Letter to the Editor

Indiana House of Representatives Internship Program applications available

Sunday, January 9, 2011

To the Editor:

The Indiana House of Representatives offers paid internships to recent college graduates or current college students attending an Indiana college.

These internships offer excellent opportunities to learn firsthand about the legislative process, to gain valuable experience in a high-profile professional work environment and to serve as a staff member of the Indiana General Assembly's legislative session.

The internships pay $350 a week for those who qualify.

Academic credit is typically earned by interns who make the appropriate arrangements with their schools. The professional and social contacts made possible by serving as a legislative intern can generate both career and academic opportunities for the future.

From early January through April, interns will work closely with legislators, state officials and others directly responsible for developing state governmental policies.

The 2011 interns have already been selected and have started their internships at the State House. However, the application process for the 2012 session will begin in a few months.

The Indiana House of Representatives Internship Program emphasizes the value of firsthand experience by giving interns significant responsibilities for a wide range of duties within the realm of legislative session activity.

Successful internship applicants will exhibit strong writing, research and communication skills.

Although a strong interest in the legislative process is presumed, past interns have come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, such as journalism, history, pre-law, English, and political science.

Positions with the Indiana House of Representatives Internship Program will be available in the following areas of responsibility:

* Legislative/Constituent Services: Assist legislators in meeting legislative and constituent research responsibilities such as reporting legislative committee activity, organizing legislators' daily activities and writing constituent letters, position papers or bill summaries,

* Media Relations: Generate coverage of the Indiana General Assembly by writing and distributing new releases, organizing and facilitating news conferences, taping and transmitting broadcast feeds, coordinating photo sessions and performing related background research,

* Fiscal Policy: Gain firsthand experience in developing budgetary, tax and other fiscal policies, and

* Technology: Provide desktop and notebook computer support to legislators and staff, act as consultant in addressing diverse software and hardware needs, assist in the maintenance of various databases and in the completion of district mailings and other projects.

The application process for the 2012 session will begin around June 2011, and the deadline for applications will be Oct. 31, 2011. It's never too early to start planning for your future.

Both the Republican and Democratic caucuses of the House host their own separate but similar internship programs.

If you would like more information about the Indiana House Internship Program, please phone Internship Program Director Michael Smith (Democrat) at 1-800-382-9842/1-317-232-9999 or Internship Program Director Caitlin Gamble (Republican) at 1-800-382-9841/1-317-232-9753.

Applications are available online as well.

Good luck to all who pursue this wonderful opportunity.

Amy Burke Adams,

Brazil