Internship program to offer training in government field

By Kim Curcio

NIU students interested in hands-on training in state government now can apply for 1993 internship and fellowship programs with the Office of Lieutenant Governor.

In a news release from Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra’s office, he was quoted as saying, “The internships and fellowships … give college students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the workings of state government.”

Julie Filip, a prior fellowship participant, said, “It’s an incredible opportunity. You get to understand what people are doing and find out your own interests at the same time.

Summer internships are available to college juniors and seniors. Applicants are required to have a grade point average between 3.0 and 4.0.

The program is aimed specifically toward students majoring in government, political science or public administration. However, students majoring in other fields are welcome to apply.

Interns will perform various duties around the office and contribute to specific projects where assistance is needed. Members of the internship earn a salary of $1,000 a month.

Year-long fellowship programs with the Lieutenant Governor’s office, beginning in August, also are available. Fellowships are restricted to college graduates. Applicants are required to have maintained a grade point average between 3.0 and 4.0 and to have majored in a government-related field.

According to Jodi Dolan O’Toole, a representative for the programs, each fellow is assigned to a senior staff member. Fellows, along with their staff members, will focus on rural affairs, volunteerism, education and environmental issues. Fellowship members earn a salary of $20,000.

The deadline for accepting applications is March 1, 1993. Students who fill the requirements and are interested in applying are urged to contact O’Toole, who can be reached at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, 100 West Randolph, Suite 15-200, Chicago, Ill., 60601.