One of the most rewarding experiences of my career was my participation in the Capital Fellows program, a one year graduate fellowship working in California’s State Capitol. After I graduated from college, I was selected to be part of the 1996-1997 class of fellows. The program was an enriching experience, and I encourage all students interested in shaping the future of California to apply.

Co-sponsored by the California Legislature and California State University, Sacramento, through the Center for California Studies, the program provides opportunities to learn about the State Assembly, the State Senate, the Executive Branch, and California’s judiciary. It is open to college graduates from all political backgrounds and of all ages.

Selected Fellows are placed in the offices of legislators based on their political affiliation. If you are or lean conservative, you will be placed in the office of a Republican Assemblymember or Senator, and will work to develop and promote Republican-authored bills through the legislative process. As a Fellow, you will be mentored by experienced staff who will help you develop the policy and political skills to be successful.

As a former fellow myself, I can attest that it is one of the most rewarding experiences a young conservative can enjoy. Without question, my year as a Senate Fellow proved instrumental in providing me with experience, outlook, and connections that have helped me grow personally and professionally. The program enabled me to develop the critical thinking skills, political acumen, and relationships that have served me well during my time on the Modesto City Council and now as the 12th District Assemblymember.

I also have had the opportunity to host multiple Assembly Fellows in my office over the past five years. These fellows were excellent additions and contributed greatly to the success of my office. All have gone on to lead successful careers in both the public and private sectors. The program has produced Fellows that have gone on to be judges, elected officials, business executives, and leaders in a wide variety of fields.

The Capital Fellows Program has been consistently ranked by Vault.com as one of the top 10 internship programs in the entire nation. If you want to gain valuable experience working at the State Capitol and be a part of our efforts to change California, then I encourage you to apply for the program. Applications are being accepted now.

Applicants must be at least 20 years of age and hold a bachelor’s degree by September 1, 2016 to be eligible to apply. The program welcomes applicants who have just graduated from college, hold a graduate degree or professional degree, or who are looking for public policy experience mid-career. Fellows are paid a monthly stipend of $2,667 and receive 12 units of graduate credit upon completion of the program.

To learn more about the program, visit http://www.csus.edu/calst/capital_fellows_programs_overview.html. The selection process has already begun, so please don’t wait. Applications are due by February 8th.

If you have the desire to work at the State Capitol to further conservative principles, then I urge you to apply to become a member of the 2016-17 class of Fellows.

Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, is recognized as a solution-focused reformer. She represents the 12th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. Follow her on Twitter: @KristinOlsenCA

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016 at 11:06 pm and is filed under Blog Posts.