Internship Opportunities
Current Legislative Internship Postings
For a full listing of Republican, Democratic, and non-partisan internship positions available with the Michigan Legislature, please visit http://www.house.mi.gov/employment.asp or http://www.senate.michigan.gov/jobs/employment.htm.
State Representative Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing)
An intern would be expected to provide assistance to Representative Mark Meadows and members of his staff ranging in the areas of legislation, communications, constituent affairs, general office management and miscellaneous tasks. Some responsibilities will include responding to constituent phone calls and inquires, monitoring and researching legislation, taking part in outreach activities such as distributing door-to-door surveys, composing written correspondence to groups and individuals within the 69th District, and communicating with other offices in the State Legislature and departments of state government. Hours are negotiable, prefer full year commitment. Please visit http://www.house.mi.gov/job_d_meadows_leg_intern_00_00_09.asp for application requirements.
Congressman Tim Wahlberg (R) (U.S. Representative for the 7th District - Jackson Office)
Interns in the Congressional District Office assist the Congressman and his staff in providing superior constituent service. This opportunity offers a valuable hands on learning experience that allows the student to more fully explore and understand the structure of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government and other Federal agencies. Interns also have the opportunity to expand their skills in working with people in a variety of ways. Internships are flexible, unpaid, part-time positions that can be used for college credit. To apply, submit a resume and short writing sample to leeann.yamakawa@mail.house.gov.
Congressman Dave Camp (R) (U.S. Representative for the 4th District)
The Washington, D.C. Office of U.S. Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) is seeking diligent, enthusiastic and organized undergraduate students for unpaid legislative internships during the upcoming fall 2011 semester. These positions provide exposure to the legislative process while developing an understanding of how a congressional office operates. Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to: constituent tours, organizing constituent mail, administrative duties, attending briefings, assisting with special projects, and the potential to assist legislative staff with research on various issues. Interns available to start mid-August with full-time availability and Michigan ties are strongly preferred. If interested, please send cover letter, resume, two writing samples and letters of recommendation to Katelyn Wilcox, Intern Coordinator, at (202) 225-9679 or email at katelyn.wilcox@mail.house.gov. For more information on Congressman Dave Camp and Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, please visit our website at www.camp.house.gov.
State Representative Barb Byrum (D) (Representative for the 67th House District)
Interns to Representative Byrum will provide assistance to the Representative's staff ranging in the areas of communications and constituent affairs. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining a greater understanding of our legislative process and the inner workings of state government. Responsibilities will include: general office duties as needed, communication with constituents and departmental liaisons, monitoring legislation, research, and written correspondence to groups and individuals within the 67th House district. Students will gain valuable hands-on office experience in a fast-paced environment. Qualifications: A High School Diploma is required and office/job experience is preferred. Students with excellent telephone, written and verbal communication skills, and a positive attitude are encouraged to apply. Legislative knowledge and basic computer skills are helpful. This is an unpaid, non-civil service, at-will position. Hours are negotiable and school credit can be arranged. To apply, send a cover letter and resume no later than August 26, 2011 to koreilly@house.mi.gov.
State Senator Phil Pavlov (R - St. Clair)
Summary of Position: This individual will provide assistance to senate staff ranging in the areas of legislation, communications, constituent affairs, and general office management. Some responsibilities will include: answering phones, constituent correspondence and filing. Qualifications: High School Diploma is required. Telephone, written communication skills, and a positive attitude preferred. Legislative experience and a basic understanding of computer office programs are helpful, but not necessary. Status: This is an unpaid position. Hours are negotiable and school credit can be arranged. This is an unpaid, non-civil service, at-will position. Please send resume to: Senator Phil Pavlov, 905 Farnum Building, PO Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909, Phone: (517) 373-7708, Fax: (517) 373-1450, Nparish@senate.michigan.gov.
Other Internship Opportunities
Michigan Democratic Party
The goal of the Michigan Democratic Party internship program is to provide a well-rounded experience relating to state politics and the campaign process that drives Democratic candidates into office. The internship program provides excellent entry-level experience and valuable contacts with candidates and party activists. The program allows interns to gain valuable work experience through providing substantial responsibility in the various departments of the Michigan Democratic Party office. Interns will work in the following areas: Political Organizing, Communications, Finance and Website Development. A commitment to the goals and ideals of the Democratic Party is a prerequisite, and previous work with political organizations or campaigns is encouraged, but not required. Stipends may be available based on time commitment and ability.
For more information about the Michcigan Democratic Party, please visit their website: www.michigandems.com. To apply for an internship, email a resume to Kevin Hrit, Michigan Democratic Party, 606 Townsend St., Lansing, MI 48933, 571.371.5410 ext. 231, Email: kevin@michigandems.com.
Michigan Republican Party
The Michigan Republican Party is currently accepting applications for its summer internship program. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to witness and learn the inner-workings of the Michigan Republican Party while also providing vital services to the operations of the party. Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to meet with elected officials and VIP’s, as well as attend special events and other behind-the-scene outings as part of the summer program. Successful applicants will be offered a financial stipend as part of the internship program. Duties of an intern will include but are not limited to: writing scripts and press releases, updating online communications, planning events, staffing events, engaging in thorough information research, database upkeep, answering phones, implementing grassroots strategies, and other ad-hoc tasks for special projects related to the goals of the Michigan Republican Party. Due to the variety of opportunities within the Michigan Republican Party, a successful applicant can look forward to working with the internship coordinator to best match his or her job skills, interests, and ambitions with the duties and projects available. Full-time and part-time internships are available. Interns will be required to report to the Michigan Republican Party Headquarters in Lansing; reliable transportation is necessary. Undergraduate or graduate student applicants are preferred but not required.
