Intern Program video transcript
A full transcript of the Intern Program video.
Transcript
Title Card: Washington State Legislative Internship Program
Colleen: my name is Colleen Rust and I serve as director of civic education for the Washington state senate.
Leo: My name is Leo O’Leary and I’m the director of civic education for the Washington state house of representatives.
Colleen: Each session, the legislative internship program welcomes between 60 and 70 juniors and seniors from colleges and universities across Washington state, to come serve as full-time, non-partisan staff in Olympia. Interns work directly for a legislator in either the house of representatives, or the senate, and earn academic credit for their time in Olympia.
Background Slideshow: About the Internship
· Each Legislative Session, 60 to 70 college juniors and seniors serve as nonpartisan, full-time legislative staff in Olympia
· Interns earn academic credit
· The internship begins annually in early January with orientation and concludes in mid-March or late April
· Government or political experience is not needed to serve
Students from all majors backgrounds and ideologies are welcome to apply
Leo: Students at quarter schools have the option of leaving at the end of the winter quarter, or staying for the entire session.
Colleen: You don't need to be a political science major to participate, nor is political experience or government knowledge necessary. The internship begins with three days of intensive orientation, that will teach you everything you need to know about state government to be a successful intern.
Leo: We welcome students of all majors, interests, and ideologies. Interns are matched with one senator, or several representatives, based on their interest and political beliefs. Interns can also be placed with caucuses to serve as policy or communication staff.
Background Slide: What was the most valuable part of the legislative internship program? “The immersion into different parts of state government through the civic Ed activities. These provided a level of education and networking that I couldn't imagine.”
Colleen: The legislative internship program is twofold, and includes not only the work that you do in your legislative office, but also an academic component of activities and workshops based in civic education.
Background Slide: Intern Opportunities
· Bill tracking, research, constituent services, and more while representing a legislator.
· Civic education lessons, including hands on simulations
· Unparalleled access to lawmakers and others influential in state government
· Professional development classes job shadow and networking opportunities
Colleen, Cont.: Responsibilities in your legislative office include constituent relations, policy research, bill tracking, and taking meetings on behalf of your legislator. We do not have a lot of full-time staff in Olympia, which allows interns to be very involved in the day-to-day operations of their office, and gain exposure to all aspects of state government. Your work is a critical part of the office, and you represent your legislator to constituents, policy makers, and stakeholders Additionally, we have a suite of civic education activities that interns participate in. This includes tours, events, trainings, and various speakers.
Background Slides: What was the most valuable part of the legislative internship program? “The most valuable part of this internship has definitely been being able to be surrounded by so many smart individuals that come up with the laws for our state.”
Leo: The legislative internship program began in 1955, and has a strong reputation both statewide, and nationally.
Background Slides: Benefits
· An in-depth knowledge of the legislative process and state government.
· Real-life, hands-on experience in a professional environment.
· Exposure to future opportunities and career paths.
· Connection in state government and beyond.
Leo, cont.: Interns gain real life. hands-on experience in a professional environment, in addition to a thorough understanding of the legislative process.
The program organizes professional development workshops that cover networking, interviews, resume building, and more that help students build on their iterations. Participants make connections in state government and beyond, often leading to full-time employment following graduation.
Background Slides: What was the most valuable part of the legislative internship program? “The connections I was able to make working with the office and the ability to observe how so many different government roles functioned day in and day out.”
Colleen: Applications are completed online, and open September 1st
Background Slides: How to Apply
· Cover Letter
· Resume
· Unofficial college or university transcript
· Two Letters of Recommendation, one academically focused, one professionally focused.
· One Personal Essay based on one of the prompts.
· Applications open on September 1st
· Submit all materials at www.leg.wa.gov/internships
Leo: Applications can be completed online at leg.wa.gov/internships. When you apply, you will need a cover letter, a resume, a copy of your unofficial transcript, two letters of recommendation: one professional and one academic, and a one-page personal essay on one of our three prompts, which are: what's a book, movie, or piece of art that has influenced you? What is the best advice you have received, and why was it impactful to you? And what is a story that makes you who you are, and your application would not be complete without it?
We do not have a GPA cut off, but we do pay close attention to your academic record.
Background Slideshow: Are you ready to embrace the challenge?
Colleen: Please be sure you're using your campus resources to make sure your materials are clear, concise, and well edited so you're putting your best foot forward when you apply.
End Card: BE A PART OF A PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN SERVING STUDENTS SINCE 1955
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