Capitol Intern
Internship Opportunities
District Office of State Representative Mihaela Plesa
Position Availability: January 12 or as mutually agreed.
General Information
The Capitol Office of State Representative Mihaela Plesa seeks motivated, detail-oriented interns interested in public policy, the legislative process, and public service. Representative Plesa is the first Romanian-American to serve in the Texas State Legislature and the first Democrat elected to the legislature from Collin County in over three decades.
Interns will work alongside senior staff in a fast-paced legislative environment that requires flexibility, professionalism, discretion, and strong communication skills. Policy and legislative interns will primarily conduct research to support the representative’s legislative priorities, committee responsibilities, and policy development. Communications interns will focus on communicating the representative’s legislative work through social media, digital content, and other office communications.
Internships are based in the Capitol office. Schedules are flexible and will be coordinated around interns’ classes and academic commitments. Interns and supervising staff will establish an agreed-upon schedule based on availability and office needs.
Internship opportunities include:
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Policy and Legislative Research
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Communications and Social Media
Policy and Legislative Research Intern Responsibilities
Policy and legislative research interns will work closely with senior staff, with research serving as their primary responsibility. Duties include:
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Conduct research on proposed legislation, existing statutes, public policy issues, and legislative priorities.
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Identify and evaluate potential legislative proposals through research, policy comparisons, and stakeholder input.
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Prepare concise policy briefs, bill summaries, background materials, and talking points for the representative and senior staff.
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Track legislation, amendments, committee activity, and other legislative developments relevant to the office’s priorities.
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Monitor committee hearings, virtually or in person, and prepare summaries of testimony, key issues, and legislative action.
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Assist senior staff in preparing for committee hearings, legislative meetings, and policy discussions.
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Research committee interim charges, as applicable, particularly those relevant to committees on which Representative Plesa serves.
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Attend Capitol-based stakeholder meetings as assigned, take detailed notes, and objectively summarize policy proposals and concerns.
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Organize research materials, maintain accurate records, and track assignments and deadlines.
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Provide limited administrative support related to the Capitol office’s legislative work, including preparing meeting materials and assisting with scheduling.
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Complete other Capitol-based duties as assigned.
Policy and Legislative Research Skills and Qualifications
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Strong interest in public policy, state government, and the legislative process.
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Excellent research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
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Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise policy summaries and talking points.
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Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and accuracy.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and collaborative document-management tools.
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Effective note-taking, file-management, and task-tracking skills.
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Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate with senior staff.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and tact.
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Willingness to ask questions, receive feedback, and develop new skills.
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Ability to manage competing assignments and meet deadlines.
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Spanish-language proficiency is a plus.
Social Media Intern Responsibilities
Communications interns will support the representative’s Capitol-based communications work in coordination with senior staff. Duties include:
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Draft social media posts, captions, graphics, newsletter content, and other communications highlighting the representative’s legislative work.
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Translate policy research and legislative developments into clear, accessible content for public audiences.
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Work with senior staff to ensure communications are accurate, consistent, and aligned with the representative’s priorities.
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Publish or distribute approved content accurately and on schedule across the office’s communications platforms.
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Monitor social media channels for comments and questions and flag relevant items for staff review.
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Photograph and record video of Capitol-based meetings, hearings, and legislative activities, as assigned.
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Assist with maintaining a content calendar and organizing digital assets.
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Support preparation of statements, talking points, and other communications materials.
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Complete other Capitol-based communications duties as assigned.
Some assignments may involve evening or weekend Capitol activities, subject to interns’ availability and coordination with supervising staff.
Social Media Skills and Qualifications
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Excellent written and oral communication skills.
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Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and accuracy.
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Familiarity with major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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Ability to communicate policy issues clearly and engagingly.
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Strong computer skills and comfort working with collaborative tools.
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Familiarity with electronic newsletter services, such as Constant Contact, is a plus.
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Graphic design, photography, video editing, or videography experience is a plus.
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Ability to take initiative, think creatively, and work both independently and collaboratively.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and tact.
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Willingness to receive feedback and develop new skills.
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Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
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Spanish-language proficiency is a plus.
Benefits (All Internships)
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The office is committed to the development and success of all students and provides a personally tailored work program that supports professional goals.
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Interns receive a flexible schedule, professional development, and opportunities for promotion, along with regular evaluations.
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Upon successful completion, interns receive a letter of recommendation from Representative Plesa and, if applicable, work-study credits with their college or university.
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Interns will leave with the ability to serve as an aide for an elected official’s office or similar position and will have a network of individuals in their field of interest.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter or writing sample, resumé, and social media links via email to to the forms link attached. Applications for the Spring will be accepted through Jan 22, 2027. Please specify if you are interested in an internship for the Spring Only applicants scheduled for an interview will be contacted.