District Office Internship Program Application

The California State Assembly District Office Internship Program offers high school and college students a unique opportunity to participate in and experience the work of a state Assembly office. The program exposes students to district office operations and the activities of a legislator’s work. These experiences include working with constituents, conducting community outreach efforts, assisting community-based organizations, organizing civic events and projects, database development and upkeep, staffing the office, and other activities.

Internships are available to those who are currently enrolled in high school or college. Depending on their high school or college programs, students may also receive different types of school credits for participating as an intern.

Many legislators and senior policy staff began their careers by interning in a district office. It is an invaluable way to gain a true understanding of California’s democratic process, as well as an excellent opportunity to make important contacts while serving the community.

Interns will gain valuable education and work experience by fully participating in agreed-upon hours of work. All internship work is voluntary and students will not receive any monetary compensation. Unpaid internships are available to all part-time or full time students. For college Students: Depending on their high school or college programs, students may also receive different types of school credits for participating as an intern.

If you are interested in participating in the 76th Assembly District Office Internship Program, simply complete the online application below.

As space becomes available, qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. Thank you for your interest in this very unique opportunity to serve your community. I look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please call (858) 675-0760.

*If you are having trouble submitting this application please email your application to Assemblymember.Patel@assembly.ca.gov.

 

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INTERNSHIP TYPES

General Intern 
General Interns work closely with Field Representatives and the District Director. Responsibilities include more direct interaction with constituents, attending community events, and assisting with special projects.

  • Engage with constituents via telephone or in-person
  • Assist with data entry
  • Respond to constituent requests
  • Work with staff on special projects and assignments
  • Assist in research and planning of upcoming events and projects
  • Attend events with Field Representatives and the Assemblymember
  • Perform outreach to community leaders, constituents, and interest groups
  • Other miscellaneous tasks, as required

Communications Intern 
Communications Interns work closely with the Communications team. Responsibilities are more directly related to crafting content for a wide variety of outreach campaigns, managing social media, working with news media, organizing press events, and other special projects. Responsibilities may include:

  • Assist in drafting social media captions, graphics, talking points, press releases, and other materials
  • Monitor official state social media accounts under supervision
  • Track news coverage of specific events, topics, etc.
  • Research and provide brief reports on various issues for communications purposes
  • Create content for social media posts, e-Alerts, and newsletters
  • Attend interviews and other media events

Other miscellaneous tasks, as required

Internship Opportunity applying for: (check all that apply)
INTERN CYCLES AND APPLICATION DEADLINES

Fall Cohort (Sept - Dec) Deadline to Apply: July 31st @ 5:00 p.m. (PST)

Spring Cohort (Jan - April) Deadline to Apply: November 30th @ 5:00 p.m. (PST)

Summer Cohort (May - Aug) Deadline to Apply: March 31st @ 5:00 p.m. (PST)

*Start and End dates can be flexible dependent on application need. Some internships may be extended upon request.*

If you wish to be considered for multiple internship cycles, one form submission is sufficient. Please note that only fully completed applications (interest form submission, resume, cover letter, and writing sample) will be reviewed.

Internships at the District Office are project-based, and the number of interns accepted will depend on current office needs. We welcome applicants at all stages of their education, from high schoolers to college students. We encourage students to apply regardless of their academic level.

Which cohort(s) are you applying for? (check all that apply)
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum 10-12 hours per week, maximum 20 hours per week. 
    Office is open 9AM - 5PM every weekday, weekend events may occur.
     
  • Transportation to and from internship location at 
    District Office: 12396 World Trade Dr., Suite 118.
     
  • Interest in public service or local government.
Do you have or are able to find reliable transportation to our office and/or events?
Availability: (check all that apply)

Evening/Weekend Availability

Some events are on the evenings or weekends (festivals, special events, etc). Are you available to work occasional evenings or weekends for the internship period?

Hours worked in the evening or weekends do apply towards your weekly minimum hours.

Weekend and/or evening availability?
YOUR INFORMATION
SKILLS, INTERESTS, GOALS, AND UPLOADS
Special skills: (check all that apply)
What topics are you interested in learning more about? (check all that apply)
How did you find out about this internship program? (check all that apply)

Resume:

One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx.

Cover Letter:

Please be sure to address the following questions:

  1. Please briefly describe why you are interested in interning for Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel and what you would like to learn from this experience.
  2. What is your major? How will this internship help with your area of study?
  3. Please list any experience that will be relevant to the internship.
One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx.

Writing Sample Prompt (choose one):

  1. What issue or cause do you think is often overlooked by elected officials but is crucial for your community?
  2. If you were an Assemblymember for a day, what bill would you propose and why?

 Applicants must submit a writing sample, no more than 2 pages, 500 words or less.

One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx.

Graphic design sample (Communications interns only):

Please attach a graphic design sample (flyer, infographic, social media post, etc).

One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, pdf, doc, docx, .
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Capitol Office
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0076
Phone: (916) 319-2076
Fax: (916) 319-2176

District Office
12396 World Trade Drive,
Suite 118
San Diego, CA 92128
Phone: (858) 675-0760
Fax: (858) 675-0688