Indiana Senate Democrats
Indiana Senate Democrats

Get INvolved

Internship Program2025-08-14T13:21:04-04:00

The Indiana Senate Democrat Caucus

Internship Program

Paid Stipend

Pre-tax stipend of $900 bi-weekly

Academic Credit

Academic credit for enrolled students

Scholarships

Multiple end of session opportunities

Ready to Apply?

Overview

Interns are an integral part of the Indiana Senate Democrat Caucus.  You will acquire hands-on experience in government and politics by assisting legislators and staff while expanding your knowledge of the Indiana General Assembly and participating in the behind-the-scenes of the legislative process. Interns are assigned to work with the communications office, legislative staff, attorney’s office, or the policy or fiscal policy staff based on each of their interests and individual backgrounds. 

Applicants must be:

  • Residents of Indiana currently enrolled in higher-education or have already graduated from institutions both in or out-of-state OR out-of-state students who are currently attending an Indiana college or university.

  • College sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student or recent college graduates of an Indiana college or university.

  • Available to work Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Applicants Should Note:

  • No specific major is required, and all are encouraged to apply.

  • No previous political or governmental experience is required.

  • Applicants should possess excellent writing, research, and interpersonal communication skills as well as a genuine interest in gaining hands-on experience in government and the legislative process.  

  • Interns may earn academic course credit through their college or university. 

  • The internship begins every year during the final week of December or the first week of January and concludes in the middle of March during even-numbered years or the beginning of April during odd-numbered years. 

Academic Credit

Academic credit depends on individual schools and departments. The total amount of academic credit is to be arranged between individual interns and their institution. 

Scholarships

Interns will have the opportunity to apply for the Verizon Communications or Rick Gudal scholarships at the end of the legislative session. 

Application Process

Applicants should apply by completing the online application form and submitting the “Additional Required Application Items” to the Intern Director (link with email to me?) Interviews and hiring decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Applications for the internship are due by October 31.

Submit your application only when you have all required materials. Other options for submission are available and can be obtained by contacting the Intern Director.

Additional Required Application items:

  • Résumé (that includes community service, volunteer efforts, and/or participation)

  • A copy of your college or university transcript, official copies are preferred, but not required

  • Two recent academic writing samples

  • A minimum of two letters of recommendation from employers, school faculty members, or upstanding members of the community

  • Complete the online web form

Intern Roles and Duties

Legislative Internship

Assignments include but not limited to:

  • Track and analyze legislation and amendments.

  • Research and respond to legislative questions posed by Senators and staff.

  • Utilize IndiGov to track and respond to constituent inquiries and intervening with state government agencies.

  • Staff legislative committees and assist Senators during session.

Communications Internship

Assignments include but not limited to:

  • Create dynamic social media content that grabs attention and moves people to act.

  • Design eye-catching graphics and visuals that make complex state issues easy to understand.

  • Capture the energy of events through photography and videography, turning moments into powerful stories.

  • Collaborate with a passionate team to craft messages that connect with Hoosiers and make an impact across Indiana.

Policy Internship

Assignments include but not limited to:

  • Research and draft memos and speaking points on legislation and amendments.

  • Attend weekly meetings with legislative staff, lobbyists, and members of state agencies.

  • Staff legislative committees/commissions as assigned by the Policy Director.

  • Assist with data collection and analysis, literature review, and other projects as needed.

Legal Internship

Assignments include but not limited to:

  • Work with the Minority Counsel and staff on legal research on legislation.

  • Track legislative amendments and Senate motions.

  • Analyze legislative language and its effect on current Indiana Code.

  • Draft Senate resolutions and proclamations for Senators.

Fiscal Policy Internship

Assignments include but not limited to:

  • Assist with data collection and analysis, literature review, and other projects as needed.

  • Staff fiscal committees and commissions on behalf of the Caucus.

  • Research and respond to Senator’s inquiries about tax, fiscal, and budget matters.

  • Summarize fiscal legislation throughout the legislative session using data visualization to track key trends and legislative impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do interns receive academic credit for participating in the internship?2017-07-31T14:59:12-04:00

Most, if not all interns attending school are eligible for credit, while participating in the Senate’s internship program. Academic credit is awarded by individual institutions of higher education. It is up to each intern to work with their academic department, school, or college to determine the number of credits to be awarded, as well as requirements to obtaining the academic credit.

