Those who are enjoying the presidential election coverage on television, newspapers, radio and magazines -- and would like to see more of the action -- may want to apply to become an intern for the 2001 session of the Tennessee General Assembly.
"The students are selected on a basis of academic record and a interview with members of the political science faculty," said Dr. Doug Imig, associate professor of political science.
At least 17 students will represent The University of Memphis from Jan. 10 to April 30 as legislative internships in Nashville Imig said.
"Each university in Tennessee has a different amount of interns because it depends on the size of the university and the number of members of delegation from each district," Imig said. The interns are paid a stipend of $325 per week and are reimbursed for traveling home once a month at the rate of $0.32 a mile.
"The apartments are a fairly reasonable deal -- good, safe and clean apartments," Imig said. He said the interns work with the state legislature internship office to find an apartment and a roommate from among the selected interns.
"Students will be on call for the legislative staff," Imig said. The interns will wear business attire, which includes a jacket and ties for men and appropriate business clothes for women.
A typical day for the interns starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 or 5 p.m., but the days tend to be longer as the session progresses, Imig said. He said the interns might research an upcoming bill or brief a member on a meeting being held with the legislature and citizens. Other duties include general office work for a member of the Shelby County delegation, constituent work and computer and library analysis.
"Don't let your GPA discourage you from applying, because if you are a political science junkie than you would probably be perfect," Imig said.
"You will meet senators and state representatives, or Miss America and the Titans," said Jamey Hill, former intern and senior political science major. Hill said when she arrived in Nashville she met people at from other schools and found a roommate she was compatible with.
"No matter if you are a history major or English major, this is a great opportunity," Hill said. She said anybody who wants to get into law school or apply for an internship with the White House would make many connections as an intern for the Tennessee General Assembly.
"You don't have to dress up in seven different business suits," Hill said. She said khaki pants and a tie for men and a nice dress for women would be fine.
Hill said she is planning on attending George Washington University after she graduates, and hopes get a master's degree in political management.
"They want to make sure you are going to go to work in the morning and not party in Nashville," Hill said. Hill said students who are applying for the internship do not have to know anything about politics -- they will pick it up when they get there without even trying.
Pepper Petersen, a senior double major in political science and international business, became a campaign manager for state representative Mike Kernell through the internship program.
"The committee office allows you get to know someone (in the legislature) personally and professionally," said Peterson. He said the interns can tell the office their preferences for the people they would like to work under. Peterson said he was interested in politics and asked Kernell if he could set up the representative's campaign. As a campaign manager, Peterson functioned as the campaign fund-raiser, registered paper work and participated in political activities.
"It is a really good opportunity for people who are interested in getting connected with people in politics, especially if you are going to run for office," Kernell said.
The deadline for internship applications has been extended to Nov. 21. For more information, contact dimig@memphis.edu.
