Utah Legislature Internship Program
The Utah Legislature’s Internship Program is an opportunity for current undergraduate students to gain a front-row seat to the Utah policymaking process from start to finish. Interns have the opportunity to work alongside a legislator throughout the annual General Session beginning in January where they are able 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, and gain an impressive resume builder.
Application
Applications are submitted through the following participating schools:
Salt Lake Community College
Snow College
Each school determines its application deadline, ranging from early September to early November. Applications require a resume, writing sample, cover letter, letter of recommendation, and transcript.
Interviews
Each participating school’s internship coordinator will interview each applicant for the internship program. If selected by the internship coordinator to participate in the internship program, the applicant will meet with the legislative internship coordinator for a placement interview in November. The legislative intern coordinator will notify interns of their assigned legislator between mid-December and the first week of January.
After placement interviews, an intern may be recommended for placement with a legislator who is in a leadership position with the House or Senate majority or minority caucuses. In that case, caucus staff will schedule an interview with the intern.
Internship Team
Internship orientation takes place at the beginning of January before the session begins. The internship lasts for the duration of the General Session (45 days).
Academic Credit and Compensation
Interns receive a $4,000 stipend. This is split into two payments: one mid-session and one at the end of the General Session when the internship is complete. In addition to compensation, each school determines how many academic credits students may receive for participation in the internship.
Frequently Asked Questions
what should I highlight on my application?
As a college student, 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. 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.
Do I have to be a political science major or have background knowledge in politics? What if I do not have political experience?
No, we welcome and encourage all majors to apply. Legisaltors come from a wide range of professions; they are doctors, teachers, farmers, businessmen, parents, financial analysts, and pharmacists. Legislators pass bills and work on policies that directly affect a wide array of issues, including social and health services, 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 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.
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 General Session through your school.
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 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 state 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 full-time 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 General Session. During this internship, you will work extremely close with full-time legislative staff, constituents, stakeholders, and other interns. We look for individuals who are trustworthy, proactive, and result-focused.
For other 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.