Application Deadline for the 2008 Session: November 1, 2007

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2008 Printable Intern Poster / 2008 Printable Brochure

Believe politics has nothing to do with your life? Skeptical about government? Discover the facts - intern at the Connecticut State Capitol.

A recent class of interns receives citations from the Connecticut General Assembly in the House Chamber.

Learn about state government and earn academic credit this spring semester as a legislative intern at the State Capitol. Work with a State Senator or Representative  (view a list of the Internship Committee Members here) and develop first-hand knowledge of the real world of politics.

Interns at a reception honoring them in the Old Judiciary Room of the Capitol. Interns gain valuable experience while making new friendships that often last a lifetime.

Both part-time and full-time internships are available. A major in political science and prior political experience are not required. Academic credit is granted by participating colleges and universities. To learn more about this program fill out an application form and see your campus advisor.

Additional information may also be obtained by contacting:

Arthur Forst, Ph.D
Program Director
Legislative Office Building, Room 5150
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
(860)240-0520

DEADLINE FOR CAMPUS SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR 2008 SESSION IS NOVEMBER 1, 2007

The Legislative Office Building provides an outstanding learning environment for interns.


The Connecticut State Capitol houses the State Senate Chamber and the Hall of the House of Representatives.


A group of interns gather in the Hall of the House for a photo-op.

Interns provide important support services for legislators.


Intern Recognition Day in May is a happy occasion for legislators and interns alike.

Legislator and intern take time out to pose for a photo.

Purpose

Recognizing the need to provide educational opportunities not typically available to students in the traditional academic setting, the Connecticut General Assembly has established an internship program to acquaint students with both the formal and informal aspects of the legislative process.

Accordingly, the program seeks to encourage a high level of personal interaction between legislators and interns, who serve as aides to their assigned legislators. A major objective of the program is to prepare interns to perform the necessary support services desired by the legislators for whom they are working; i.e. bill analysis and tracking, spot and in-depth research, drafting of news releases and speeches, liaison work, constituent casework, etc.

Qualifications

All undergraduate students who are attending two or four year institutions of higher education in Connecticut and state residents attending out-of-state colleges may apply to the program. Although students from all disciplines are considered, preference is given to upper-class students and students whose experience and academic background offer some preparation for the work they will undertake. In addition, some consideration is given to contributions which the applicant has made to his or her college and community.

Both full-time and part-time internships are available. Full-time interns are expected to work five days a week, regular working hours. Part-time interns are expected to work two full days a week, preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays.


Selection and Placement

Selection is made by the Committee on Legislative Staff Internships. The Committee will interview each candidate and select approximately ninety interns, both full-time and part-time, to serve for the legislative session. Appointments will be announced in December following November interviews.

Interns are assigned to legislative leaders, committee chairs, ranking members and individual legislators. A workable and mutually beneficial relationship between legislator and intern is a major goal of the internship program. Every effort is made to effect a match satisfactory to both legislator and intern.


Duration and Stipends

The program begins during the third week of January and ends in May. A stipend based on the number of miles traveled to the Capitol is paid to interns to help cover travel expenses.


Academic Component

Since the academic requirements of participating institutions of higher education may vary, each intern should arrange individually with his or her college or university for specific academic requirements and credits to be awarded for participation in the program. Twelve to fifteen credits are recommended for a full-time internship, and six to nine credits for a part-time internship.

Incoming interns are expected to participate in an intensive orientation program, the purpose of which is to provide an overview of the legislative process, an introduction to research techniques and resources, and other information necessary for the student to function as an intern. In addition, the internship program includes a series of seminars designed to familiarize the intern with additional components of the political process which have an impact on the operation of the Connecticut General Assembly. Interns will be examined on the orientation materials and will be expected to submit a paper related to the content of the seminar series.


Program Administration

The Connecticut General Assembly Internship Program is administered by the bipartisan Committee on Legislative Staff Internships which has primary responsibility for the on-going operation of the internship program.

Day-to-day contact with interns, planning and implementation of the academic components of the program and monitoring of intern performance is carried out by the Program Director, who is an experienced professional in higher educational administration, academic advisement, and the teaching/learning process.

Former interns have high praise for the internship program...

David Cappiello, State Senator from the 24th District :
"I would most definitely encourage students to intern at the State Legislature. After interning, I was offered a staff job as a legislative aide and then ran for the office the following year. Whether you want to be involved in politics or not, the experience is valuable. It is always good to know what's happening in state government. To change something you have to know the process."

Linda Kowalski, President, the Kowalski Group - a Hartford based lobbying firm :
"The internship provides real-world experience. It was so helpful to see what you learned in the classroom put to practical use. You really get to see the behind-the-scenes action that takes place. The internship gave me the opportunity to be where I am today."

Jennifer Diggins, Director of Operations for Congressman :
"I definitely wouldn't have gotten this far without the prior experience of being an intern. The internship gave me the opportunity to prove myself-to get a reputation for doing good work. People gained confidence in my abilities and saw that I was intelligent and a go-getter."


Senate intern receives recognition at the end of the session.