Apply
Click on the appropriate button below to apply using the official General Assembly recruiting system. Applicants must submit the following application materials when they apply:
- Cover letter explaining why he or she is applying
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
Students are invited to apply to the General Assembly at any time. All applications are evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Overview
The General Assembly’s Legislative Internship, Summer Clerk and Externship programs provide students with professional work experience and a unique opportunity to interact with elected officials and learn more about the legislative process. The programs provide valuable work experience for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those with an interest in political science, public administration, law, and a career in public service.
Students are eligible to work a Spring, Summer, or Fall term. The Spring term begins on January 1st and ends on April 30th. The Summer term begins on May 1st and ends on August 30th. The Fall term begins on September 1st and ends on December 31st.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An applicant must either attend a North Carolina school or be a permanent North Carolina resident attending a school out of state.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Interns may work a maximum of 24 hours per week. Summer Clerks may work up to 40 hours per week. Interns are responsible for their own housing during the internship period.
Testimonials
Speaker of the House Tim Moore with House interns
"Working as an intern in the North Carolina General Assembly was incredibly rewarding. I was not only able to learn more about the legislative process, but I was able to form great lifelong relationships with legislators and staff. The NCGA internship program equips interns with useful real-world experience and allows students to take their love for political science outside of the classroom.""I loved my time as an intern at the North Carolina General Assembly. It is an exciting place where you meet a lot of people who are invested in your success. It is beneficial as you are learning and figuring out your career goals because you get to engage on several policy areas. I would highly recommend this internship program to anyone interested in politics, policy, or government work."
"My summer internship at the North Carolina General Assembly has been incredibly educational and full of exciting opportunities to contribute to the legislative process. Outside of sitting in on committee meetings and Senate sessions, I worked directly with the Boards and Commissions office to fill vacancies for groups across the state. Additionally, I spent time researching pending legislation and often corresponded with constituents about their concerns. Without a doubt, I recommend that you apply to this internship program. You won’t regret it!"
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger with Senate intern Dustin Humphries
Additional Testimonials
"My internship at the North Carolina General Assembly provided me with valuable hands-on experience and a better idea about what knowledge areas and skills I should attach more importance and make further improvement to in my further studies. Working for Senator Fitch and his staff provided me with a supportive working environment that has proved to be very beneficial for my career. I will forever be grateful for everything I have had the opportunity to learn and do while interning at the General Assembly."
"Working at the NCGA was the perfect experience to gain immediate exposure to our state legislative processes and all behind-the-scenes actions. Being able to see the progress of bills from an idea all the way to floor debate, interact with constituents and lobbyists on a variety of issues, and meet important stakeholders and other members was incredible. As an Asian-American, it was also amazing getting to work with the state's first South-Asian senator."
"Through interning at the NCGA, I learned how legislative offices coordinate and provide information, and I saw the law making process unfold in committee and on the Senate floor. It was a great and memorable experience because of the community."
"Working in the NCGA during the 2018 election cycle was an invaluable. I got to attend committee meetings and listen to NC constitutional amendments be discussed that would be voted on by citizens. I will always be grateful for the people I met and the experience I gained working at the state legislature."
"I interned for a Senator during the Fall of 2020. As a Senate Intern at the North Carolina General Assembly, I was able to witness the work that occurs behind the scenes when the General Assembly is not in session. Some of this work includes responding to emails from citizens seeking assistance, communicating with constituents over the phone, and conducting research on relevant policies. I am grateful for the opportunity to intern at the General Assembly because it has enhanced my graduate school experience and reaffirmed my desire to go into public service."
"The internship program gave me a new perspective of government by having me work hands-on in a senator's office. In that position, I was able to develop key relationships, work with constituents, problem-solve, and further my research abilities."
"My time at the NCGA was one of the greatest experiences I've had in college, and something that has had a significant impact on my personal policy beliefs and engagement in North Carolina politics. I was able to directly interact with constituents, develop legislative proposals and research, and understand the intricacies of the NCGA in such a way that one could never get from a classroom. If you're interested in understanding how our state government works and being a part of the process, interning at the NCGA is an absolute must."
"The internship program with the NCGA is beyond better than I could have imagined. My personal experience at the NCGA offered endless opportunities to meet state officials and learn how the laws in North Carolina are considered and implemented. Being a part of pivotal legislation in our state and knowing that I have an impact on the lives of constituents was an invaluable opportunity that many internships do not afford. Each day offered an exciting and new experience to be a part of that has impacted the lawyer I am today. I am thankful for such a wonderful program and the members of the General Assembly that make working at the NCGA such a positive experience for all interns."
"My time at the General Assembly was invaluable in helping me better understand the inner workings of both politics and legislation. I was empowered to directly aid constituents, work with the office on broader projects, and assist the senator with individual projects. I have gained a meaningful expansion of my network and a stepping stone on my path moving forward in politics. I am grateful for this experience and the mentorship I have received from both the senator and an outstanding legislative Assistant."
"My experience as a Senate Intern in the North Carolina General Assembly was a life changing experience. I was afforded the privilege of working alongside senators and their staff, as well as other integral offices of the General Assembly. The experience allowed me the opportunity to experience constituent relationships between their elected officials and the legislative process first hand. I came away from it with a greater desire to work with and for my community."