articles in the press relevant to the policy goals of the office, impacting the, federal, state and local governments in the district, and any online mentions of the congressman.
Following that I would resume any tasks leftover from the day before which ranged anywhere from writing up bill justifications or other legislative research projects or drafting correspondence. In between projects I would be answering constituent phone calls, sent on errands, or attend briefings on subjects I was interested in. Congressional Intern at U. Keep in mind that there is a distinct difference between district offices DO and Washington D. In the DO, everything is centered around helping the constituents navigate through federal agencies, meanwhile the D.
My day at the DO consisted of answer constituent phone calls, logging opinions, doing research on federal agencies for the caseworkers, and helping with day-to-day office tasks. Add Your Answer Sign In to answer. House of Representatives About Related Employers What approach should I take to the interview process for a legislative internship at the U. House of Representatives? How did being a Philosophy major help you as a Legislative Intern at U.
Whether or not the program exists in statute, the legislature needs to be dedicated to making it work. With members communicating to their caucuses the need for the program and what participation entails, requests from legislators for interns are increasing. Legislators support the program by serving as lecturers in semi-weekly intern seminars. Prepare Interns for the Workplace.
Because this is the first formal work experience for many, interns benefit from an orientation that teaches them about the legislature, workplace etiquette, and how to maneuver through the challenges of the legislative environment. Networking is also a focus. Students are encouraged to get to know their peers, and during the session, they meet weekly with leaders from across state government, who discuss their roles and career paths. Connecticut interns participate in a two-day orientation prior to session and have supplementary training on research and constituent management software.
Kansas and Kentucky also hold orientations, which are tweaked regularly—to provide additional software training, for example—in response to participant feedback or legislator requests. Encourage Participation in the Process.
Interns should be actively engaged in the legislative process. They can perform many of the duties of a legislative aide, such as constituent work and policy research. They also benefit from exposure to both legislators and various stakeholders—such as the executive branch, state agencies and lobbyists—to better understand state government.