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Internship

, Filed Under: Internship

Project Vote Smart Legislative Research Internship Program at the University of Texas at Austin

Project Vote Smart’s Legislative Research Internship Program at the University of Texas at Austin provides a unique lesson in the study of American and state politics. Interns will research bills and compile legislators’ voting records while gaining experience in political research, the U.S. political system, and the legislative process. Project Vote Smart is an independent, nonpartisan source of accurate information about candidates, elected officials, and legislation. By expanding access to factual information, Project Vote Smart helps citizens defend themselves from the negative rhetoric and misrepresentation that is characteristic of present-day political campaigns.

Location
The Legislative Research Department of Project Vote Smart is located at the University of Texas at Austin inside the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life (3001 Lake Austin Blvd., 2.316 Austin, Texas).

Job Description
Interns will monitor local media in all 50 states, as well as the national media, in order to identify critical pieces of legislation that are important to residents in each state. Once bills have been selected for inclusion on the Project’s website, interns will compile legislators’ voting records for publication.  Interns will also read and summarize each bill in order to provide voters with a clear and concise synopsis of the legislation.  Other projects may be assigned, such as researching candidate biographies, compiling interest group ratings, or tracking the progress of ballot measures and initiatives.  All interns perform substantive and meaningful work and will never be asked to answer the phone or make coffee.  By the end of the semester, interns will have gained valuable experience conducting legislative research, as well as in-depth knowledge of important political issues and how such issues have been addressed by policymakers.  The internship is ideal for those considering law school, or who are interested in pursuing a career in a policy-related field.

The minimum time commitment is 10 hours per week.  Scheduling is flexible.  Although the internship is unpaid, students may choose to earn course credit for their experience.

Qualifications
Required:
Excellent written communication skills
Strong desire to learn more about politics, policy, and the legislative process
Enthusiasm for Project Vote Smart’s mission
Ability to remain nonpartisan
Ability to commit to at least 10 hours per week for the entire semester

Preferred:
Research experience
Prior knowledge of the legislative process

How to Apply
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to: projectvotesmart@austin.utexas.edu.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Contact Information
Project Vote Smart
Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life
Lake Austin Centre, Suite 2.316
3001 Lake Austin Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78703-4200
512-471-9428

, Filed Under: Internship

Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice Spring Internships– Nov. 30 deadline

Deadline: Friday, November 30, 2012

The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at the University of Texas School of Law is currently considering applications for UT undergraduates to intern with us during the spring!  Interns will support various initiatives at the Rapoport Center.  This internship is ideal for students who are interested in:

  • Working on human rights research and advocacy projects
  • Learning how an academic center functions
  • Engaging in human rights scholarship
  • Gaining practical experience
  • Collaborating with faculty, staff, and students

This is an unpaid internship.  Selected interns should be available at least 10 hours per week during the semester.

 The Role of Human Rights Interns

Undergraduate interns play an important role at the Rapoport Center.  Interns will focus on different activities, depending on their background, interest, and the needs of the Center.  Primary duties include:

  • Assisting with human rights research and advocacy projects
  • Supporting the coordination and publicity of events and programs
  • Expanding the Center’s social media outreach
  • Providing administrative support for Center programs
  • Contributing written work for press releases, website, and Annual Review publications
  • Serving as liaison to the UT undergraduate community and helping develop the Center’s undergraduate outreach
  • Assisting Center Administrator, Directors, Human Rights Scholars, graduate students, and affiliated faculty with other projects and tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Commitment to working on issues of human rights and justice
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Demonstrated regular and punctual attendance at work
  • Professional demeanor
  • Experience with internet research, standard office equipment, and Microsoft Office

The following qualifications may be preferred in some candidates:

  • Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese
  • Journalism experience
  • Experience with publication, design, and website software (Adobe Creative Suite, Dreamweaver, etc.)

How to Apply: Qualified students are invited to apply for the internship by submitting:

  • Cover letter (state why you are interested in the position; demonstrate basic knowledge of our programs and activities)
  • CV/Resume (indicate any computer/software skills and foreign language proficiency)
  • Unofficial transcript (including the courses you are currently taking, if applicable)
  • List of three references (at least two must be UT faculty)
  • Writing sample (3-5 pages)

Please submit the following materials to Rapoport Center Administrator William Chandler via email at wchandler@law.utexas.edu (subject: Undergraduate Internship).

Questions? Contact William Chandler at wchandler@law.utexas.edu or 512-232-4857

, Filed Under: Internship

Colorado River Foundation: Community and Special Events Internship

Positions Available: 1-2
Hours: 10-20 per week, Mondays – Fridays during normal office hours and occasionally on weekends, about 150 hours for Spring Semester.
Description of duties and responsibilities:
Special events interns participate in CRF’s community events and fundraisers – including clean ups, river races, banquets, festivals, and speaking events. Duties include sponsorship solicitation, graphic design, creating decorations, event set up and more. Many of these events occur in the evening or on the weekends and will require some work outside of normal office hours.
Skills and knowledge requirements:
Applicants must have completed at least 24 credit hours at a college or university. Positions available for undergrad and graduate students.
Preferred skills:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills; enjoys interacting with a diverse range of community members
  • Highly organized and able to work closely with others; ability to juggle multiple deadlines
  • Proficient in standard graphic design software programs (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.)

Student learning opportunities:
Interns will gain much insight into the day-to-day operations of a small environmental nonprofit organization. They will gain actual experience planning events meant to encourage community involvement with CRF and foster awareness and compassion for the Colorado River. Interns will be creating design materials which can be added to a professional portfolio.
Who will supervise the interns?
Erin Franz, Executive Director
Financial Compensation?
Unpaid
Other information:
This is a great position for motivated individuals that love to plan, plan, plan! Please note: selected interns must have reliable transportation to CRF offices in Austin, TX.

 

Interested applicants should submit an intern application (available at http://coloradoriver.org/volunteer/interships) along with a resume and letter of interest to programs@coloradoriver.org . Applications also accepted via mail or in-person. Applicants selected for interview must provide work samples. Internships begin in January.  Applicants are encouraged to apply by December 14th.

For more information about the Redbud Center please visit: http://coloradoriver.org/events

Please contact jessica@coloradoriver.org with any questions.