Professional Development
These programs are invaluable: they help you learn about yourself, offer professional experience, and can offer a real-world look at public policy in action.
Local Government Interns
The Local Government Intern Program is an opportunity for students to explore careers in public service/public policy and provides students with a chance to gain experience in a local government agency or organization; while receiving support from the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and the Institute of American Civics. Students will learn professional development and the structure of local government through a biweekly class taken concurrently with your internship, students are eligible to receive 3 credit hours for the course. Over the course of the semester, students will intern for approximately 10 hours per week.
The Local Government Intern program has partnerships with the City of Knoxville, Knox County, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, and the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. Interns will be assigned to work in various local offices based on partner’s availability and student expertise. Past student internships have ranged from researching affordable housing, working with community members through the Police Advisory & Review Committee, and shadowing city leaders. The interests and experience of the applicant is taken into account for the position.
Student Eligibility
- Applicants must be a current Public Affairs Major
- Applicants must be in good academic standing with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Applicants can be students of all classifications (i.e. freshmen, sophomore, etc.)
Academic Credit
Interns have the option of receiving academic credit through HBS 495: Special Topics in Public Policy (1-3 credit hours). Interns will meet bi-weekly to discuss their experiences and receive mentorship from Baker School faculty and staff. All interns will be required to attend the class meetings, regardless if they need the academic credit or not. The course date/times will be published in the application, so students will be able to keep that time open in their schedule.
Application Details
Application Deadline: October 13, 2025
Institute Fellows
The institute’s undergraduate fellows program will provide students the opportunity to attend local City Council, County Commission, School Board and Planning Commission, and other government agency meetings as they follow a project, topic, or function of government through the regulatory and/or approval processes.
Students will have regular meetings with IAC Interim Associate Director and Professor Emeritus of Political Science Bill Lyons, who also served as Chief Policy Officer for 16 years in the City of Knoxville. Here they will explore the structures, issues, and interests and their resolution in the local political arena. The goal is to increase student engagement in politics and their appreciation for the critical work of local government. Students receive a $1,000 stipend at the conclusion for meeting the program requirements.
Student Eligibility
- Open to any student at UTK
- Applicants must be in good academic standing with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Applicants can be students of all classifications (i.e. freshmen, sophomore, etc.)
Application
Application Opens: November 18, 2024
Application Closes: December 4, 2024
Tennessee Legislative Internship Program
The Tennessee Legislative Intern Program was established in 1972 to allow students the opportunity to work and learn in a hands-on legislative environment. Each year, 70 to 80 students from around the state participate in this program to learn about leadership responsibilities and develop skills in the legislative process. The interns assist legislative offices with their Legislative activities and work functions.
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TLIP is jointly administered by the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy & Public Affairs and the Department of Political Science.
Student Eligibility
Applicants for the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program must be:
- Enrolled as a junior, senior, graduate student, or law student
- At least 20 years of age before January 12, 2026
- A 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA at the time of application
Students from all majors and academic programs are encouraged to apply. The program recognizes that public service benefits from a wide range of educational backgrounds and experiences.
Internship Dates
Selected applicants will be appointed as legislative interns for the 2026 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. The internship period begins on Monday, January 12, 2026 and concludes on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The internship period is not concurrent with the UT semester calendar, University holidays such as Spring Break are not observed by the General Assembly.
Duties & Responsibilities
Interns will be assigned to work in legislative leadership offices and committees from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Duties will vary from office to office, but may include bill analysis, constituent work, computer and library research, and general office work.
Interns are expected to attend weekly TLIP Intern Meetings coordinated by the TLIP Coordinators which may include guest speakers, site visits, service projects, and other events with the student interns.
Academic Credit
UTK TLIP Interns will have the ability to register for 12-15 hours of academic credit during their semester internship. The Baker School and the Department of Political Science collaborate to offer students courses that provide support and context for their internship experience. Further, we work with each individual student to determine which courses will keep them on track for graduation.
Financial Support
TLIP Interns will earn $8,000 during the spring semester and be paid on a weekly or monthly basis (approx. $500/week).
