Institute of Government and Politics

Internship Opportunities


To apply for these internships, please download the application packet, fill it out, and bring it to Old Main 109, or email it to brandee.halverson@usu.edu. Applications for Spring, 2013 are due Oct. 5 by 5:00 PM.


SALT LAKE CITY INTERNSHIPS


Spring


State Legislature – Legislative Intern

  • The Utah Legislature meets every year for a 45-day legislative session, running late January till early March. Each year Utah State sends eight student interns to staff legislators during the session.
  • Interns are assigned either to a single legislator, though sometimes are asked to staff two – depending on the year and the legislators' needs. Job requirements may include: Attending committee meetings, tracking legislation, interacting with government agencies, interacting with constituents, writing correspondence, writing speeches, researching public policy issues, and other legislative duties as required.
  • Internship is paid.

Leonard M. Blackham – Agriculture Legislative Intern

  • Leonard M. Blackham is Utah's Commissioner of Agriculture and Food and the president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NSDA).
  • Internship duties include: Attending committee meetings, tracking legislation, interacting with government agencies, interacting with constituents, writing correspondence, writing speeches, researching public policy issues, and other legislative duties as required.
  • Internship is paid.

SB Strategies – Government Relations Intern

  • Steve Barth is the owner of SB Strategies, a political consulting group specializing in government public relations, lobbying, and political consulting.
  • Internship duties include: Attending committee meetings, tracking legislation, interacting with government agencies, interacting with constituents, writing correspondence, researching public policy issues, and other legislative duties as required.
  • Internship is paid.

Neil Abercrombie – Government Relations Intern

  • Neil is the Director of Government Relations at Utah State University. Each session he represents Utah State as a lobbyist for USU's top priorities.
  • Internship duties include: Attending committee meetings, tracking legislation, interacting with government agencies, writing correspondence, researching public policy issues, and other legislative duties as required.
  • Internship is paid.

The Exoro Group – Government Relations Intern

  • Maura Carabello is an original owner and current managing partner of The Exoro Group. The Exoro Group is a strategic political communications company for business, government and nonprofit organization. Exoro staff with clients to identify a target audience and determine the timing, messaging, and marketing strategies that will connect with that audience.
  • Internship duties include – Attending committee meetings, tracking legislation, interacting with government agencies, interacting with constituents, writing correspondence, researching public policy issues, and other legislative duties as required.
  • For more information about The Exoro Group, visit http://www.exoro.com/aboutus.php
  • Internship is paid.

Governor's Office of Education – Government Intern

  • Christine Kearl is the Education Deputy at the Office of the Governor. Christine represents the Governor's office with federal, state, and local government units and the public; manages the Education Summits and the Literacy Commission programs; acts as the math advisor to high schools and higher education institutions; and serves on all boards and commissions in lieu of the Governor whenever so designated by the Governor.
  • Internship duties include: Tracking legislations, attending hearings, writing brief summaries, attending policy meetings in Governor's office, and assisting with the Governor's goals for public education, higher education, and grades K-16. Interns must be very detail oriented.

Governor's Office of Economic Development – Government Intern

  • The purpose of the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development is to provide rich business resources for the creation, growth and recruitment of companies to Utah and to increase tourism and film production in the state.
  • Intern duties include: Tracking legislation, attending committee meetings, interacting with government agencies, composing correspondence, researching public policy issues, and performing other legislative duties as needed.
  • For more information on the Office of Economic Development, visit http://business.utah.gov/GOED/about/

Attorney General's Office – Government Intern

  • The role of the Attorney General's office is to uphold the constitution, enforce the law, provide legal counsel to state agencies and public officials, work with law enforcement, and protect the interests of Utah, its people, environment, and resources. The AG's office also ensures the law is upheld and that the rights of all citizens are preserved. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff especially focuses on protecting children.
  • Internship duties include: Tracking legislation, attending committee meetings, interacting with government agencies, composing correspondence, researching public policy issues, and performing other legislative duties as needed.
  • For more information about the AG's office, visit http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/44.html

CJD & Associates – Government Affairs Intern

  • Candace Daly has been involved in the political arena for many years as the founder and president of CJD & Associates, a Utah-based governmental affairs firm. Daly has expertise in not only small-business issues but a variety of issues ranging from health care, energy, revenue, taxation and transportation.
  • Internship duties include: Tracking legislation, attending committee meetings, interacting with government agencies, composing correspondence, researching public policy issues, and other duties as prescribed.
  • Internship is paid.

