10/10/11 College upperclassmen and recent graduates can set their resumes apart by gaining Statehouse experiences offered through internships with the Indiana Senate Republicans, said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen).
Mishler said applications for the full-time, spring semester, Senate internships — including legislative and communications opportunities — are available online at www.senaterepublicans.in.gov/internship.htm. A resume, two reference letters, college transcripts and a writing sample are required submissions. All complete applications are due Oct. 31.
“During the legislative session, there are many interns at the Statehouse helping policymakers and staff members,” Mishler said. “It’s always my hope that there are students and recent graduates from Senate District 9 who are among those gaining valuable work experience and strengthening their resumes.”
Legislative interns work alongside senators and legislative assistants, responding to constituent calls, letters and e-mails, as well as staffing Senate committees and assisting with floor proceedings. Communications interns gain practical experience, helping press secretaries prepare and distribute news releases, guest columns, letters to the editor, direct mail, e-newsletters, e-invitations, web updates, audio feeds and video productions.
Mishler said Senate interns may want to plan to live in or near Indianapolis during the internship due to the varied work schedule during the legislative session. Interns earn a $700 bi-weekly stipend to assist with living expenses.
Selected applicants are invited to attend the General Assembly’s ceremonial Organization Day on Nov. 22 and officially begin their internships with a mandatory orientation on Dec. 27. Senate internships last the duration of this legislative session, which by law is scheduled to end on or before March 14, 2012.
College Credit
Mishler said college credit for the internship varies, depending on individual schools’ internship policies. Interested students should meet with school academic advisors to determine academic credits available. To maintain full-time student status, interns frequently arrange correspondence or independent courses. A three-credit-hour state government course, conducted at the Statehouse throughout the internship, is also available.
Scholarship Opportunities
At the end of each year’s legislative session, Verizon Communications offers a $3,000 scholarship to the top intern from each caucus — Republican and Democrat. Additionally, each caucus awards a $1,000 scholarship in memory of longtime Senate staffer Rick Gudal.
More Information
Mishler said interested college students should contact Jennifer Carlton, Senate Majority Intern Director, by email at jcarlton@iga.in.gov, for more information about internships with the Indiana Senate Republicans.
