The Arizona Corporation Commission is a state-wide agency and public utility commission that is responsible for setting rates and regulating private water and electric utility companies. The Commission is comprised of five partisan commissioners, each of whom is elected via a staggered state-wide election that occurs every two years. Interns will train directly under the Office of Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson.
Internship Available
- Summer
- Fall
- Spring
Deadlines
Apply 2-3 months in advance.
Internship Description: Unpaid
Interns will not merely assist the office or learn simple, job-related functions, but rather will complete “on the job” training and projects under the office and be entrusted with one or more major components of the office in a challenging but rewarding work environment. Training could include policy research and writing, drafting one or more mock press releases, constituent contact, and other critical functions. Successful completion of the internship will include the completion of a final project, which will require the intern, to lead a primary component of the office, including the determination of a substantive policy or position on behalf of the office and the presentation of the substantive policy or position to the office in a format to be determined.
Purpose of the Internship
The internship will give students a unique opportunity to supplement their academic experience and coursework with a deep dive into the day-to-day operations of the office of a state-wide elected official and the subject matter of a state-wide administrative agency, which includes energy, water, and public utilities, and quasi-legislative, quasi-executive, and quasi-judicial processes. Students who are seeking to work and train for their own academic and career advantage and combine their academic instruction with practical work experience within the office of an elected public official should apply.
Agency Minimum Qualifications
Junior or Senior student or higher. Have and maintain subscriptions to all databases, platforms, trackers, and electronic libraries necessary to stay up to date on the latest information related to the intern’s area of expertise. Own or have legal access to a laptop computer, tablet, or other mobile device that has Microsoft Office products and software installed or has access to equivalent online-based software and platforms, such as Google Docs and Microsoft Outlook. Own or have legal access to a vehicle or other source of public or private transportation.
Agency Preferred Qualifications
Ability to conduct advanced Boolean searches on a variety of online search platforms. Ability to travel to any part of the state, with minimal advance notice. Ability to work a flexible schedule that could change from week-to-week. Ability to work and complete training assignments remotely, such as from a laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Freedom and ability to manage one’s own productivity and select workplaces that can enhance rather than distract from one’s personal goals and objectives, such as living spaces, coffee shops, and libraries.
Additional Information
Intern will receive an intern ID Badge, official government/state agency email address and account, and building access. Must be responsible for keeping and maintaining state property and adhering to state policies regarding the appropriate use of state internet and technology, state travel and expenses, and the use of state internet service and email accounts. Intern must adhere to an obligation to maintain the confidentiality of the office's privileged and confidential information concerning the internal privileged deliberations, conversations, and frank discussions of the office. A strict social media policy regarding the student's disclosure of privileged discussions that occur within the office will always be in force and adhered to . No political affiliation is required. Interns are protected against coercion for partisan political purposes and are prohibited from using the internship for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the outcome of an election or nomination for public office.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume via email to the contact person below. Letters of recommendation or references are encouraged but not required. Cover letters should focus on what careers the applicant hopes to achieve after graduating or what impact the applicant hopes to make on future employers and/or the public at large. What the applicant wants to do in the future is essential to determining a good fit for the internship. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how the applicant hopes to proactively maximize his or her time, access, and experience at the Commission to accelerate or supplement the applicant’s above goals. Other qualifications, such as academic credentials, outside leadership, or prior work experience, may be included in the cover letter but are not required. Omitting these details is acceptable if it allows the applicant to focus on the above questions.
The office will contact interns via email approximately two weeks after the posted deadline if selected for an interview.
Daniel Schwiebert, Deputy Policy Advisor to Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson. DPSchwiebert@azcc.gov. (602) 542-3625. www.azcc.gov