What specific opportunities for intern placement will be available during the 2021 Florida Legislative Session?
In recent semesters UF students have served in offices including (but not limited to):
- Rep. Charles “Chuck” Clemons (Republican, District 22)
- Sen. Keith Perry (Republican, District 9)
- Sen. Jennifer Bradley (Republican, District 6)
- Rep. Yvonne Hinson (Democrat, District 21)
- Sen. Lauren Book (Democrat, District 35)
- Rep. Ashley Gantt (Democrat, District 109)
- Rep. Kristen Arrington (Democrat, District 46)
- Rep. Dana Trabulsy (Republican, District 84)
- Rep. Robin Bartleman (Democrat, District 103)
- Sen. Lori Berman (Democrat, District 26)
What majors should apply to the Tallahassee Internship Program?
Students from any academic major are encouraged to apply. Past participants come from a wide range of majors and disciplines, including animal science, anthropology, business administration, Chinese, classics, criminology, economics, English, environmental science, finance, food and resource economics, family youth & community services, history, journalism, management, marketing, philosophy, political science, and public relations.
What does a typical day look like?
Your job duties may include attending hearings (virtual or in person), preparing briefing books, giving tours of the capitol, and supporting special projects and events. Interns also have the chance to attend events and other professional development seminars throughout the work day and some evenings.
What classes will I take while in Tallahassee?
All students are required to enroll in credit hours while in Tallahassee. We work with students who need more than 6 hours to ensure that they can keep their scholarships or Bright Futures. Student must enroll in IDS 4930 – Florida Politics (2 credits) and for 0-9 internship credits. You can take internship credit through your major, political science, the Interdisciplinary Studies Program or Honors (you do not need to be in the Honors Program to sign up for IDH 4940 but they do require a 3.0 to apply for Honors internship credit).
We will help you register for the following courses:
- IDS 4930 Florida Politics
- IDS 4940 Internship – 0-9 credits
In addition to these two courses, we do not encourage interns to take more than two additional courses, as you must work full-time at your internship.
How does the internship placement work?
If you are selected as a participant in the program we will work with you to find a suitable placement in the Legislature or with the UF Office of State Relations. Placement is based on individual professional, academic and experiential goals. Students are encouraged to research legislative offices, lobbyist firms and government departments in order to suggest possibilities to our team.
The Bob Graham Center works in conjunction with the UF Office of State Relations to match interns based on applicant preferences and the needs of the office. Interns will be notified of their placements after their acceptance, but prior to the orientation period.
Where will I live?
Students will live with roommates in furnished apartments within a short commute of the Capitol. The Graham Center and UF Office of State Relations covers the cost of rent and utilities (electric, cable and internet).
Will I receive an individual stipend to live in Tallahassee?
Yes, participants receive a small stipend to offset the cost of living in Tallahassee.