Doug Foxley – Lobbying Intern

  • Doug Foxley served as Senior Advisor to the Huntsman/Herbert campaign and currently provides advice and counsel to politicians in Utah and D.C. Mr. Foxley played a key role in the Governor Herbert reelection campaign.
  • Internship duties include: Tracking legislation, attending committee meetings, interacting with government agencies, composing correspondence, researching public policy issues, and other duties as required.
  • Internship is paid.

Summer, Fall


First District Court – Judicial Intern

  • The District Court is the state trial court of general jurisdiction. The First District Court is one of eight judicial districts. It has original jurisdiction to try all civil cases, all criminal felonies, such as homicides, assaults, sex and drug offenses, forgery, arson, and robbery, and misdemeanors in certain circumstances. An important part of the District Court caseload is domestic relations cases, such as divorces, child custody and support, adoption, and probate. District judges also have the power to issue extraordinary writs. In addition, the Court serves as an appellate court to review informal adjudicative proceedings from administrative agencies.
  • Internship duties include: Working with judges and law clerks, researching legal issues, drafting case summaries, and attending court hearings and trials.

Hillyard, Anderson and Olsen Law Firm – Legal Intern

  • Hillyard, Anderson, and Olsen is a local law firm in Logan that assists clients mainly in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, personal injury, family law, criminal defense, and personal, business and physical trauma.
  • Intern duties include: Opening and closing files, doing office work, making forms, balancing and checking client accounting ledgers, organizing reimbursements, modernizing attorneys' libraries with latest publication editions, helping with PI cases (calling insurance companies and clients for info), booking flights for Senator Lyle Hillyard, reorganizing binders with dividers, and helping to keep supplies organized.

Senator Lee's SLC Office – Senator's Intern

  • Senator Lee's committee assignments include: Judiciary, Water and Power subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources, Foreign Relations.
  • Internship duties vary from semester to semester.

Senator Hatch SLC Office - Senator's Intern

  • Senator Hatch is a senior senator from Utah. His committee assignments include: Finance, Judiciary, Health Education Labor and Pensions.
  • Internship duties vary from semester to semester.

PIRG's Activism Internship

  • Join a team of interns and volunteers to work on different campaigns such as: Energy Service Corps, Sustainable U, Make Textbooks Affordable, New Voters Project and Hunger Clean Up.
  • For more information about this internship, visit http://www.studentpirgs.org/internships


WASHINGTON, D.C. INTERNSHIPS


Spring, Summer, Fall


Senator Hatch's Office – Senate Intern

  • Senator Hatch is a senior senator from Utah. His committee assignments include: Finance, Judiciary, Health Education Labor and Pensions. Exclamation points.
  • Intern duties include: Attend senate hearings, help legislative assistant with research, respond to constituent mail, and track legislation.
  • Visit www.Hatch.senate.gov for more information on Senator Hatch.
  • Internship is paid.

Senate Finance Committee – Senate Intern

  • Senator Orrin Hatch is the ranking member on the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is over issues such as: health care, IRS, international trade, social security, and taxation.
  • Internship duties include: Attend senate hearing, help legislative assistant with research, respond to constituent mail, and track legislation.
  • For more information on the Finance Committee, visit www.finance.senate.gov.
  • Internship is paid.

Congressman Bishop's Office – Congressional Intern

  • Congressman Bishop's committee assignments include: Natural Resources and Rules.
  • Intern duties include: Respond to constituent phone calls and mail, attend House hearing, assist with research, and track legislation.
  • For more information on Congressman Bishop, visit www.Robbishop.house.gov.
  • Internship is paid.

