What is the First-Year Internship Program?
The First-Year Internship Program gives first-year students and first-year transfer students the opportunity to impact Indiana University as soon as they set foot on campus. Through this partnership, students will develop and execute an initiative that promotes positive change on campus. With help from their mentor, administrators, and additional IU resources, students will work towards implementing their project during their time in the program.
Those interested have three options in the program and should apply to the one that interests them. Applications are due by September 10th at 11:59 PM.
- First-Year Cabinet: Selected members serve as interns and work under the direct mentorship of executive directors. Interns support policy development, advocacy, research, and event coordination relevant to the director they are paired with. Learn more about all the departments here. Interns complete a year-long project under their mentor's direction. Interns are limited to one per department.
- First-Year Congressional Interns: Those selected serve as an intern within Congress and have the opportunity to learn the legislative process through active participation. Congressional interns assist in drafting legislative ideas, including outreach to relevant administration on the feasibility of ideas. Interns will also attend legislative workshops on parliamentary procedure, bill writing, debate, and other opportunities to gain hands-on experience in legislative affairs. Learn more about the Student Body Congress here.
- Judicial Branch: Selected students serve as interns within the Judicial Branch and have the opportunity to learn about the judicial process through active participation. Learn more about the Student Body Supreme Court here.
In addition, students can participate in an 8-week, 1-credit course to build leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of IU Student Government. Students in the program will apply the skills they learn over the semester to propose an initiative to improve IU’s campus. The First-Year Internship Program prepares students for their future at Indiana University and life after college while giving them a platform to make change on campus.