Student's Perspective: Interning at the Utah Legislature

Q&A with Shaundra Lembke, intern for Utah Senator Brian Shiozawa (R, Cottonwood Heights).

Shaundra and Sen. Shiozawa
Photo cred: Utah Senate Facebook Page

 What has been your overall internship experience?
My internship was amazing. I could not have asked for a better legislator to work with. I was able to sit in on important meetings with influential people and see how everyone involved wants to make a difference.



What was the most surprising aspect of your internship?
I expected to see much more head-to-head politics from beginning to end. The public can have such negative views about the legislators and the process. My experience proved to be different: the interactions, disagreements, and agreements were usually professional. They respect each other and really want to get something done that is best for the state of Utah. The public may not like what is passed, but should understand they’re all trying to produce the best proposal that satisfy the diverse opinions and needs of the people.

What was the most challenging part?
Reading the Senators mind? (laughs) You really need to pay attention to what is going on and who is involved in your particular bills and processes.  Every day was exciting and different. I needed to be ready when something or someone is needed that we did not anticipate.

How did the reality of your internship experience differ from your expectations?

Sen. Shiozawa (bottom right) and Shaundra (center)
championing the cause of birthdays.
Photo cred: Utah Senate Facebook Page

The legislators come from a variety of backgrounds. Each of their own careers and experience benefit the process and iron out the bad legislation. Because sometimes there is bad legislation that perhaps the sponsor and supporters only see one side of. But everything had consequences, good or bad. Senator Shiozawa worked a lot on Healthy Utah. The reality is that there were politics happening, mostly in the end, in order to get something passed for the expansion of Medicaid. It was difficult to see some legislators unwilling to lean one way or the other when something clearly needs to be addressed.

What are some tips you would give to future interns?
Stay on top of what is going on during the session. The more you know the more you can help. Go in with respect to your legislator. You will learn so much from the places and meetings you get to attend. Be discreet with the conversations you are privy to. Most of all, if you’re considering an internship: do it.  You'll never have so much fun learning about politics.

Shaundra Lembke is a History major and is graduating from Utah State in May.