Internship Description:
Project Vote Smart, a national non-profit, non-partisan political research organization, is currently accepting applications for its spring and summer internship programs located in Austin, Texas. The organization, founded by a politically diverse group of leaders including former presidents Carter and Ford, provides information to the public regarding all aspects of political candidates and elected government officials. By making this information freely available, Project Vote Smart aims to better prepare citizens to defend themselves from the political hype and misrepresentations that are characteristic of modern-day political campaigns.
Interns in our Austin office, located at the University of Texas at Austin’s Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, will work primarily on our legislative research program, covering legislation and key votes from all fifty states and Congress. Daily tasks may include tracking local media sources and reports, compiling legislative voting records, summarizing and translating significant pieces of legislation into language the average voter can understand, and other duties as needed. All interns perform substantive and meaningful work, and will never be asked to answer phones or make coffee.
Interns gain familiarity reading and interpreting actual legislation, and acquire valuable experience for those considering law school or working in any policy-related field. Through their daily work, interns in our legislative research department are exposed to the important issues facing their state and the country, as well as the solutions being proposed by policymakers. We are more than happy to work with students’ university departments in order to help them receive academic credit for their internship experience when possible.
Qualifications Description:
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 spring and 14 for the summer semester.
Preferred:
· Research experience
· Prior knowledge of the legislative process
Applications will be accepted from all students regardless of academic major or educational institution.
Application Instructions:
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to the Internship Coordinator at ProjectVoteSmart@austin.utexas.edu.