Earn & Learn as a Legislative Intern
Paid Internships with the Washington State Legislature. - Any Major!
Interns are important contributing members of the staff at the Washington State Legislature. They learn about state government while providing a valuable service. Interns gain an inside view of the legislative process and how constituents are served, while acquiring marketable skills and experience before graduation.
The Washington State Legislature offers over 80 full-time internship positions each Legislative Session for college and university students. The majority of these positions are undergraduate policy internships (deadline: 12pm on Oct. 27), where students work in Olympia as staff for members of the House of Representatives or Senate. The Legislature also offers individual internships for Computer Administration (deadline: Oct. 30), Photography (deadline: Nov. 2), Teaching (deadline: Oct. 30), Videography (deadline: Nov. 2).
Policy Internships
Interns spend winter quarter or spring semester working in Olympia as statt for members of the Washington State House of Representatives or Senate. In addition to their office work, interns participate in weekly academic seminars and workshops. The seminars include meeting with state officials, as well as panel discussions. In the workshops, interns take part in a budget exercise, mock hearing, and mock floor debate. They learn parliamentary procedure and how to write for the Legislature. Additionally, interns have the opportunity to shadow and elected officia or administrator of a state agency and learn about his/her job.
Duties
- Conducting legislative research
- Bill tracking
- Attending hearings and meetings
- Corresponding with constituents
- Office duties
Eligibility
- Juniors and seniors, of all ages, from four-year universities and colleges in Washington
- All majors and disciplines
- Must register for undergraduate academic credit
- Must comply with school or departmental qualifications and requirements (Some school have a pre-selection process. Check with your school.)
Requirements
Strong applicants will have:
- A strong desire to learn about public policy and the legislative process.
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Strong work ethic
- Mature judgment
- Ability to handle a fast-paced environment
Compensation and Credit
Interns receive monthly compensation to offset the expenses associated with the internship, and academic credit for their schools. The amount of credit to be earned and other academic requirements are determined by the schools.
Housing and Transportation
Interns are responsible for making their own arrangement. However, Olympia has plentiful housing during session and finding reasonable accomodations is usually not a problem. A list of available housing is provided. Olympia also has a public transportation system. Interns not using capitol campus parking are eligible for a bus pass. Carpools are often arranged among interns and other session staff.
Session Dates
The internship begins early January with an orientation. In even-numbered years, session lasts 60 days, and in odd-numbered years, 105 days. Subject to legislative approval, students may be able to stay beyond winter quarter during the 105-day session.
Application Process
- Applications available online @ www.leg.wa.gov/internships
- Due at noon (12pm) on October 27th; drop it off at the Academic Internship Office
- Online application applies to both House and Senate
- Applications must include an application form with faculty sponsor information, a current resume, an academic recommendation from a faculty member, a character recommendation from someone who knows you well, and an essay (see application)
- All applicants are interviewed by House and Senate Coordinators in November