Anne worked with the Utah State Legislature during Winter 2024.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
I worked for a state senator during the Utah 2024 Legislative Session. I was her sole staff, and was involved firsthand in drafting and passing legislation, constituent outreach, analyzing and creating the recommended social services budget for the state, etc. I got to shadow my senator constantly, attending all and often organizing meetings and events with her for the entire session. I watched floor time, committee meetings, drafted talking points, arranged bill sponsors, met with stakeholders on her behalf, and gained an extensive and detailed understanding of the legislative process in the state of Utah. As a result of my work, several bills were passed into law in the state of Utah.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
I learned a lot of great professional workplace skills. I expected to learn a lot about government and politics, but this was also a great chance to learn networking, event planning, scheduling, even making copies and taking meeting notes were all useful skills I hadn't really had before and am so glad that I got to learn.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
I don't know that my plans have changed, but more been confirmed by this experience. It helped me get a glimpse at what my future professional career could look like, and I loved it.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
This internship was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life- after having only recently changed to being a political science major, this was the confirmation that I needed that politics, government, and law are my passion, and that this really is what I am supposed to be doing and studying. I consistently felt the guidance of the Spirit helping me in my work and a unique joy that I know was from God confirming that I was doing something I'm supposed to do, and that is meaningfully contributing to the world around me.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Absolutely. I loved it- there is no other experience like it. Getting to be so involved and have so much responsibility in the state legislature is so fascinating and fulfilling. As a political science student, so much of my time is focused on studying politics and government, but through this internship, I was a majorly involved part of it, getting to see and study and do it all firsthand.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
This is such an incredible experience!! Please make sure more BYU students know about it.
