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For Students & Educators > Intern Program Intern Program

Active recruiting begins in late August, but applications are accepted year-round. Early applicants will be contacted in the fall to reconfirm their interest.

The application deadline is October 31 of every year. After reviewing submitted applications, those selected will be scheduled for interviews which will take place in Indianapolis at the State House. The class will consist of approximately 22 interns and will be selected in early November.

Legislative internships provide an opportunity for students to gain knowledge of the inner workings of state government by being a part of the process.

Typical experiences include:

  • Interns will thoroughly learn the legislative process, gaining an in-depth understanding of how laws are made in a hands-on environment.
  • They can observe how policy makers work together to build consensus and support for their initiatives.
  • Interns also become adept at navigating the complex state government system and learn how it affects the everyday lives of Hoosiers by analyzing legislative initiatives and serving as advocates for constituents dealing with state agencies.
  • Other duties include researching bill information and helping senators prepare for committee meetings and session days.

Want to learn how to work in a fast-paced professional environment where the stakes are high? This program prepares interns for permanent positions where interpersonal skills are essential.

Benefits consist of:

  • Interns have the opportunity to create professional relationships that prepare you for future employment.
  • Interns planning to pursue an education in law or graduate school upon completion of their undergraduate degrees often find this experience beneficial to those endeavors.
  • A growing number of interns go on to work in state government, thanks in part to their internship experience.
  • Most interns develop close business relationships that last well beyond the term of the internship because of the time spent working together.

Appointments are made on a competitive basis, with attention given to academic record, work-related experiences, and the value of the internship to the students.

How to apply:

You may apply online by clicking the link above or contact Jennifer Carlton at (317) 232-9519.

Deadline to apply is October 31.

Along with an application, candidates must submit a transcript, essay, writing sample and references.

Submitted applications will be reviewed, and those applicants chosen for interviews will meet with Senate staff. Internships will be announced by early November.

The Senate Republican caucus offers spring-semester internships to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent graduates. Applicants can be Indiana residents enrolled in higher-education institutions in or out of state, and out-of-state residents attending Indiana colleges or universities.

The 2010 Senate Internship begins in late December with orientation and lasts through April. No particular major or concentration is required of applicants. General internships, as well as internships in the fields of media relations, law and finance are available.

Following an orientation, interns work at the Statehouse assisting two Republican senators with constituent correspondence, research, scheduling and coordinating the senators' daily activities involving standing committee meetings and floor sessions. Daily hours required of interns vary, but days sometimes are longer than eight hours. Academic credit for internships is arranged between interns and their colleges.

Interns receive a stipend of $350 per week to help with living expenses while in Indianapolis. At the end of each year's legislative session, Verizon Communications offers a $3,000 scholarship to the outstanding Senate Republican intern.

For more information, or questions about the application process, please contact Jennifer Carlton at (317) 232-9519.