New Mexico legislature taking applications for internships

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The legislature is looking for full-time interns to work from July through December. Applications are now open for undergraduate students and those who have recently graduated from college.

“We’re the nonpartisan, confidential drafting and research agency for the legislature,” says Jeret Fleetwood, project coordinator for Legislative Council Services. “So, one of the first things we’re looking for is nonpartisan folks.”

Interns help with day-to-day staff work and are paid $17 per hour. Interns can get experience working for the Legislative Council Service or with committees. Interns will help with scheduling meetings, analyzing political issues, speechwriting, and tracking bills, the legislature says.

“For the most part, it’s 40 hours a week in the office or traveling with interim committees,” Fleetwood explains. “We’ve got 20-something interim committees on everything from taxes, to health, to criminal justice, to military and veterans affairs.”

To apply, students and recently graduated individuals should send a resume, letter of interest, and unofficial transcript to internship@nmlegis.gov. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on May 17.

The internship also offers a potential pathway to full employment at the legislature. “If an intern likes working here, and we like the work they’re doing, we tend to bring them on to work for us during the legislative session,” Fleetwood says. “And if we really like the work they’re doing after that, it’s been the pathway to permanent employment here.”

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