Internship Opportunities at the Utah Legislature
About the Internship
Each January, Utah’s part-time citizen Legislature meets for 45 days on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City to craft policies and balance the state budget. Legislators are each assigned one intern who assists them throughout the legislative session. These interns help their assigned legislator fulfill essential duties including conducting policy research, drafting talking points, handling constituent relations, working with special interest groups, staffing events and providing general support as needed. This internship offers invaluable real-world experience where senators, representatives and their staff rely heavily on interns as integral members of the team.
This highly involved internship gives participants a front-row seat to the policy-making process from start to finish. Students who complete this internship have the opportunity to network with top business and government leaders in the state, become immersed in policy that directly impacts their communities, gain a deeper understanding of the duties of the legislative branch, receive an inside look into the policy-making process and gain an impressive resume builder. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy tackling large-scale projects and can work well with others toward impactful outcomes, this opportunity is perfect for you.
FAQ
Compensation
Interns receive a $4,000 stipend. This is split into two payments: one mid-session and one at the end of the 7-week legislative session when the internship is complete.
Do I have to be a political science major or have background knowledge in this area? What if I do not have political experience?
No, we welcome and encourage all majors to apply. Our legislators are not career politicians, and they come from a wide range of professions: they are doctors, teachers, farmers, businessmen, parents, financial analysts and pharmacists. They pass bills and work on policies that directly affect social work, business development, water conservation, communications, energy production, the environment, economic prosperity, foreign relations and science and technology innovation.
We look for interns with all types of skill sets and professional goals to match with our legislators. 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.
What opportunities come from this internship?
An internship with the Utah Legislature provides an incredible springboard into employment both within and outside of state government. A significant portion of our Senate staff, House staff, and legislative office staff are former interns. Interns also go on to work for local and national campaigns, congressional offices and other branches of Utah government. Our former interns are incredibly successful outside of politics as well, becoming lawyers, doctors, teachers, accountants, pharmacists, scientists and professors. No matter the path they choose, the skills and experiences gained during their internship continue to shape their careers and contribute to their success.
What makes a good intern?
The legislative staff works 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. We look for individuals who are humble, trustworthy, proactive, empowered to excel and result-focused. During this internship, you will work extremely close with full-time staff, constituents, stakeholders and other interns.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through participating universities. Each school determines its application deadline. Please reach out to your school’s internship program coordinator for more information on how to apply.
SLCC
Timeline
- Submit application materials through your school.
- Application materials include: resume, writing sample, cover letter, letters of recommendation, transcript. Deadlines to apply vary by school and range between late September to late November. Please contact your school for exact dates.
- Interview with your respective school’s internship coordinator.
- If admitted, meet with our legislative internship coordinator for a placement interview to match your personality and skill set to a member of the Senate or House.
- If selected for a leadership interview, caucus staff will schedule an interview during the first weeks of December.
- Interns are notified of final placement between mid-December and the first week of January.
- Orientation takes place at the beginning of January before the session begins. Here, interns will receive specific training on their responsibilities and learn more about the legislative process.
- Internship begins the first week of January.
- Legislative session begins January 21, 2025
- Internship ends in March.
- Legislative session ends March 7, 2025
What should I highlight on my application?
As college students, you aren’t expected to have lengthy credentials.
- In your cover letter and resume, highlight the areas you excel, the interests you have, and most importantly, be genuine.
- Choose a writing sample that conveys your writing style and skills. No more than 1-2 pages is needed.
- When requesting letters of recommendation, choose an individual who knows you well in a professional or academic setting. Choosing someone who can advocate for your character and skills is more important than choosing someone with an impressive resume.
Remember, quality is better than quantity. A neat and purposeful application goes a long way in the process.
Academic Credit
Interns work with their respective schools to determine how many credits they will register for and receive. Due to the full-time nature of the internship, interns are not able to take classes on campus during the 7-week legislative session and must be available daily from at least 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be days when extended hours are required, particularly when committee meetings and evening floor times begin. Second block/post-internship classes may be available. Contact your school internship coordinator for more details.
Do you provide housing?
Interns are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of the internship. Most interns commute to the Capitol each day via car or public transportation. A FrontRunner pass may be available to you during the session through your university.
For more questions, please contact:
Chris Peterson, legislative intern coordinator: chrispeterson@le.utah.gov
Intern testimonials
Rebecca Woods, Weber State University, 2024
During my internship with the Utah Legislature, I was given the unique opportunity to intern for Sen. Millner. This role 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.
Caden Vance, Brigham Young University, 2024
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.