The School of Public Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) provides two distinct public policy internship opportunities tailored for undergraduate students. The programs are the Legislative Internship Program (LIP) and the Tallahassee internship Program (TIP). These initiatives are designed to offer students real world experience in various government agency functions.
Students of the Legislative Internship Program at the Florida State Senate in Tallahassee, FL. (Photo courtesy of Savannah Havird)
The LIP is a scholarship initiative open to students across all majors, with a minimum 3.6 GPA requirement. Students who are selected will be matched based on their interests to work in federal, state, or local legislative offices in the Tampa Bay area. Students will have a chance to collaborate with government officials and work towards solutions in areas such as economic development, transportation, environmental protection, education, health, social welfare, or public finance.
As the Fall 2023 semester concluded, three CAS students reflected on their experiences in the LIP.
Emma Evans, a junior majoring in public health and minoring in political sciences, shared that she wanted to pursue an internship that aligned with her academic pursuits. The LIP caught her attention as the ideal experience to complement her studies.
Evans worked for Congresswomen Kathy Castor鈥檚 Tampa district office during her LIP. Throughout her internship, Evans not only expanded her network, but also had the unique experience of observing a session of Congress.
鈥淲e got to meet and connect with many legislators, staff, and USF alumni. Being an intern in a congressional office during the vote for speaker of the house was also a unique experience. It was interesting hearing the opinions of the constituents in Florida's 14th district concerning who they wanted in the position,鈥� Evans said.
Initially, Evans recounted feeling intimidated when first approaching the internship as a non-political sciences major. However, after the experience, she now enthusiastically recommends the program to other students.
鈥淭his experience has shown me what interdisciplinary, political, and legislative work looks like. The USF coordinators, faculty, and staff involved in LIP have been great resources. They really care about the experience and education of those involved in the program,鈥� Evans said.
Olivia Firlejczyk, a senior majoring in international studies with a concentration on the Asian region, was another among eight students who participated in the LIP during the Fall semester. Firlejczyk worked under the guidance of Michael Sherman at Temple Terrace City Hall.
Her responsibilities included drafting and proposing changes to ordinances, engaging with citizens to discuss building permits, and conducting research on city codes to identify opportunities for policy changes that would benefit the community.
Firlejczyk wanted to join the LIP to gain hands-on experience in local government affairs and to contribute to her community. As a senior, she was keen about applying her years of study in a practical setting and building a network of like-minded colleagues.
鈥淚n the future, I want to pursue a career in public policy, so it was so important for me to gain this experience at a local level of government, as policymaking is so complex at all levels of government. It was so insightful to learn more about local systems of government, what goes on in city hall through city council meetings, and how potential policies are created and debated. It has also made me a more involved member of my community, both at school and in my local government,鈥� Firlejczyk said.
Looking back on her experience, Firlejczyk is confident that the LIP will serve as a steppingstone for her future endeavors as she prepares to graduate in Spring 2024.
Student Jessica Pimental at the Florida State Senate during a student debate. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Pimental)
Jessica Pimentel, a senior majoring in criminology with a minor in intelligence studies, was drawn to the philosophy behind the LIP. She sought exposure to an unfamiliar atmosphere, ready to learn something new.
Pimental was placed under the guidance of Kristin Davis, the Assistant Superintendent of Government Affairs for Hillsborough County Public Schools. During her time, she actively participated in board meetings, observed lobbying calls, and assisted by taking notes for board members during the Tallahassee bill meetings.
With aspirations of attending law school and practicing medical malpractice law, Pimental highlighted how this program has provided her with a fresh perspective on her desired field. She emphasized that the experiences and knowledge gained through this program will leave a lasting impact throughout her professional career.
鈥淭he highlight of my LIP experience was the trip to Tallahassee, Fla. It truly embodied the bustling atmosphere I hope to find myself in as a lawyer someday, and it helped me connect with my classmates. We learned so much about the interpersonal skills that one needs to possess in order to be successful in an industry like this, and other lessons that we will carry with us forever,鈥� Pimentel explained. 鈥淟IP has completely shifted my perspective on public policy and smaller scale legislative issues. It has allowed me to learn more than I ever could in a classroom setting. This internship sets you up for success in more ways than imaginable and I think everyone should be able to experience something like this in their undergraduate career.鈥�
Applications for the Legislative Internship Program and the Tallahassee Internship Program will be open in 2024. Visit the School of Public Affairs鈥� Public Policy Internships website to learn more.