Program Offers Senate Internships

For those interested in gaining firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, applications for the 1998-99 California Senate Associates Program are now available, officials said.

Established in 1973, the program provides recent college graduates and individuals interested in changing careers the opportunity to work as full-time Senate staff members, officials said.

“Although it’s a paid internship for 11 months, we treat them like regular staff members,” said state Sen. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), who added that many of the associates are eventually hired as full-time staff members.

“One of my staff in the district office went through the program and is now one of my district associates and is out there every day interacting with the community,” Schiff said.

Associates are responsible for helping to develop legislative proposals, researching and analyzing bills, and writing speeches and news releases, he said.

In addition, associates take part in weekly graduate seminars conducted at the state Capitol by the Center for California Studies at Cal State Sacramento, which has been co-sponsoring the associates program with the Senate since 1984.

“Basically, the associates train on the job,” Schiff said. “They really get a well-rounded legislative experience.”

Associates are paid $1,707 a month and receive health and dental benefits. The deadline for submitting applications is Feb. 18, followed by a series of interviews in late April and notice of selection in May.

Applicants must graduate from college by June 1998, and there is no preferred major. Those with advanced degrees or in mid-career are also encouraged to apply, Schiff said.

Eighteen associates will be selected for the program, with orientation to begin in October.

Applications are available in Schiff’s district office at 35 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 205, Pasadena.

For more information, contact the district office at (626) 683-0282.