Senator Lee – Senate Intern

  • Senator Lee's committee assignments include: Judiciary, Water and Power subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources, Foreign Relations.
  • Intern duties include: Attend senate hearing, help with legislative assistant with research, respond to constituent mail and track legislation.
  • For more information on Senator Lee, visit www.Lee.senate.gov.
  • Internship is paid.

The Bennett Consulting Group – Government Affairs Intern

  • Tim Stewart was the top aid to former Utah Senator Bob Bennett and the Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for the House Committee on Resources. Tim specializes in issues that affect the western states, such as energy and land development, Native America issues, and water and natural resources policy.
  • Internship duties include: Assisting Tim with advocacy work with clients, tracking legislation, working on and off Capitol Hill, and doing research.
  • For more information on the Bennett Consulting Group, visit www.bennettdc.com.
  • Internship is paid.

Larrison Group– National Fundraiser Intern

  • The Larrison Group is a national fundraising for congressional candidates. The organization has done fundraising for candidates such as Govern Hailey Barber and Senator Orrin Hatch.
  • Intern duties include: Working with the private sector on development and with political candidates running for office.
  • Internship is paid.

Lee & Smith, PC – Lobbying Intern

  • Washington, D.C. lobbying firm that represents Utah State University.
  • Intern duties include: Direct legislation, conduct research, prepare briefs, visit Capitol Hill.
  • Great opportunities for pre-law students.
  • Internship is paid.

Bockorny Group – Lobbying Intern

  • Washington, D.C. lobbying firm. Todd Thorpe is a former Capitol Hill Chief of Staff. He worked for Congressman Chris Cannon, Congressman Jim Hansen and Senator John Ensign. The Bockorny Group represents a wide variety of issues: technology, Internet, telecommunications, energy, and immigration policy.
  • Interns duties include: Direct legislation, conduct research, prepare briefs, visit Capitol Hill.
  • Visit Bockornygroup.com for more details on the group.
  • Great opportunities for pre-law students.

Jace Johnson (Adobe) – Lobbying Intern

  • Jace Johnson is the Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Adobe and former Chief of Staff to Senator Orrin Hatch. He represents Abode on policy efforts, collaboration with government needs, and advocating for the role of technology.
  • Internship duties include: Direct legislation, conduct research, prepare briefs, visit Capitol Hill.

The Heritage Foundation – Policy Intern

  • The Heritage Foundation is a think tank that promotes conservative public policies on issues such as foreign and domestic policy, security, energy and environment, homeland health care.
  • Internship duties include: Research, writing blog posts, and working on computer projects. In addition to intern's regular duties, they will receive training by attending weekly briefings, lectures, seminars, researching workshops, and tours.

Kidsave – Advocacy Intern

  • Kidsave seeks global improvements in government policies and practices by creating policy and system change to ensure that millions of orphan children have the opportunity to have a permanent family.
  • Kidsave is looking for students who are interested in marketing and communications, social work, political science, nonprofit management, advocacy, and community mobilization for social change that will create a difference in children's lives
  • Visit http://www.kidsave.org/advocacy.shtml for more details.

Heart of America – Literacy Activist Intern

  • The Heart of America Foundation is a national nonprofit that promotes volunteer service and literacy. It aims to inspire acts of service and love of reading by building community and providing children in need with the tools to read and succeed.
  • Internship duties include: Tracking legislation, working with other nonprofit organizations, doing research, making visits to Capitol Hill. http://www.heartofamerica.org/about.htm.
  • Housing stipend is provided.

Republican National Committee – RNC Intern

  • There are many internship opportunities available with the RNC. Students could work in the chairman's office, press office, research, GOP TV, new media, finance, political strategy, member services, network operations, and constituent services.
  • Visit http://www.gop.com/index.php/housekeeping/Internships/ for more details on the internship.
  • Before applying, submit an application the IOGP and we will work with you to apply to the RNC.