When should an applicant expect to know if they have been accepted into the program?2018-11-05T10:52:50-05:00

Interviews will take place at the Statehouse beginning in mid-October and will conclude in early November. Applicants should know if they have been accepted into the program by the second week of November.

What should my academic writing sample include?2020-10-06T10:52:12-04:00

The academic writing sample should demonstrate your ability to write, research, and articulate your thoughts on a given topic. This can be a memo you’ve done for a job, an academic research paper, or an essay for a class.

If an applicant applied for an internship in a previous year, can they apply again?2017-07-26T14:07:56-04:00

If an applicant has applied for an internship in the past, and was not selected, they may apply for the internship again. This applicant will need to resubmit all required materials.

How many interns will be hired for the upcoming legislative session?2020-07-08T11:23:06-04:00

The number of interns hired by the caucus varies each year. In 2019, there were 13 internship opportunities with the Indiana Senate Democrats.

What should my application essay entail?2017-07-26T14:08:18-04:00

The essay is comparable to a resume cover letter. This allows you to expand upon your interest in the internship opportunity, to expand upon your skills, as well as to set your application apart from other applicants.

Can an applicant apply for an internship with the House and Senate?2017-08-04T13:05:38-04:00

Yes. It is encouraged that applicants apply for internships in both the House and the Senate. However, applicants may only apply for internships with one political party.

What is the duration of the internship?2019-06-11T09:55:17-04:00

The Indiana State Senate internship is a full-time, paid position at the Indiana Statehouse during the spring semester. The program begins with a mandatory orientation in late December and concludes at the end of the legislative session, either in March(short session) or April(long session). Interns are typically kept a week after the session adjourns.

Will housing be provided?2017-08-04T14:06:04-04:00

No. Housing for interns is not provided to those selected to participate in the program. However, attempts are made to assist participants in finding a roommate(s) for the duration of their internship. The intern director will also provide a list of  short-term housing options that former interns have used in the past.

Do applicants have to submit an official academic transcript?2017-07-26T14:03:02-04:00

In an effort to reduce the financial burden on applicants, official transcripts are not required to complete an application.

When is the deadline to apply?2018-06-28T09:42:44-04:00

The deadline to apply for the Senate Democratic Caucus’ internship is October 31

Should an applicant submit required items all at once, or as they are prepared for submission?2024-04-11T15:12:43-04:00

Applicants need to submit all their documents in one email to the Intern Director after submitting their online form.

Letters of recommendation2020-10-06T10:51:08-04:00

Please have your recommender send you their letters so you can submit your packet in one email.

Also, you must provide said recommender information (Phone and Email) for follow-up and validation.

Items may be submitted to the email address below:

[email protected];

Adam Jones
Senate Democratic Intern Director
200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2785
Are summer internships offered by the Indiana Senate?2019-06-11T09:47:23-04:00

No. The Indiana General Assembly is a part-time legislature, and interns are hired during the legislative session only.

What academic majors are accepted?2017-07-26T13:11:20-04:00

No specific major is required, but a successful candidate must enthusiastically want to learn about government and politics in the real world.

Can recent graduates apply for the internship?2017-08-04T13:14:09-04:00

Yes, as long as the applicant is a resident of Indiana.

Is the internship open to students outside of Indiana?2017-07-26T12:55:27-04:00

The Senate Democratic Caucus’ internship program is open to any residents of Indiana, attending an institution of higher education as a sophomore, junior, senior, pursuing a post-graduate degree, or a recent graduate.

Ready to Apply?

Being given responsibility for important work was the highlight of the internship.

Jacob Wenthe, 2021 Communications Intern

The internship was a professional opportunity that I took full advantage of.

Diarra Davis, 2021 Legislative Intern

This internship gives an in-depth, hands-on experience of the state’s legislative process.

Alexandria Workman, 2022 Policy Intern

Working at the Statehouse allowed me to learn new professional skills and meet new people.

Amari Thompson, 2021 Legislative Intern

Contact

For more information, contact our Intern Director.

Tyler Hempfling
Senate Democratic Intern Director
200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2785

 
Toll-free: 800.382.9497
Local: 317.232.9404
Email:[email protected]
Indiana Senate Democrats

Menu

Helpful Links

Connect

  • Address:
    200 W. Washington Street
    Indianapolis, IN 46204

  • Call Toll-Free
    800-382-9467

© Indiana Senate Democrats | All Rights Reserved | Design & Managed By byJ4D Icon Logo Just 4resh Dezigns

Go to Top