For more information about the application process, email internships@migop.org or call 517-487-5413 and ask for the internship coordinator.
Obama for America/Organizing for America Fall Fellows Program
The campaign to re-elect President Obama is a grassroots organization whose motto is "Respect, Empower, Include, Win." Obama for America deeply values the empowerment of staff and volunteers. The Fall Fellowship program is designed to test, train, and develop the next generation of community organizers, and to help the campaign expand outreach efforts in communities across the country. Organizing is inspiring, complex, moving, and difficult work. Fall Fellows who complete the program will leave with a full understanding of the tools, tactics, and language that organizers use to make change in their communities. Fall Fellows will focus on building teams of volunteers and coordinating outreach activities for potential volunteers in communities and on campuses. Some Fall Fellows will be working for the Obama Campaign directly while others will work for Organizing for America. Fall Fellows attending school may build teams of students on their campuses.
For more information about the program, including a full detailed description, requirements, and application procedures, please visit the Obama for America Fall Fellows application page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fall-fellows-cover?source=HQB.
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and MichiganOutofDoors Magazine are now accepting internship applications for the summer of 2011 and fall 2011 academic semesters. MUCC is a non-profit member-based organization with over 250 affiliated clubs and 42,000 members. For 74 years, MUCC has United Citizens to Conserve, Protect and Enhance Michigan’s Natural Resources and Preserve Our Outdoor Heritage through education, communication and advocacy. MichiganOutofDoors Magazine is Michigan’s premier outdoor publication, recently updated with the fully integrated MichiganOutofDoors.com, complete with semi-live video shows and updates.
Applicants must possess excellent communication skills and an intermediate understanding of computers for word processing and web-based research. All academic majors may apply, however, applicants studying political science, journalism, fisheries & wildlife, forestry, communications, public relations, or any combination are encouraged to apply. Potential interns with a study focused on public policy and/or wildlife and fisheries issues may apply to work directly with MUCC’s policy and legislative team. Potential interns with a study focused on broadcasting or journalism may apply to work more directly with our Michigan OutofDoors Magazine and “OD” video production entities.
While MUCC is unable to provide hourly or salary-based compensation, interns will receive a modest stipend for compensation.
Interested applicants: Please email or deliver a resume and short writing sample to Dave Nyberg at dnyberg@mucc.org or 2101 Wood Street, Lansing, Michigan before April 30, 2011. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, however, applicants are encouraged to contact their school internship coordinator to determine academic credit eligibility requirements.
Environment Michigan
Each semester, Environment Michigan runs an internship program that gives students like you the opportunity to learn how to make a real impact on critical environmental issues. You’ll learn how to analyze environmental problems, advocate for smart solutions, and build public support on our Clean Air, Healthy Families campaign. Duties include: working to demonstrate support for clean air from local organizations, businesses and other voices, as well as our citizen members; attending and organizing events for constituents to interact with their representative; helping to organize press conferences, pitching stories to reporters, responding to breaking news and requests for information and interviews; and, assisting in writing and placing opinion pieces in local media outlets. Internships can be tailored to an individual’s strengths and interests. Although Environment Michigan internships are unpaid, students may receive academic credit from their college or university. Environment Michigan will also participate in college work-study programs. An internship with Environment Michigan gives you the training and the experience you need to land a job in the environmental movement after graduation. In fact, Environment Michigan is one of 29 state groups that make up Environment America, a national environmental advocacy group. Each year, Environment America hires passionate, talented and committed recent college graduates to join our two year Fellowship Program.
Qualifications: We are looking for current college students who care about our environment and are driven to preserve it for the future. We look for strong leadership skills, academic excellence, problem solving ability, top-notch written and verbal skills, eagerness to learn, and a sense of humor. We have a great training program, so no prior organizing experience is necessary, although if you have some that’s great! To learn more or apply, visit: www.environmentmichgan.org/internships, or send an e-mail directly to Jessica Surma (jsurma@environmentamerica.org) with questions or a resume and cover letter explaining why you want to be part of this effort and your qualifications.
The League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters of Michigan is seeking an intern to work with the Michigan Voter Power (MVP) project on an educational and advocacy project related to voting and election policies. MVP works in partnership with other organizations to promote citizen participation and increase transparency in government. Issue priorities include campaign finance, early voting, and redistricting.
The intern will have the following responsibilities: 1) research and develop informational materials on voting and elections policy, practices, and reform efforts; 2) outreach to student groups and community organizations to provide information and discuss the issues; 3) assist in organizing events to raise public awareness and engage citizens in reform efforts; 4) create and update communications on website, Facebook, and other social media.
A stipdent is provided for this internship. For a full description of this internship opportunity, please contact the PLS 494 Internship Office. For information on how to apply, contact Kris Zawisza, Project Director, at voterpower@lwvmi.org or 517-484-5383.
Ingham County Court Watch
This internship opportunity is open to all PLS majors and is well-suited for those who are interested in the legal/court system. Ingham County Court Watch trains volunteers to observe and collect data on domestic violence and sexual assault hearings in order to further understand and improve the criminal justice response to intimate partner violence. Inquiries about available positions can be sent to inghamcountycw@gmail.com.
Example Internships from Previous PLS 494 Students