This stipend will also cover a $400 relocation fee and allow for reimbursement for travel from Nashville to UT once per month (approx. $200 total).
Students should note that all stipend payments, including the relocation allowance, are treated as taxable income.
Application Details
Step One: Complete the application on Handshake
The following materials should be uploaded to the Application:
- Questionnaire and Autobiography (details in the Handshake Application)
- Transcript
- Resume
Step Two: Faculty Appraisals
Send the appraisal link to the 2 individuals identified on your application as faculty who will be completing appraisals for you.
Please remind each appraiser to complete the survey submitted by noon on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Step Three: Interview
All applicants are interviewed by the UT TLIP Selection Committee – the selection committee is composed of members from the Baker School, Department of Political Science, College of Communication & Information, and UT Institute of Agriculture. The tentative dates for interviews are October 1-2, 2025.
Some students may be required to complete an in-person interview in Nashville on October 28 or October 29, 2025
Step Four: Selection and Orientation
Once students are accepted, there will be mandatory pre-departure orientations and a student reception with members of the Knox County Legislative Delegation. Those dates will be announced at a later date.
Katie Collins, Agricultural Resource and Economics
“Through my time in the TLIP Internship, I gained firsthand insight into how public policy is shaped and how financial decisions directly impact Tennesseans’ daily lives. Working alongside legislative finance staff showed me the importance of strategic budgeting, clear communication, and how young people can play an active role in creating effective policy.”
Washington Internship Program
The Washington Internship Program (WIP) is an experiential learning program designed to enhance students’ opportunities to gain professional experience in Washington, D.C., with a member of Congress, a congressional committee, a federal agency, or a non-governmental organization.
Students who are selected to participate will be nominated for an internship and receive support from the Baker School in securing an internship. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee an internship; students are responsible for applying for internships. Individuals in an organization or congressional office staff make the final hiring selections. Most organizations provide a stipend or pay for interns; the total amount of pay is dependent on the individual office or organization.
Students selected to participate and who receive an internship will be eligible for housing provided by the University of Tennessee at George Washington University. The program does not include additional stipends or moving expenses. Based on availability, students may be required to have a roommate from UTK.
Summer internships last from June 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026.
Academic credit is an option, depending on coursework and major.
Katie Glagola, Political Science major with a minor in Public Relations/Advertising
“This experience has confirmed my desire to work in politics. Whenever a staff member asks if we want to come back to work on the Hill, I am the first to say, ‘Yes, I am, and I will be a staff assistant as soon as I graduate.’ I have truly fallen more in love with what I do every day, to the point where I even miss work on the weekends.”
Heather Taylor, Public Policy and Public Affairs
“This internship has deepened my passion for public service. I’ve met so many people in D.C. who truly care about helping others and making a difference. It’s inspiring and has reinforced my desire to pursue a career where I can serve the public and contribute meaningfully to the greater good.”
Eligibility
The program is open to all majors with an interest in government, public policy, public affairs, or related majors:
- Students who have completed at least two full years at the University of Tennessee are given priority; this does not apply to graduate students or law students.
- Must have at least a 3.0 and be in good academic standing with the University of Tennessee.
- Seniors graduating in May 2026 are eligible to participate and apply for WIP.
Application Details
Step One: Complete the application on Handshake
In addition to your application, you should upload:
- Updated Resume
- Transcript (Academic Record from myUTK is acceptable)
- Cover Letter addressing why you are interested in the Congressional Internship Program and how this internship program will align with your academic and professional goals. Your cover letter should address policy areas of interest.
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (letters of recommendation can be emailed to Jordan Smith-Porter at jsmithporter@utk.edu; letters of recommendation should be sent by Wednesday, November 5)
Step Two: Interviews
If selected, you will complete an interview with the WIP Selection Committee (comprised of staff and faculty from the Baker School and Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration).
Interviews are scheduled to take place in early November.
Step Three: Professional Development
Students selected for the Washington Internship Program are required to attend professional development trainings in late Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. This session will provide information on the next steps in the program, including refining resume and internship application materials, how to apply for internships, and additional details.