The Rhode Island House Republican Office Internship to Career Program

An internship in the RI House GOP Office is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work skills for college students studying Political Science, Government Relations, Community Development or other related fields. It is also a great learning opportunity for those students interested in pursuing a career in the public sector. It is our objective to provide students with the forum to participate in the day to day operations of Rhode Island State Government and to get experiences that encompass policy development, government functions, and the importance of timely constituent engagement. The interns selected to serve in our program provide us with new ideas, energy and perspectives. We have limited placements available throughout the year.  Only summer interns receive a stipend.

Intern responsibilities include:  legislative research; policy development assistance; constituent relations; staffing hearings and legislative meetings; office reception; mailings and communications.

If you are interested in being mentored by our RI House GOP staff and legislators, please send a cover letter describing your objectives and goals for this work experience along with your resume to Sue Stenhouse, Chief of Staff at sstenhouse@rilegislature.gov .  Please also include a statement indicating if this internship would receive an academic credit toward your college degree.

Anthony D'Ellena

"I'm honored for the opportunity to participate in this outstanding internship. Being able to see what goes on behind the scenes before session as a Page for the House of Representatives and then, to come into work on various projects in the office was tremendously helpful and has given me a new appreciation for everyone's devotion and hard work in government. The capacity to network is the most crucial skill your internship will give you. I've met like-minded individuals thanks to my experience. My political aspirations have advanced thanks to what I learned and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity."

Megan Rollinson
Providence college

"The opportunity to intern for the Rhode Island House Republicans provided me with a hands-on legislative process experience, which you cannot get in the classroom. Working with the caucus allowed me to see just how much time and effort is put into every decision and debate. It has been amazing to see how much the Representatives truly care about Rhode Islanders and how each policy they propose has every Rhode Islander in mind. I have always had a particular interest in public policy, and it has been such a unique experience to be able to see policies in every stage of development. Through this internship I have been able to strengthen my research and communication skills, which I will continue to use throughout the rest of my academic career and into my professional career. Wanting to have a career in the government, interning for this caucus allowed me to explore what a future career could look like and how to hone in on the skills which will be necessary to achieve this future goal."

THOMAS JOYAL
Salve Regina University

“Being able to intern for the Rhode Island House Republican Office was truly a worthwhile experience. The work provides great first-hand knowledge of how a legislative body works. Assisting with committee reports and budget amendments opened my eyes to just how complex the inner workings of government can be, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for the research undertaken and the support materials created by the office staff. This experience also gave me a great opportunity to see the democratic process in action. The Representatives in our state house come to work with a passion to serve their constituents to the best of their ability. Seeing the Representatives come into the office every day, with that dedicated passion for serving their constituents, only strengthens my own passion in being able to serve my community one day.”   

Tyrai Jones
University of Rhode Island

“Interning in the Office of the Rhode Island House Republican Caucus is much more hands-on than anything you might learn at University. You actually get to experience the job, rather than learn about it in the classroom, and you’re presented with real responsibilities. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the representatives and staff in the day to day operations of Rhode Island State Government. The experiences I encountered, working with professionals that encompass policy development and government functions, helped me to become more confident as I move forward in the professional world."

ROAN IRIBARREN
Salve Regina University

"My exposure and vital experience at the Rhode Island State House could not have been more achievable, thank you to the House Republican Office. I was able to partake in direct, engaging tasks that involved bill development, committee reports, and much more. My passion for politics and service was exercised greatly, and my understanding of the intricate legislative process grew tenfold. The amount of effort from the staff and representatives to further educate me was an aspect I found useful beyond measure. I have no doubt that my experience will assist me in my long-planned career goal of public service, to further Rhode Island's growth and well-being."

Christian Rada
Providence college

"I have been gifted the experience to work with powerful leaders who have inspired my career to move forward in public policy. The Rhode Island House Republican Caucus opened my eyes to the complexities of how our government is functioning, yet our caucus has shown their passion for public service through the hard work from our staff members and representatives. The atmosphere and comradery in the State office gives me hope for a brighter future. The hands-on experience of watching committee hearings, conceptualizing the debates over each bill, and understanding the micro-mechanism of how a party machine is run, will provide the framework for my career and prepare me for the road ahead."

adam Cavanaugh
rOGER wILLIAMS uNIVERSITY 

"​A rewarding experience. This internship goes above and beyond the traditional task of greeting folks when entering the office, allowing me to engage in policy areas ranging from educational freedom to infrastructure. I’ve been given the opportunity to combine my passions for politics and youth engagement into meaningful deliverables. Working alongside the staff and representatives, I look forward to continuing to take a deep dive on the issues facing Rhode Island to assist the House Republicans in providing common-sense, fiscally-responsible solutions. I have no doubt that I will reflect upon this internship with gratitude and appreciation for expanding my knowledge and skills in a variety of areas. Thus, helping in my future endeavors and goal of serving as an elected official one day, hoping to reignite the American Dream for future generations."

Matt carroccia
University of Rhode Island

"I am extremely grateful that I have had the opportunity to work with the House Republicans under House Minority Leader Blake Filippi and Chief of Staff Stenhouse during my final semester at the University of Rhode Island. The experiences were diverse, all of the representatives and office staff are friendly, and I deeply admire the dedication they show to Rhode Islanders. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an intern in their office and I am positive that my experiences will help me as I move forward in the professional world."

Jonathan Dufromont 
Johnson & Wales University

"To me, having the incredible opportunity to intern in the Rhode Island State House, is a catalyst for my future endeavors in law and politics. It allows me to obtain hands on experience in politics on a state level, which has been an aspiration of mine since I was 14 years of age. Attending meetings for the young Republicans while in high school is where I discovered my fascination with our nation’s government and all the facets involved in its operation. I hope to learn valuable skills from this experience and to build on those I have already obtained in hopes that one day I may have the chance to run for public office like those who I work around. With one more year till the completion of my undergrad, I hope to continue on to law school or potentially do policy analytics for a couple of years due to the peaked interest from my participation in this internship. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity that’s presented itself to me and I intend to take away as much from this journey as I possibly can."

​Michelle Place
Rhode Island College

“Throughout the internship, I have been given a variety of new and rewarding experiences that have expanded upon my understanding of how our state government functions. Through the guidance of the office staff and the Representatives, I have implemented new skills in research and listening comprehension, and I am learning the overall structures and processes of the legislature. There is something new every day and I grow more interested and passionate about the field and the fascinating ways in which our local government keeps the interest of its people in mind while working diligently to fulfill their needs.”

Robbie Joannou 
roger williams university 

“So far, this internship has been my vehicle to fully emerge myself into Rhode Island politics. Being able to track bills, observe committees, and engage with constituents provides me the opportunity to use what I learned in class, and apply it to the real world. This internship has aided me with my future plans by confirming my aspirations to get involved in public policy and to become an attorney.”

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