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WHAT IS THE MISSOURI GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
The Missouri Government Internship Program offers
a unique opportunity for junior/senior students to intern with a
legislator, public official or state agency. The program provides
interested students an inside look at state government and the political
process. The experience has special appeal for students anticipating
careers in business, law, public relations, government service or public
affairs, but is filled with opportunities for a variety of career fields.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE NECESSARY?
Students wishing to participate in the Missouri
Government Internship Program should possess a minimum of 60 semester
hours of credit, cumulative GPA of 2.75, and divisional approval. No
special coursework is required prior to the internship. Successful
applicants will be of sound character and possess qualities that reflect
positively upon themselves and the University.
HOW ARE MISSOURI GOVERNMENT INTERNS SELECTED?
Internship opportunities are publicized early
each semester. Nominations are also requested from division heads and
faculty. Any interested student is asked to complete an application form.
After a preliminary screening of applications has been completed, eligible
candidates are invited to interview with a committee. The committee then
selects successful candidates and recommends assignments.
HOW ARE INTERNS ASSIGNED TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS?
The goal of intern assignment is to enhance the
probability that each placement becomes a successful learning experience.
Compatibility between the public official and intern is extremely
important. Requests for interns specify the duties interns are to perform
and the characteristics desired in an intern. Care is taken to consider
student majors, political orientations, career goals and student
preferences when recommending intern placements.
WHAT IS AN INTERN EXPECTED TO DO?
Duties depend upon the needs of the public
official to whom the intern is assigned. Typical duties include attending
meetings and making reports, communicating with constituents, doing office and
computer work, conducting research, assisting with committee hearings, writing speeches, editing printed
materials, tracking and summarizing legislation and being on call to help
with special projects. Probably the most important expectations of the
intern is loyalty to the public official and confidentiality. The intern
is expected to act and conduct himself/herself in the best interest of the
public official at all times. This means not only being helpful but
anticipating what will be helpful. It also means keeping important
information confidential.
DOES THE INTERN NEED TO HAVE THE SAME POLITICAL AFFILIATION AS THE PUBLIC OFFICIAL?
The answer is no, but it is certainly helpful
when interns share similar views on important issues. Party preference
will be considered as assignments are made. Please remember that the boss
may be mistaken, but he/she is always the boss. Any candidates for the
Missouri Government Internship who will not be able to work for the public official and his/her goals, regardless
of the issue and personal beliefs, should not accept the position.
HOW MUCH CREDIT IS AVAILABLE FOR THE MISSOURI GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP?
The intern must enroll in a minimum of six
internship credit hours and no more than 15 credit hours, of which a
portion (approximately 20 percent) will be evaluated as graded credit
hours and the remainder will be credit/no credit hours. Remember, you may
have to meet full-time enrollment status for financial aid and
scholarships. Family insurance policies may also require that you be a
full-time student. If you wish to have three credits evaluated as graded
credit hours, you need to enroll for 15 credits. These graded credits may
not be taken credit/no credit.
DO INTERNS RECEIVE PAY?
Interns receive a $440 monthly stipend. To
qualify, students must be returning Truman students or graduating seniors.
WHAT ABOUT COSTS, FINANCIAL AID, AND SCHOLARSHIPS?
Scholarships and other financial aid approved for
use while on campus can be continued during the time the student is an
intern. Students should examine aid packages and scholarships to determine
if they are limited to a specific number of semesters and what effect such
limitations might have on finances available during the student’s final
semesters. The Financial Aid Office, located in McClain Hall 103, will be able to answer these
questions. Interns may also experience additional expenses, the most
common of which is housing.
WHAT ARE THE TIME REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MISSOURI GOVERNMENT INTERN?
The
Missouri Government Internship Program is a full-time internship for the
duration of the semester. Interns live in Jefferson City for the entire
semester and are expected to be involved with their assigned public
official throughout that entire time frame. Vacations for the intern will
be the vacations observed by the public official. All students are
expected to remain through the end of the legislative session.
Work
schedules are at the discretion of the public official. Expect to work
every day, Monday through Friday, and to be on call at other times.
Students will also be expected to attend an evening hearing each week as
part of course requirements.
Weekly
class meetings will be scheduled for all Truman interns. Interns will be
notified in advance of the class times. Class may be scheduled in the
Capitol or at some other location convenient to interns and the
supervising faculty members. Usually the class meets on Monday mornings.
SHOULD I TALK TO MY ADVISOR FIRST?
It
is imperative that prospective interns seek their advisor’s input prior
to deciding upon the internship. Issues such as how the credit can be used
and how a semester away from campus might affect timely completion of the
degree need to be discussed. Other special issues deserving advisor input
are preregistration, tests or other major requirements and use of the
internship credit. These will all be discussed in further detail below.
PREREGISTRATION: Accommodations
will be made during the internship for interns to preregister for the
following semester. However, it is the responsibility of the student to
have cleared the proposed courses with the advisor in advance.
TESTS OR OTHER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: Arrangements
for senior exams, pre-law exams, and other issues related to your major
should be discussed with the advisor prior to the internship.
USE OF THE INTERNSHIP CREDIT: Credit earned through the Internship is
independent study credit rather than that of the major. Advisors must
approve the use of this credit in the students’ programs. Questions also
may be directed to the Division Head.
WHAT ABOUT HOUSING and
Transportation While IN JEFFERSON CITY?
Students
are responsible for their own housing and transportation while in Jefferson City. Often,
several interns go together to rent an apartment and thus cut down on
individual expense. If possible, it is more convenient to live near the
Capitol and walk to work. A list of prospective housing is available in
McClain Hall 102.
CAN I TAKE ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK DURING THE INTERNSHIP?
Interns
are generally not permitted to take additional coursework beyond their
internship credits from Truman or any other institution during the
semester of the internship. The Missouri Government Internship is
considered to be a full load, regardless of the number of credit hours to
be received. Likewise, part-time employment is not permitted lest it
interfere with the needs of the public official.
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact
Heidi Templeton, director of public relations, in McClain Hall 102,
785-4016, or Candy Young, professor of political science, in McClain Hall
222, 785-4650.
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