Democrat National Committee – DNC Intern

  • There are multiple internships available at the DNC for students of all majors. Students can work in any of the following offices: Accounting, Democratic State Chairs, Communications, Digital, Executive Director, Marketing Office of Secretary, Operations, Political, Research, Technology, Voter Protection.

Library of Congress, The American Folklife Center – Research Intern

  • The Library supports the Congress in fulfilling its constitutional duty to further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people.
  • Internship duties include: Working with folklife, enthnomusicology, or related disciplines, and working in an archive or library.

Federal Reserve

  • The internship program is designed to provide valuable work experience for undergraduate and graduate students considering careers in economics, finance, and computer science.

White House Correspondence – Correspondence Intern

  • The WHCA represents the White House press corps in its dealings with the administration on coverage-related issues.
  • Internship duties include: Answer phones, screen mail, assist with office tasks.

Nature Conservancy - Conservation Intern


Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Policy Intern

  • The Department of Ag provides hassle leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science and efficient management.
  • The Department of Ag has multiple internships for students of all majors. Some include: Asian Pacific American Leadership Interns, student conservation association, internship for native students, international agricultural internship, veterinary student program, information technology intern, agricultural ambassador national agricultural library (great for English students) etc. Take a look at their internship list for ALL majors.

Department of Education – Education Policy Intern

  • The Department of Education (ED) internships allow students to have an experience in government through real work responsibilities in a range of departments within ED.
  • Students of all majors can find an internship with the Dept. of ED. They could work in these subject areas to name a few: Legal work, new media, legislative affairs, external affairs and intergovernmental relations, public affairs and communications, finance, evaluation and research, elementary and secondary education, higher education, special education, civil rights, international education etc.

US Chamber of Commerce

  • As the voice of business, the Chamber's core purpose is to fight for free enterprise before Congress, the White House, regulatory agencies, the courts, the court of public opinion, and governments around the world.
  • Internship duties include: Research, writing, database management, web page maintenance, communications, and event preparation.

Rod Cross – Government Relations Intern

  • The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families.
  • Internship duties include: attend congressional hearing, coordinate American Red Cross briefings on Capitol Hill, research and track legislation, participate in meetings with other national organizations, participate in disaster operations center briefings, and assist in the creation of briefing materials for Red Cross.

Americans for Prosperity

  • Americans for Prosperity one of the largest conservative grassroots orgs in America with 1.8 million members. This internship is for students who want to participate in the conservative movement. There are a variety of positions available from policy, marketing, HR, and development (fund raising).
  • Duties vary depending on the season.
  • Internship is paid.

Senator Barrasso

  • Senator Barrasso is a Republican senator from Wyoming. He covers Agriculture, Public Lands, Indian Affairs, and Natural Resources.
  • Intern duties include: Attend senate hearing, help legislative assistant with research, respond to constituent mail, and track legislation.

Senator Reid

  • Senator Reid is the Senate Majority Leader, elected from Nevada. Reid is a USU alumnus.
  • For more information on Senator Reid, visit http://www.reid.senate.gov/

Senator Crapo


Senator Reich


Representative Simpson


Representative Labrador


National Defense University

  • There are a variety of internships offered including students with an interest and skills in: Russian/Eurasia, international law, deterrence policy, nuclear weapon issues, energy and environmental security, transatlantic strategic studies, etc.
  • To view specific internship opportunities, visit http://www.ndu.edu/inss/index.cfm?pageID=15&type=page

Institute For Humane Studies

  • Participants spend a rewarding summer completing internships with more than 80 think tanks and policy organizations across the country, learning about the principles and practices essential to policy making, and critically analyzing current events and policies. The institute offers two types of internships. One on political policy and the other on journalism. The program includes instructive seminars, resume workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities to prepare Fellows to succeed in the competitive job market. Undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students are eligible.
  • To apply visit, http://profile.theihs.org/MyIHS/Login.aspx

