New York State Senate & Assembly Internship

Who is eligible to be a Senate Session Assistant?

To apply for the New York State Senate Session Assistant Program through UAlbany, you must:

Be a matriculated UAlbany undergraduate student
Have junior standing at the start of the internship (junior standing is defined as having earned at least 56 academic credits)
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher

How do I apply to be a Senate Session Assistant?

You must complete a two-part application process, using the New York State Senate Session Assistants application.

First, you must complete Part 1: Student’s Coversheet. This part of the application collects your information and starts the process of collecting your letters of reference. We suggest you start Part 1 as early as possible.
Once you’ve submitted Part 1, you will receive a link to Part 2: Application Materials. This part of the application collects your required application materials, which are listed below.

You must submit both Part 1 and Part 2 of the application, as well as any letters of reference, by the final deadline. Applications are typically due in October.

The required application materials include:

Statement of purpose: Describe your rationale for applying to the New York State Senate Session Assistant Program and why you are an ideal candidate.
Resume: We encourage you to make an appointment with the Office of Career and Professional Development to get help with your resume.
Transcripts: You must submit your most up to date transcripts (can be unofficial) showing all college and/or university courses you have completed and are in the process of completing. Official transcripts may be required if you are accepted into the internship program. Please note, transcripts are only official if they are sealed, unopened, and are printed on official transcript paper. Please email the Campus Liaison Officer with any questions.
Three letters of reference: These letters should be written by individuals who have directly observes you in school or at work and who can evaluate you in one or more of the following areas: character, research skills, familiarity with public policy issues, understanding of the governmental process, and ability to learn in a work setting. Two letters must be academic, with at least one from a UAlbany instructor.
Academic writing sample: This must be a concise academic writing sample (five to six pages) that provides a clear indication of your research and communication abilities. The sample must have a complete Works Cited page.
Two memoranda: You must submit a one-page Policy Proposal and a one-page Policy Rebuttal. Pick an issue affecting New York State — such as a current law, a proposed law or a law you would like to see proposed — and write a policy proposal for it, as well as a policy rebuttal against it.

How are Senate Session Assistant applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed by a UAlbany review committee. The committee's written feedback is sent to the New York State Senate Session Assistant Program Director.

If the committee needs more information about an applicant, they will contact the student to arrange an interview. Notes from that conversation will be included in the committee notes sent to the Program Director.

New York State Assembly Session Interns

New York State Assembly Session Interns complete research and administrative responsibilities in a New York State Assemblymember’s office during the legislative session.

The Assembly’s faculty members supervise assistants, advising their research and monitoring their progress throughout the semester. Students complete a five-day orientation, as well as academic activities and assignments.

Undergraduate students selected for this internship earn 15 academic credits and a stipend, which is paid bi-weekly.

Students work full-time, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and do not take University courses while completing this internship. Students must be available from early January to May. Interns may be expected to begin their work during UAlbany's winter break and will work through the University's spring break.

UAlbany students must apply through the University to be considered for this program.

For more information, please visit the New York State Assembly Session Internship Program website.

Who is eligible to be an Assembly Session Intern?

To apply for the New York State Senate Session Assistant Program through UAlbany, you must:

Be a matriculated UAlbany undergraduate student
Have junior standing at the start of the internship (junior standing is defined as having earned at least 56 academic credits)
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher

How do I apply to be an Assembly Session Intern?

You must complete a two-part application process using the New York State Assembly Session Interns application:

First, you must complete Part 1: Student’s Coversheet. This part of the application collects your information and starts the process of collecting your letters of reference. We suggest you start Part 1 as early as possible.
Once you’ve submitted Part 1, you will receive a link to Part 2: Application Materials. This part of the application collects your required application materials, which are listed below.

You must submit both Part 1 and Part 2 of the application, as well as any letters of reference, by the final deadline. Applications are typically due in October.

The required application materials include:

Statement of purpose: Describe your rationale for applying to the New York State Assembly Session Internship Program and why you are an ideal candidate.
Resume: We encourage you to make an appointment with the Office of Career and Professional Development to get help with your resume.
Transcripts: You must submit your most up to date transcripts (can be unofficial) showing all college and/or university courses you have completed and are in the process of completing. Official transcripts may be required if you are accepted into the internship program. Please note, transcripts are only official if they are sealed, unopened, and are printed on official transcript paper. Please email the Campus Liaison Officer with any questions.
Two letters of reference: These letters should be written by individuals who have directly observes you in school or at work and who can evaluate you in one or more of the following areas: character, research skills, familiarity with public policy issues, understanding of the governmental process, and ability to learn in a work setting. Two letters must be academic, with at least one from a UAlbany instructor.
Academic writing sample: This must be a concise academic writing sample (three to four pages) that provides a clear indication of your research and communication abilities. The sample must have a complete Works Cited page.

How are Assembly Session Intern applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed by a UAlbany review committee. The committee's written feedback is sent to the New York State Assembly Session Internship Program Director.

If the committee needs more information about an applicant, they will contact the student to arrange an interview. Notes from that conversation will be included in the committee notes sent to the Program Director.