Washington Legislative Internship

Every year, the Washington State Legislative Internship Program brings over 70 college students to Olympia for a one-of-a-kind educational and professional opportunity. During the internship, which takes place in winter quarter, interns work for members of the Washington State House of Representatives or Senate while earning academic credit from their schools. Interns work alongside legislative staff to learn first-hand about public policy, build professional skills, and serve the citizens of Washington State. They also hire for policy/fiscal committee positions, communication, and policy research roles.

Interns are placed with legislators’ offices and work in Olympia as full-time staff while the Legislature is in session (January through March or April every year). In addition to their office work, interns work on special projects, take part in a hands-on academic program including training in legislative ethics, writing and research, a budget exercise, mock committee hearings and floor debate, and a job shadow at a state agency.