Thank you for your interest in the Illinois Legislative Staff Internship Program! Obtaining an ILSIP internship is a competitive process. Applying to the program does not guarantee an interview, nor does obtaining an interview guarantee an internship placement.
- To learn more about the program, please fill out our Interest Form
- Check our schedule of upcoming events to see if we are coming to your area - Please check back for updates
- Feel free to reach out to our staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to have legislative or political experience to apply?
A: No, you do not need legislative experience or a political science degree to hold an ILSIP internship. Interns receive extensive training once the placement begins.
Q: Is ILSIP a paid internship program?
A: Yes, interns receive a $3,300 per month living stipend. Depending on the actual start date of the internship, the first month's living stipend may be prorated.
Q: Is housing provided for interns?
A: No, housing is not provided for interns. Interns will need to secure their own housing in Springfield or the surrounding area.
Q: Do I need to have transportation for the internship?
A: Not necessarily. There are apartments and houses in the downtown area for rent that are within walking distance of the Capitol Complex, where the internship is located. Most interns choose to take advantage of those options.
Q:Can I take classes while I'm doing the internship?
A: There is nothing that prevents you from also taking classes, but be aware that during the spring legislative session, start and end times for the day can be extremely unpredictable and days can be longer than the routing 8 hours. As a part of the internship, you are required to take an ILSIP Seminar during the fall semester (tuition covered by the program). The seminar meets weekly for approximately 3 hours and will be during your regular workday.
Q: What does a typical day look like for an ILSIP intern?
A: There is no typical day! ILSIP interns need to be very flexible as no two days look alike. Examples of activities an intern might do are: analyze legislation, staff committee hearings, work with legislators on constituent issues and legislative initiatives, monitor legislative activity on the House or Senate floor, write press releases, work on special research projects, attend events, etc.