Three serve as interns at Ga. Capitol

Three GCSU students had the honor of being accepted into the Georgia Legislative Internship Program last spring, where they gained hands-on experience and leadership skills while working at the Georgia Capitol.

The GLIP is a prestigious program offering college juniors and seniors the opportunity to work full-time in a legislative session while earning college credit. The program is open to students of any major who have a strong interest in state government and politics.

Out of the entire University System of Georgia, GCSU sent more student interns to the Capitol than any other school in the state.

“I believe GCSU sent the most interns to the program due to the quality of our students,” said Clifton Wilkinson, assistant professor of government and sociology. “You can tell they are interested in being successful. They keep busy, stay on schedule and are furthering their goals while managing their time to meet those goals.”

Seniors Abbey Fleming, Morgan Lavinia and Joel Graham made it through the selective application process and into the GLIP last spring, representing GCSU and accounting for nearly 10 percent of all interns in the program.

“It is a vigorous competition when applying for the program,” Wilkinson said. “Every year 100 students apply statewide, and only 35 are accepted.”

Not only do candidates turn in an application for the GLIP, but an essay, reference list and transcript are also required for submission.

“The essay is an important part of the application process,” Wilkinson said.

“The program looks for students who want to make a change and have a strong knowledge of politics.”

Senior economics major Joel Graham believes his strong background and interest in Georgia politics was a factor in being accepted into the GLIP.

“Knowing people in politics and having an understanding of the political process helped,” Graham said. “I also prepared and read up on issues like Georgia’s budget for the assembly.”

Graham’s internship period at the Capitol, where he worked as an appropriations intern while also providing constituent services, lasted from January until the legislative session adjourned in April.

“A typical day at the Capitol started at 8 a.m. and ended around 6 p.m., but varied,” Graham said. “When I wasn’t working with the budget, I provided constituent services like writing cards, making phone calls and contacting state agencies.”

The GLIP interns were fully compensated for their time and hard work, each receiving 12 to 15 credit hours and a weekly salary of $300.

For current students hoping to participate in next spring’s GLIP at the Capitol, Graham notes that a basic knowledge of how state politics work is a must, along with a strong work ethic.

“Prior political experience is a plus, but most importantly students must be ready to work,” Graham said. “It is easy to develop a good or bad reputation at the Capitol based on how you perform. Going the extra mile will open so many doors.”

Graham plans to attend law school after graduating to study business-oriented law and says the GLIP provided him with substantial political experience and knowledge.

“I see myself having future plans in politics,” Graham said. “My internship at the Capitol helped me better understand important issues for the future, like campaigning.”

With years of political teaching behind him, Wilkinson is quick to note that the GLIP is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students and possesses nearly no downsides.

“The program is a wonderful opportunity for students to be selected for a prestigious program, receive credit and get paid,” he said.

College juniors and seniors interested in being accepted into next spring’s GLIP are encouraged to submit the required application, essay and reference list no later than Oct. 15.

Posted by Lindsay Shoemake on Sep 8 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.