Legislative Intern Program
Program Overview
The Utah Legislative Intern Program is an opportunity for current undergraduate students attending universities in Utah to gain a front-row seat to the Utah policymaking process from start to finish.
During Utah’s 45-day annual general legislative session, lawmakers are each assigned one intern to assist them daily throughout the session. Among their assigned tasks, interns follow the legislative process closely, communicate directly with constituents, draft important correspondence, summarize policy, and provide certain administrative support to legislators.
Through this program, interns are able to gain a deeper understanding of the role and duties of the legislative branch, become immersed in decisions that directly impact their communities, network with top business and government leaders in the state, and earn an impressive resume highlight.
FAQ
Interns receive a $4,100 stipend, subject to tax. This is split into two payments: one mid-session and one at the end of the 7-week session when the internship is complete.
No. The Utah Legislature welcomes and encourages all majors to apply. Utah legislators are not career politicians, and they come from a wide range of professions: they are health professionals, educators, ranchers, businessmen, parents, economists, attorneys, and more. Lawmakers pass bills and work on policies that directly affect social work, business development, water conservation, communications, energy production, economic prosperity, foreign relations, and industry innovation.
The Legislature seeks out interns with all types of skill sets and professional goals to be interns. Understanding the policies that relate to your field of study will increase your marketability in future job searches, create a more complete understanding of your field as you enter the workforce, and help you become a more well-rounded student. Legislative staff trains, supervises, and mentors interns at all times.
An internship with the Utah Legislature provides an incredible springboard into employment both within and outside of state government. A significant portion of Senate staff, House staff, and legislative office staff are former interns. Interns also go on to work for local, statewide and national campaigns, congressional offices, and other branches of Utah government. Legislative interns are incredibly successful outside of politics as well, stepping into the workforce’s most in-demand vocations.
No matter the path chosen, the skills and experiences gained during your internship will continue to shape careers and contribute to your lifelong success.
The staff of the Legislature works hard to create a positive, collaborative, and professional work environment dedicated to providing unparalleled support to legislators. As a team, interns and staff work to proactively leverage their unique skills to assist lawmakers throughout the legislative session. Individuals who are dedicated, trustworthy, proactive, empowered to work hard, and results-focused will excel in this internship.
See the application process page.
After applying through a participating university, you will have initial interviews with your university coordinator and the Legislature’s Intern Program Coordinator. These on-campus interviews are conducted during the fall before the session begins in January to determine which candidates will be admitted into the program. Once admitted, you will receive notification of which legislator you are placed with before the start of the legislative session. You will then participate in a two-week training course in early January to prepare you to help your assigned legislator with the legislative process.
Intern Alumni Spotlight
Rebecca Woods
Senate Intern, 2024 General Legislative Session
"This internship provided me with a firsthand look at the inner workings of the legislative process and the dynamics of political strategy. I observed various groups in action–from lobbyists and advocacy groups to constituents and lawmakers–all working to enact good legislation for the people of Utah.
Furthermore, this experience significantly enriched my understanding of the Utah Legislature and politics as a whole. The internship complemented my sociology degree by offering practical insights into how policies are formed and implemented. It also allowed me the opportunity to apply my sociological studies to real-world scenarios, gain a deeper understanding of why public policy is so complex and see firsthand how social factors shape legislative decisions. Perhaps most significantly, this internship deepened my appreciation for governance and the importance of effective communication and negotiation in political arenas. Overall, it was an invaluable experience that bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world application."
William Johnson
House Intern, 2024 General Legislative Session
"I absolutely loved my internship with the state legislature. Many other internships have you spending time doing menial tasks because others don’t want to do them. This is not one of those internships. Instead, you have an opportunity to be in the mix for all things policy, communications, and process. I personally found this to be a really enlightening way to see politics firsthand – that it isn’t all just complaining and soundbites. I loved being able to see the legislators work together and bounce ideas off each other in order to help the state continue to grow.
The most unique aspect to the internship is your assignment to a legislator. In almost all other legislative internships, there is a team of staff assisting the legislator. In Utah, the interns primarily become that team. This creates a special opportunity to learn directly from an elected official and hear their perspectives, ideas, opinions, and thoughts as they work through the session to get their bills passed. It is truly unique and unlike many other internships. I could not recommend this internship more!"
Caden Vance
Senate Intern, 2024 General Legislative Session
"I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent hundreds of hours alongside such an experienced and tactful statesman. I learned an incredible amount as I observed and assisted them in serving their constituents and the great state of Utah. This internship also opened my eyes to the frugality and foresight that go into the state budget every year. I developed the utmost respect toward the legislators and staff for their diligence in persevering and progressing Utah’s excellence. The process was notably organized, and their high standards particularly resonated with me as an accounting and pre-law student.
Through this experience, I realized that my education prepares me to be a citizen who can contribute to their state through a private career and also through public service. The lessons I learned and the relationships I developed during my internship are priceless to me, professionally and personally."
