Apply
Click on the appropriate button below to apply using the official General Assembly recruiting system. Applicants must submit the following application materials when they apply:
- Cover letter explaining why he or she is applying
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
Students are invited to apply to the General Assembly at any time. All applications are evaluated on an ongoing basis.
**Please indicate which semester(s) are of interest on your application. You may select more than one.**
Overview
The General Assembly’s Legislative Internship, Summer Clerk and Externship programs provide students with professional work experience and a unique opportunity to interact with elected officials and learn more about the legislative process. The programs provide valuable work experience for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those with an interest in political science, public administration, law, and a career in public service.
Students are eligible to work a Spring, Summer, or Fall term. The Spring term begins on January 1st and ends on April 30th. The Summer term begins on May 1st and ends on August 30th. The Fall term begins on September 1st and ends on December 31st.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An applicant must either attend a North Carolina school or be a permanent North Carolina resident attending a school out of state.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Interns may work a maximum of 24 hours per week. Summer Clerks may work up to 40 hours per week. Interns are responsible for their own housing during the internship period.
Testimonials
Speaker of the House Destin Hall with House interns
"I truly valued my internship with the North Carolina General Assembly. It was an incredible opportunity to see the legislative process firsthand while building meaningful relationships and learning from legislators, staff and fellow interns. I also gained a deeper understanding of how public policy is developed, from the early stages of drafting legislation to the passage of bills. This internship equipped me with real-world experience and connections that will stay with me throughout my career. This internship provided experiences that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in politics, law, or government work."
"Interning for House Rules Chairman Bell during the 2026 summer intern session exceeded my expectations tremendously. I had the honor and privilege to work directly with, and provide support to, the Chairman’s staff, to research a large variety of legislative subject matter and to witness bills move firsthand through the Rules Committee office. This proximity allowed me to deepen my understanding of the legislative process throughout the summer. Interning for the Rules Chair provided me with a unique perspective and invaluable knowledge pertaining to the state of North Carolina’s Legislature that I could not have gotten anywhere else. I would highly recommend interning at the General Assembly to any students interested in government, public service, law, or anything in between.""I cherished my time as an intern at the North Carolina General Assembly. It provided me with a memorable experience where I was able to see the legislative process in action while simultaneously building my professional network. It also helped me grow as a law student by providing me with the opportunity to explore a new area of the legal landscape. I was able to see what goes into the passage of a bill and the legal work involved in bill drafting. Additionally, I had the opportunity to engage in several different policy areas and see how they influence the bills being drafted. I would highly recommend this internship program to anyone interested in politics, public policy, or government work."
"My summer internship at the North Carolina General Assembly has been incredibly educational and full of exciting opportunities to contribute to the legislative process. Outside of sitting in on committee meetings and Senate sessions, I worked directly with the Boards and Commissions office to fill vacancies for groups across the state. Additionally, I spent time researching pending legislation and often corresponded with constituents about their concerns. Without a doubt, I recommend that you apply to this internship program. You won’t regret it!"
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger with Senate intern Dustin Humphries
Additional Testimonials
"My internship at the North Carolina General Assembly provided me with valuable hands-on experience and a better idea about what knowledge areas and skills I should attach more importance and make further improvement to in my further studies. Working for Senator Fitch and his staff provided me with a supportive working environment that has proved to be very beneficial for my career. I will forever be grateful for everything I have had the opportunity to learn and do while interning at the General Assembly."
"Working at the NCGA was the perfect experience to gain immediate exposure to our state legislative processes and all behind-the-scenes actions. Being able to see the progress of bills from an idea all the way to floor debate, interact with constituents and lobbyists on a variety of issues, and meet important stakeholders and other members was incredible. As an Asian-American, it was also amazing getting to work with the state's first South-Asian senator."
"Through interning at the NCGA, I learned how legislative offices coordinate and provide information, and I saw the law making process unfold in committee and on the Senate floor. It was a great and memorable experience because of the community."
"Working in the NCGA during the 2018 election cycle was an invaluable. I got to attend committee meetings and listen to NC constitutional amendments be discussed that would be voted on by citizens. I will always be grateful for the people I met and the experience I gained working at the state legislature."
"I interned for a Senator during the Fall of 2020. As a Senate Intern at the North Carolina General Assembly, I was able to witness the work that occurs behind the scenes when the General Assembly is not in session. Some of this work includes responding to emails from citizens seeking assistance, communicating with constituents over the phone, and conducting research on relevant policies. I am grateful for the opportunity to intern at the General Assembly because it has enhanced my graduate school experience and reaffirmed my desire to go into public service."
"The internship program gave me a new perspective of government by having me work hands-on in a senator's office. In that position, I was able to develop key relationships, work with constituents, problem-solve, and further my research abilities."
"My time at the NCGA was one of the greatest experiences I've had in college, and something that has had a significant impact on my personal policy beliefs and engagement in North Carolina politics. I was able to directly interact with constituents, develop legislative proposals and research, and understand the intricacies of the NCGA in such a way that one could never get from a classroom. If you're interested in understanding how our state government works and being a part of the process, interning at the NCGA is an absolute must."
"The internship program with the NCGA is beyond better than I could have imagined. My personal experience at the NCGA offered endless opportunities to meet state officials and learn how the laws in North Carolina are considered and implemented. Being a part of pivotal legislation in our state and knowing that I have an impact on the lives of constituents was an invaluable opportunity that many internships do not afford. Each day offered an exciting and new experience to be a part of that has impacted the lawyer I am today. I am thankful for such a wonderful program and the members of the General Assembly that make working at the NCGA such a positive experience for all interns."
"My time at the General Assembly was invaluable in helping me better understand the inner workings of both politics and legislation. I was empowered to directly aid constituents, work with the office on broader projects, and assist the senator with individual projects. I have gained a meaningful expansion of my network and a stepping stone on my path moving forward in politics. I am grateful for this experience and the mentorship I have received from both the senator and an outstanding legislative Assistant."
"My experience as a Senate Intern in the North Carolina General Assembly was a life changing experience. I was afforded the privilege of working alongside senators and their staff, as well as other integral offices of the General Assembly. The experience allowed me the opportunity to experience constituent relationships between their elected officials and the legislative process first hand. I came away from it with a greater desire to work with and for my community."