Florida State University’s Office of Governmental Relations’ Legislative Internship Program, now in its third year, serves as a cornerstone of student engagement with the Florida political process.
Established in 2022 with the support of FSU President Richard McCullough, this program offers both undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to gain first hand experience in the state’s legislative environment by immersing students in the legislative process during the committee weeks starting in January and continuing through the 60-day Legislative Session.
“We are deeply grateful to President McCullough, Provost Clark, our Board of Trustees and the entire university community for their unwavering commitment of time, resources and support in making this internship program a reality,” said Clay Ingram, FSU’s chief legislative affairs officer. “Thanks to their dedication, we’ve been able to not only launch the program but also grow and adapt it to meet the growing demand and interest from our students. We are thrilled for Class III to experience the legislative process firsthand and are confident that the sky is the limit for these bright, driven students.”
Class III consists of 39 FSU students, including 13 who are part of the Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program in the Department of Political Science which includes federal and local internships, providing a broader range of experiences.
“The FSU Legislative Internship Program has been a great experience for me, allowing me to meet peers with a shared passion for public service and dive right into the state-level legislative process,” said Christopher Lynch, a student in the 2025 Legislative Internship Class. “I would emphasize for applicants considering the program the great opportunities and network of connections available to them if they have what it takes to excel in the program.”
Before students can begin their internship, they are required to participate in mandatory training sessions designed to prepare them for their roles as legislative interns. These additional learning opportunities enhance participants’ understanding of the legislative process and foster personal and professional growth.
“Through the three-day pre-internship training, we are committed to setting our students up for success,” said Lina Rojas, legislative manager for FSU Governmental Relations. “Our hope is that the knowledge they gain will empower students with the strong foundation they need to excel as legislative interns. This preparation not only enhances their professional readiness but also inspires personal growth, ensuring they are fully equipped to make impactful contributions during their service.”
Throughout their internships, students work in various offices throughout Tallahassee including the State Senate, State House of Representatives, state agencies and the Executive Office of the Governor. Additionally, some interns are placed in lobbying firms and private government relations offices, offering them a comprehensive and multifaceted view of the legislative process.
Interns engage in a wide range of activities such as conducting research, writing bill summaries, attending committee hearings and communicating with legislators, state agency liaisons, lobbyists, constituents and the general public. While administrative duties and constituent services are part of the experience, the primary focus is on understanding how the State’s legislative policy and budget are interconnected.
“Our hope is that these students will earn the trust of their offices, enabling them to engage in budget and policy matters. This will spark their interest, provide valuable experience and make them more competitive in the workforce if they choose careers in public service and politics.”
— Lina Rojas, legislative manager for FSU Governmental Relations
“Our hope is that these students will earn the trust of their offices, enabling them to engage in budget and policy matters,” Rojas said. “This will spark their interest, provide valuable experience and make them more competitive in the workforce if they choose careers in public service and politics.”
The FSU Legislative Internship Program continues to equip students with valuable skills and knowledge that will enhance their future career prospects.
“Being an FSU legislative intern was the single best decision I made in my college career,” said Mackenzie Dolan, a student in the Inaugural Class in 2023. “Through the connections and experiences gained in the program, I was able to not only decide that I wanted to pursue a legislative career but also led me to getting hired after the program.”
Interested students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the world of public policy and politics.
To view Class III of the FSU Legislative Internship Program, visit 2025 Legislative Internship Class. To learn more about the Legislative Internship Program and how to apply, visit govrel.fsu.edu.