Educational Programs

UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The 2023 legislative session begins January 3rd and is expected to end on May 22nd.

The undergraduate internship program is structured around a focus on serving and learning. A sincere interest in public service is expected of all applicants for a House internship. A genuine desire to learn is also expected and in a dynamic and influential institution like the House, opportunities for learning abound.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

House interns will be assigned to serve in a member’s office or participating department. While expectations and opportunities will vary from office to office, all House interns will be required to serve a minimum of six hours per week. Responsibilities may include the following:

• Researching public policy
• Monitoring and reporting on committee meetings
• Researching and drafting responses to constituent inquiries
• Summarizing legislative materials, reports, and bills
• Conducting opinion surveys
• Drafting press releases
• Contacting legislators, lobbyists, and House staff

In addition to hands-on learning through their responsibilities with the assigned member’s office, House interns will attend weekly meetings throughout the session. Participation in this unique series of interviews, presentations, and discussions is mandatory, and will allow the interns to interact with House members and staff as well as guests from the executive and judicial branches. Topics will include lawmaking, public policy, public service, current affairs, and pending legislation.

The weekly meetings will start during the week of January 9th- 13th and end the week of May 15th 19th. Scheduling of the meetings will occur after availability information is collected from participants. Sessions will be scheduled between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on weekdays. Participants are expected to prioritize attendance and will be required to complete short assignments to make up missed sessions. Additional alternate arrangements may be made with the program coordinator in the event of scheduling conflicts.

An internship at the Minnesota House gives students an opportunity to use their knowledge and talents in a professional setting, while acquiring new skills and greater knowledge of the political process. Over the course of an internship, individuals will participate in tasks essential to the legislative process and engage as a group in meetings combining to provide a valuable educational experience.

APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT

Application Deadline: November 4th, 2022
There are three ways to submit your application:

1. Preferred: Upload your completed application, a cover letter and resume as a PDF using the link below
   https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sergeant/apply/intern
2. E-mail your application materials as a PDF to Andrew.Olson@House.mn
3. Mail your completed application materials to the address below:
   
   Minnesota House of Representatives
   Undergraduate Internship Program
   G85 State Office Building
   100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
   Saint Paul, MN 55155
   

The Minnesota House of Representatives Undergraduate Internship Program offers internships during the course of regular legislative session which begins on January 3rd, 2023. Applicants are encouraged to submit their completed application and resume either in the portal or by emailing as a PDF to Andrew.Olson@House.mn. Students will be contacted in mid-December regarding interviews and placement.

The House Sergeant at Arms' Office works with both students and members to place prospective interns. Intern selection and placement considers students' educational and professional abilities and goals as well as the needs of members and participating House departments. Applicants will not be accepted into the program until they are paired with a participating member or department.

Andrew Olson, Assistant Sergeant
Phone: (651) 296-7452
Email: Andrew.Olson@House.mn

Thomas Holien, Educational Programs Coordinator
Phone: (651) 296-5388
Email: Thomas.Holien@house.mn