UT Shield

Public Policy

, Filed Under: Internship

Internships with Project Vote Smart

Project Vote Smart considers applications on a rolling basis- so, if you are interested in a spring 2015 internship you can Apply Now!

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.

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
2504 A Whitis Ave
R2000
Austin, TX 78712-1538
512-471-9428

, Filed Under: Internship

Spring Internships with White House Office of Presidential Correspondence

The White House Office of Presidential Correspondence (OPC) Associate Program is open every spring, summer, and fall, and we are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2015 semester.  Associates work alongside our staff and interns, gaining valuable professional experience while learning about the White House and the Federal Government. Our associates serve in our office for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold U.S. citizenship, and they must be currently enrolled in or recently finished with a degree seeking program. The Spring 2015 program lasts from January 13 – May 1.  The final deadline to apply is September 19, 2014. This is an unpaid position.

If interested in applying, please email a resume and a statement of interest to OPCAssociate@who.eop.gov. 

, Filed Under: Internship

Fall Internship in Public Relations with Texas Appleseed

Texas Appleseed’s mission is to promote social and economic justice for all Texans by leveraging the skills and resources of volunteer lawyers and other professionals to identify practical solutions to difficult systemic problems.

Texas Appleseed is pleased to offer a small number of internships in a variety of project areas for students of law and public policy, as well as public relations. Students work under the guidance of experienced professionals and attorneys. Interested students should be dependable, have a desire to learn, and should demonstrate strong organizational and writing skills.

Send required materials to Brennan Griffin, Development Director. Email: bgriffin@texasappleseed.net.

Public Relations Intern

The PR intern will report directly to the Communications Director. The intern will assist with media list development, weekly news updates and media outreach. The intern will also develop his/her writing skills by drafting press materials and assisting with editing. Texas Appleseed produces a number of publications each year, and the PR intern will have the opportunity to learn about the design and printing process.

Requirements:

  • You must be available to work a minimum of 10 hours per week during the fall semester.
  • Students must be a university sophomore, junior or senior studying communications or

    public relations.

  • To apply, send your cover letter, resumé and a writing sample to Brennan Griffin. The

    subject line of your email should include your name and your area of interest: Public Relations Intern.

    Interviews for the fall semester begin the last week of August. The deadline for fall internship applications is Sept. 12

Link to the posting:  http://www.texasappleseed.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38&Itemid=143