Legislative Intern

The South Dakota Legislature is seeking 26 college students to serve as interns during the 2027 South Dakota Legislative Session. Interns provide the legislators with the assistance they need to survive the rigors of a hectic legislative session. While in Pierre, interns can observe the lawmaking process in action, learn about the many issues confronting the state, and earn college credit all at the same time. 

As an intern, you will receive a salary of $185 per day worked during the legislative session. Since the Legislature meets for 38 days in 2027, and one additional day is scheduled for orientation, this amounts to $7,215.  Interns may also receive college credits for their internship.

To qualify, you must be enrolled at an accredited college or university. All majors are accepted.

Interns are needed to serve members of both political parties. If you apply to serve as an intern, you will be asked to state your political party preference. This ensures that Republican interns are assigned to Republican legislators and Democratic interns are assigned to Democratic legislators. Party preference is not used to qualify or disqualify an applicant, but the number of interns selected from each party is reflective of the partisan composition of each house of the Legislature.

Additional information on the internship program, including an application, can be found at https://sdlegislature.gov/Students/Intern.