Governor Doyle is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2010 Internship Program in his Madison and Milwaukee offices. All internships are unpaid, a minimum of 10 hours a week time commitment and open to college students, graduate students and recent graduates. We are looking for professional, highly motivated intern candidates with strong communication skills. Opportunities are available to focus on a particular area of interest and to experience the day-to-day work atmosphere of the Governor’s Office.
Responsibilities include assisting the following departments: Appointments (boards, councils, and commissions), Constituent Services, Scheduling, External Affairs, First Lady Projects, Legal, Legislative/ Policy and Press.
Successful candidates’ responsibilities will vary; Duties may include but are not limited to:
- processing constituent correspondence
- monitoring media sources
- receiving and routing phone calls
- researching legislative matters and policy issues
- supporting administrative services
- processing applications to serve on boards, councils, or commissions
- traveling to the Governor’s public events to set-up the event logistics
Qualities interns must possess:
- professional appearance and attitude
- strong communication skills (phone etiquette, writing, conversation, etc.)
- the ability to work independently as well as in a group setting
- proficiency in computer skills & computer research
- patience and well-developed interpersonal skills
- ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
- diligence and dependability
There are also intern opportunities available in the Governor’s Milwaukee Office. For more information on these internships please visit the Governor’s website.
Deadline:
To apply please visit the Governor’s website at www.wisgov.state.wi.us, and click on the Internship Program tab. To be considered all intern candidates must return a completed application along with a resume and a cover letter. Please send your materials to the Governor’s Office, via hand delivery, fax or email by: Friday, April 2, 2010
After submitting application materials, prospective intern candidates will be contacted by our office to set up an interview time. No applications will be accepted after the April 2nd deadline. For more information, please contact Mike Bennett, Intern Program Coordinator.
Madison Office: Appointments
This department recommends people to the Governor for appointment to state boards, commissions, judicial vacancies and other similar positions. It requires a high degree of organizational skills to manage over 200 boards and hundreds of letters that come in for particular positions. In addition, we are looking for people who are fast learners that can work independently. Interns respond to letters regarding appointments, update our database to efficiently track appointments and maintain the judicial vacancy application process.
Communications/Press
The Press Department serves as the liaison between the Governor’s Office and state and national media organizations. Press staff members provide reporters with information on the Governor’s opinions and policies and also write press releases, advisories, statements and remarks. Interns in this department must be organized, articulate, responsible and possess strong writing and communication skills.
Constituents Services
The Constituent Services Department reviews constituent correspondence, drafts replies and coordinates agency support. This department is also responsible for responding to constituent visits and phone calls to the Governor’s office. Additionally, Constituent Services issues gubernatorial commendations and proclamations. Interns must have strong writing skills and exercise sound judgment.
External Relations
The External Relations Department is responsible for working closely with interest groups, organizations, local elected officials and citizens to discuss the Governor’s initiatives and then maintain open lines of communication by responding to questions, concerns and ideas. In addition, the external relation staff is responsible for planning, advancing, and staffing public events for the Governor. External Relations interns must be task-oriented, have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to creatively and efficiently solve problems. Specific duties include researching potential events, inviting the public to events and also helping to set up the events.
First Lady Projects
As First Lady, Jessica Doyle works on a number of projects. Mrs. Doyle recently launched “Read On Wisconsin,” a book club for students and educators to promote literacy. This is also the second year of “Where in Wisconsin is Jessica Doyle?,” is an online game for students to learn about Wisconsin history, geography, and culture. Another initiative for the First Lady is encouraging mentors and reading buddies for middle school students. As a former educator, Mrs. Doyle spends much of her time visiting schools across the state. Interns in the First Lady’s Office draft media advisories and press releases. They also write letters to constituents, write remarks, maintain the First Lady’s web site, help with the First Lady’s schedule, perform basic office work, as well as work on special projects. Candidates for this internship must be reliable and work well independently.
Legal Counsel
This Department provides legal counsel to the Governor. It also reviews legislation; drafts and negotiates contracts; and reviews charters, inter-local agreements, resolutions created by local units of government, extraditions, pardons and commutations. Interns are responsible for matters relating to the Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board and the state’s criminal extradition process. They are also responsible for legal research and writing projects as assigned by the Governor’s Legal Counsel.
Legislative & Policy
The Legislative & Policy Department monitors the progress of state and federal legislation and manages contacts from legislators. Additionally, Leg-Policy staff works with state agencies to develop and advance the Governor’s legislative & policy priorities. Interns with state or federal legislative experience are preferred, and it is required that all applicants have a basic understanding of how the legislative process works. Intern responsibilities include attending committee hearings, producing bill briefings and conducting policy research.
Scheduling
The Scheduling Department is responsible for developing the Governor’s long-term and day-to-day calendar while also coordinating participants of scheduled events, including the Governor’s security detail. Interns are responsible for logging invitations into the scheduling database, organizing invitations, managing correspondence and other scheduling tasks as needed. Interns are also needed in the Milwaukee office
Milwaukee Office
The Governor’s Office in Milwaukee manages community relations, constituent services, and special events in southeastern Wisconsin. Interns must have excellent organization and communication skills as they offer key administrative support and are involved in a wide assortment of activities. Responsibilities include attending community events and briefings, responding to and addressing the concerns of constituents, working on special projects and helping to create, organize and staff events for the Governor.