Koch Foundation


Fund for American Studies

  • The Fund for American Studies has various "institutes" that house summer interns. These institutes include the Institute on Political Journalism, Institute on Economics and International Affairs, Institute on Business and Government, International Institutes in Pargue, Hong Kong and Greece, Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service. Although the institutes only run during the summer, the Fund for American Studies has a "Capitol Semester" internship for fall and spring. Capitol Semester is for students looking to gain public policy or journalism experience in our nation's capital while studying at Georgetown University.
  • To apply visit http://www.dcinternships.org/

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHICI)

  • CHICI offers all Latino students an opportunity to better understand public policy, politics and leadership. This internship pays $3,750 for the 12 weeks, as well as transportation to and from D.C. as well as housing.
  • Summer applications are due Feb. 3. To apply visit, http://www.chci.org/internships/

Stewart Family Fellowship

  • The Stewart Family Internship is for a junior or senior undergraduate student, or a recent graduate student in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The student will work for the college and the American Capitalists Company. The intern will be known as the "Stewart Family Fellow." This is a six-month internship, (mid-June through December 2012).
  • Internship duties include: making initial phone contact with a wide range of constituents, representing both USU and the American Capitalists; establish networks with former USU interns and other alumni on behalf of the college; participating at American Capitalists during fly-ins, legislative hearings, and other lobbyist activities. The intern will participate in USU's internship program, attending the seminar series, and meet with USU representative as needed or required.
  • To apply contact Carol McNamara, carol.mcnamara@usu.edu, 435-797-1835. Deadline for application is March 31, 2012.

CRCC Asia – International Internship

  • CRCC Asia sends ambitious and enterprising students from around the world to China to gain professional development. Our internships have year-round start dates, are available for one, two or three months, and are in a variety of industries.
  • For more information or to apply, contact Jill Richardson at (415) 243-0967, www.crccasia.com

Salt Lake Tribune

  • The Salt Lake Tribune seeks an intern to help support its two-person Washington, D.C. bureau and supplement its political coverage. The intern will help produce a popular daily news digest called Political Cornflakes, manage social media accounts and produce news articles on how federal actions are impacting Utah. The intern will get a chance to interview members of Congress, attend a White House briefing and interact with Washington-based reporters from newspapers throughout the country. The Tribune will provide airfare and will subsidize transit. The intern must provide his or her own laptop and cell phone.
  • To apply, send a resume, 3 to 5 work samples and three references to Matt Canham (mcanham@sltrib.com) by March 31 for the summer internship or by May 31 for the fall internship

U.S. Department of Interior

  • The Department of the Interior is the nation's principal conservation agency. In addition to protecting America's natural and cultural resources, the Department also manages about one-fifth of the land in the United States that supply 30 percent of the nation's energy production.
  • Interns have an opportunity to work with some of the Department's senior policy advisors to the Secretary of the Interior in areas such as the Office of Congressional Affairs, the Office of Communications, the Office of External Affairs, the Scheduling Office, and the Office of the Executive Secretariat.
  • For more information, or to apply visit http://www.doi.gov/whatwedo/youth/Office-of-the-Secretary-Internship-Program.cfm

Center for American Progress

  • The Center for American Progress is a think tank which addresses 21st-century challenges such as energy, national security, economic growth and opportunity, immigration, education, and health care.
  • Students can intern in: communications, economic policy, energy/environment, domestic policy, ethnic media, external affairs, LGBT issues, Legal Progress, National Security, online communications/editorial, religion, science policy/bioethics, technical support, video/webtech.
  • Interns will be directly engaged with the Center's policy experts and participate in a variety of activities including research, writing, and web-based projects. There are over 20 departments students can choose to intern with. Summer due date: Feb 1
  • To apply visit, http://www.americanprogress.org/aboutus/intern/index.html



If you are not a Utah resident or have parents with residency outside of Utah, your home state senators or representatives may consider you a constituent, and you may have an increased chance of securing an internship in their office. If you are interested in interning for a senator or congressman from another state, email brandee.halverson@usu.edu, or call 435.797.0257