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Students have chosen to intern with U.S. Representatives and Senators in Washington, D.C., in the White House, with cabinet departments, or even with a local mayor or judge. |
MISSOURI GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
For the application and more information click here
Truman Interns With Attorney General Chris Koster
What Is The Missouri Government Internship Program?
The Missouri Government Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for junior/senior students to intern with a legislator, public official or state agency. The program provides interested students an inside look at state government and the political process. The experience has special appeal for students anticipating careers in business, law, public relations, government service or public affairs, but it is filled with opportunities for a variety of career fields.
What Qualifications Are Necessary?
Students wishing to participate in the Missouri Government Internship Program should possess a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit, a cumulative GPA of 2.75, and university approval. No special coursework is required prior to the internship. Successful applicants will be of sound character and possess qualities that reflect positively upon themselves and the University.
Truman Interns With Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweiful
How Are Missouri Government Interns Selected?
Internship opportunities are publicized early each semester. Nominations are also requested from department chairs, deans and faculty. Any interested student is asked to complete an application form. After a preliminary screening of applications has been completed, eligible candidates are invited to interview with a committee. The committee then selects successful candidates and recommends assignments.
How Are Interns Assigned To Public Officials?
The goal of intern assignment is to enhance the probability that each placement becomes a successful learning experience. Compatibility between the public official and intern is extremely important. Requests for interns specify the duties interns are to perform and the characteristics desired in an intern. Care is taken to consider student majors, political orientations, career goals and student preferences when recommending intern placements.
What Is An Intern Expected To Do?
Duties depend upon the needs of the public official to whom the intern is assigned. Typical duties include attending meetings and making reports, communicating with constituents, doing office and computer work, conducting research, assisting with committee hearings, writing speeches, editing printed materials, tracking and summarizing legislation and being on call to help with special projects. Probably the most important expectation of the intern is loyalty to the public official and confidentiality. The intern is expected to act and conduct himself/herself in the best interest of the public official at all times. This means not only being helpful, but anticipating what will be helpful. It also means keeping important information confidential.
How Much Credit Is Available For The Missouri Government Internship?
The intern must enroll in a minimum of six internship credit hours and no more than 15 credit hours, of which a portion (approximately 20 percent) 
will be evaluated as graded credit hours and the remainder will be credit/no credit hours. Remember, you may have to meet full-time enrollment status for financial aid and scholarships. Family insurance policies may also require that you be a full-time student. If you wish to have three credits evaluated as graded credit hours, you need to enroll for 15 credits. These graded credits may not be taken credit/no credit.
Do Interns Receive Pay?
Interns receive a $500 monthly stipend. To qualify, students must be returning Truman students or graduating seniors.
What If I Have More Questions?
Contact Heidi Templeton, Director of Public Relations, in McClain Hall 102, (660) 785-4016, or Dr. Candy Young, Professor of Political Science, in McClain Hall 222, (660) 785-4650.