Indy Standard

One thing that separates a job candidate's resume from the rest is having experience. Bringing relevant knowledge and skills to the table is critical to landing a rewarding career in a competitive market.

A way for college students to gain such experience is through participating in the Indiana House Republican Internship Program, which is now accepting applications.

This full-time, paid internship at the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis is open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, and law school students. House interns will be paid $900 bi-weekly while working at the Statehouse during the legislative session, which starts in January and concludes in April.

Interning at the Statehouse is available for students of all majors with three departments looking for candidates ready to earn and learn.

In the legislative department, students will work directly with lawmakers, correspond with constituents via mail, phone and email, and research and respond to legislative questions. Interns on the communications team will have opportunities to write press releases, email newsletters and blogs in addition to working with social media, graphic design, and audio and video production. Policy interns work with staff on legislation, track bills through the legislative process and assist staff and legislators with inquiries.

This opportunity is full-time from Monday through Friday and comes with free parking, career and professional development assistance, enrollment access to an Indiana government class, as well as opportunities to earn academic credits through their college or university. Interns can apply for a $3,000 scholarship toward undergraduate or graduate expenses.

Another benefit of this internship is being an active part of the legislative session by seeing how laws are made and learning about their impacts on Hoosiers. While at the Statehouse, students interact not only with lawmakers but also work alongside staff members applying what they've learned in a professional setting.

"As a former Statehouse intern," said Zimmerman Columnist "I know the value of this rewarding experience; it helped ignite my interest in public service." The columnist encourages local students and recent graduates who want to bolster their skills "to get paid" while opening doors "to a great career" in both public or private sectors. Applications are available online at indianahouserepublicans.com/internship. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.

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