ALEC Internship Program
The ALEC internship program is a great opportunity to work with state legislators from across the political spectrum in effort to advance proven, data-driven solutions within the states. We extend to our interns a robust program providing valuable professional and hands on experience.
This program is ideal for those interested in promoting limited government, free-markets and federalism. Internships are for undergraduates, regardless of major, recent graduates, or graduate students who have a strong commitment to Jeffersonian principles.
Application Process:
Candidates should have a strong desire to promote limited government, free markets and federalism. Successful candidates will have several phone interviews with ALEC staff prior to acceptance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for three annual internship classes:
Summer term: May – August
Fall term: August – December
Spring term: January – May
*All potential ALEC interns must complete application process
In consultation with each candidate, he/she will be assigned to one of the five ALEC teams: Events, Membership and Development, Policy and Research, Public Affairs or Finance and Accounting. Team descriptions are included below:
Events and Meetings Intern
The events and meetings department is ideal for a high-energy, detail oriented person who would like to get hands on experience planning one of our three national meetings. The Events and Meetings Intern is responsible for many projects including interacting with various venues and assisting with multiple aspects of the event planning process. He/she will also assist with travel coordination, attendee and exhibitor registration, and other meeting logistics.
Individual should have strong customer service and attention to detail.
Membership and Development Intern
The Membership and Development Intern would work closely with the entire membership department on fundraising efforts. He/she would assist with membership outreach to both legislative and private sector members and help members maximize their membership experience with the organization.
The intern would work closely with the membership team to understand the goals and big picture of non-profit fundraising. Daily activities will include assisting with renewal efforts, database maintenance and member correspondence.
Policy and Research Intern
The Policy and Research Intern would work closely with one of the following initiatives: Civil Justice; Commerce, Insurance, and Economic Development; Communications and Technology; Education; Energy, Environment, and Agriculture; Health and Human Services; International Relations; Criminal Justice Reform; or Tax and Fiscal Policy. The intern would assist staff with research, writing, and communications to the public. He/she will be exposed to the ALEC model policy process and have unique networking opportunities with legislative and private sector members across the country.
The ideal intern will have excellent written and oral communication skills, be a self-starter, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a collaborative environment.
Public Affairs Intern
Each year, on behalf of and in partnership with ALEC policy experts, the public affairs team engages thousands of legislators and reaches millions of Americans with limited government, free market and federalism messages.
Public Affairs interns will play a hands-on role in executing outreach campaigns and report releases targeted at opinion elites, legislators and the media. Interns with political science or journalism backgrounds will assist with the report releases, op-ed placement, LTE- and speech writing. Interns with a digital advocacy, marketing or videography background will also fill key roles on the team.
The ideal intern will have a desire to work on strategic communication, outreach and engagement and have a background or relevant course work in political science, public relations, marketing or creative competencies such as graphic design or video production.
Finance and Accounting Intern
The Finance and Accounting Intern will work closely with the Vice President of Finance and Administration. He or she will assist with the overall operation and budget of the organization.
Duties will include daily accounting activities required to maintain the Councils general ledger, registration process for ALEC meetings and daily maintenance of monthly, quarterly and annual closing activities.
This internship would best suited for a self-motivated individual who would like to gain experience with non-profit accounting principles and procedures and one who has the ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment. Most importantly this intern should possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to maintain detailed records.
Application Details:
The application for admission consists of several parts, including your resume, writing sample, and answers to several questions regarding your view of government. Please be prepared to identify what positions you are interested in.
A – Internship application (Download Here)
B – Resumé
C – Define in 250 words or less: What you think is the most significant issue facing the country today? What policy reform(s) would you recommend to address the issue?
D – Names and contact information of two references