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Sutherland Institute

Internship Program

Sutherland Internship program is supported by a generous grant from:

Growth | Experience | Insight

Sutherland Institute is intensely invested in the future of Utah, and our desire for freedom extends to future generations. As a part of this commitment, we see equipping future leaders with experience, connections and foundational principles as a crucial piece of our work. Sutherland’s emerging leaders are mentored by the best and given meaningful work that equips them with tangible and marketable skills.

Public Policy & Research

Public policy and research interns are given semester-long projects that require them to research and report findings to policy analysts. These projects can range in topic, so specify your policy interests in your cover letter. Interns are given multiple opportunities to contribute to Sutherland’s publications on topics they research.

Communications

Communications interns assist the communications team with such projects as media tracking, event planning, creating social media content, film assisting, writing, graphic design, and other projects determined by need and interest of the intern. Please specify your area of interest in your cover letter. Due to Sutherland’s various channels of outreach, a communications internship offers something new each day.

Legislative Affairs

Legislative internships are available during the spring term (Jan-Apr). Interns attend meetings on Capitol Hill, track legislation, assist in lobbying efforts, create bill summaries, among other responsibilities. This area of focus is fast-paced, unconventional and demanding. Legislative internships are certainly the best way to become immersed in Utah politics, public policy, and civil discourse.

    Notable Dates

    Semester Dates & Deadlines

    Spring 2021: January 6 – April 9 (Application deadline: November 22, 2020)

    Summer 2021: May 10 – August 6 (Application deadline: April 27, 2021)

    Fall 2021: September 8 – December 10 (Application deadline: July 30, 2021)

    *Due to COVID-19, our internship program is undergoing modifications. A portion, if not all of the program, may be remote. Details will be discussed with final applicants.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many intern positions are available?

    Sutherland Institute hosts 2-4 interns per semester. These openings fluctuate in number depending on need and semester. Utah’s legislative session (January-March) is Sutherland’s “busy season” and we have a full team of interns during that time.

    Where are your offices?

    We are lucky to have beautiful offices in the Gateway Tower West Building in downtown Salt Lake City. Our address is 15 West South Temple, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84101. If you have trouble finding us, give us a call at 801-355-1272.

    What if I'm not in college?

    We’re flexible. We prefer applicants who are undergraduate seniors or graduate students looking for résumé-building opportunities in public policy, research, legislative affairs, and communications. However, we’re looking for qualified candidates wherever they are in their educational journey.

    How do I apply?

    Scroll down to complete the application form. When you’ve completed it, you will receive an emailed copy of it to the email address submitted. If you experience technical difficulties, or would like to verify your application was submitted, you can also email a copy to si@sifreedom.org.

    What should I submit as my writing sample?

    We want to see what you can contribute to the public policy conversation. Because of that, we prefer a writing sample on a public policy issue that you are particularly passionate about. Your writing sample does not need to be formal in nature but please attempt to be as concise and informative as possible. Sutherland produces several different types of publications: blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, policy briefs, etc.

    Can I apply to multiple internship areas?

    We try to keep our interns focused on one area of expertise (legislative affairs, communications, policy research, etc.) because choosing one area allows interns to dig deep and learn valuable lessons. However, assignments often flow beyond one focus, creating a holistic internship experience. If you are interested in multiple areas of focus, please specify these interests in your cover letter, ranking them by preference.

    Are Sutherland Institute's interns paid?

    Yes! We value the work our interns do. Stipends vary based on availability. 

    Application

    CLICK HERE TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION

    Instructions: Before you begin, please have ready your portfolio link (communications interns only), cover letter, resume, writing sample, unofficial transcripts, and three references. If you experience any technical difficulties, email si@sifreedom.org with your application information. 

       

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