Internships

Senate interns describe their internships.

Who are we?
The Iowa Senate Democratic Research Staff supports the work of the 32 Democratic members of the Iowa Senate. We are a team of 14 professionals who research various policy areas in support of the goals and interests of our Senators; communicate with constituents and the media; and offer administrative support.

What do we do?
Our staff members help draft new legislation, track the movement of bills, provide constituent services and help Senators stay in touch with citizens in their districts. We can be found at press conferences and committee meetings, working on the floor of the Senate Chamber, attending closed-door meetings of the Democratic Caucus, or working at our offices in the Statehouse.

What you can do?
Interns work closely with our staff’s communications team and with Democratic Senators from across the state. Previous interns have attended Drake, Grinnell, Simpson, Grand View, and and Iowa’s three Regents Universities.  Interns often come from majors in political science, public administration, journalism and communications.

The 2007 session interns had the opportunity to meet with a variety of national figures, including presidential candidate Barack Obama. Pictured from left: Joe Winn, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, Soheila Yalpani, Kassie Hobbs, Camden Ackerman, and Amy LeBlanc.

Duties include:

• Taking photos of Senators and their constituents
• Drafting and e-mailing media releases
• Updating our Web site
• Helping with media and constituent events
• Updating press and organization lists
• Preparing mailings
• Preparing and distributing digital audio and video materials

Benefits include:

• Firsthand experience with the legislative process
• Making connections for future employment
• Working on exciting issues such as education,
  health care, and environmental protection
• Innovative use of computer technology
  and the Internet
• Excellent work environment in the newly restored,
  historic Iowa Statehouse

A few past interns have joined our staff.  Others have gone on to:

• manage political campaigns
• work in our Governor’s office
• employment in state government departments
• public policy work
• become lawyers and journalists

Read what four interns had to say about their experience here.

Requirements:
All interns must be computer literate, organized and work well with others.

How do I apply?
Internships occur during the legislative session (January through May).

Full-time paid positions are available for University of Iowa students participating in the Des Moines Center program.

Unpaid interns must be at the Capitol a minimum of 14 hours each week.  Applications for unpaid internships may be submitted any time.

We have also had successful interns who have worked with us only during the January portion of winter break or during spring break.  If you have a question about whether your time fits our needs, please ask.

The application deadline for a paid internship for the spring session is November 1. Please either complete the on-line form below or send a resume and cover letter with dates and times available for work to:

Rusty Martin
Iowa Senate Democratic Staff
Iowa Statehouse
Des Moines, IA 50319

515-281-5269
rusty.martin@legis.state.ia.us

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