State Government Internship Opportunities
Below are internships that can connect your education with public service and policy at the Tennessee State Capitol. These programs offer UT students valuable, hands-on experience with state government and legislative processes.
UT Office of Government Relations State Session Internship
Location: Nashville, TN
Term: Spring Semester
Compensation: Paid
This internship provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of higher education, state policy, and politics. Interns work closely with the UT Office of Government Relations, gaining experience in both state and federal advocacy as it relates to higher education.
Contact: Josh Warren | josh.warren@tennessee.edu
Tennessee Legislative Internship Program (TLIP)
Location: Nashville, TN
Term: Spring Semester
Compensation: Paid
Established in 1972, TLIP places 70–80 students each year in legislative offices where they assist with daily legislative operations. Interns gain direct insight into policy-making, lawmaking, and the roles of state legislators.
Visit capitol.tn.gov for more information
Campus Contacts:
· UT Chattanooga: Dr. Christopher Horne | christopher-horne@utc.edu
· UT Knoxville: Dr. Jon Ring | jring7@utk.edu
· UT Martin: Dr. Christopher Baxter | cbaxter@utm.edu
· UT Southern: Dr. Kenneth Vickers | vickers@utsouthern.edu
Governor’s Internship Program
Location: Nashville, TN
Term: Fall, Spring, and Summer Semester
Compensation: Unpaid
Interns work directly with the Governor’s Office staff and gain experience in research, writing, event coordination, and administrative duties. This program emphasizes civic engagement and professional growth.
Visit tn.gov/governor for more information
Contact: intern.program@tn.gov | intern.program@tn.gov
Tennessee State Treasurer Internship
Location: Primarily virtual; occasional travel to Nashville
Term: Summer Semester
Compensation: Paid
This internship offers students the chance to explore public finance and government operations through work in a state constitutional office. Interns work remotely with periodic in-person engagements in Nashville.
Visit treasury.tn.gov for more information
Contact: Quincy Acklin | Quincy.Acklin@tn.gov
Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Internship
Location: Statewide (Nashville and regional offices)
Term: Summer Semester
Compensation: Paid
Interns receive hands-on experience in government auditing and oversight through a professionally structured program. Positions are available across the state, with preference selections during the application process.
Visit comptroller.tn.gov for more information
Contact: IG.AskHR@cot.tn.gov
Tennessee Secretary of State – State Library & Archives Internship
Location: Nashville, TN
Term: Fall, Spring, and Summer Semester
Compensation: Paid
Internships are offered in three tracks and are ideal for students interested in history, archives, and library sciences.
- Library Track: Public library development, regional services, and library systems
- Archives Track: Digitization, preservation, archival development
- Discovery Track: Cross-disciplinary projects across library and archival fields
Visit sos.tn.gov for more information
Contact: Annabeth Dooley | annabeth.dooley@tnsos.gov
