UT students are getting one step closer to the Oval Office.

Or, at least, those students selected for the Congressional Internship and the Tennessee Legislative Internship programs.

The Congressional Internship Program, established five years ago by Chancellor Jimmy Cheek, gives students access to congressional offices in Washington, D.C., during the spring, summer or fall semester.

Sally Parish, the director of the Center for Leadership and Service, noted the variety of experience students can gain by participating in the program.

“They can intern in congressional offices or on congressional committees honing a number of skills as they accompany congressional leaders to meetings and other events and gain direct exposure to life in D.C.” Parish said. “Their experience includes administration tasks, leading tours and also have opportunities to develop niche interests.”

This experience as well as the added benefit of connecting to a network of alumni often leads students to being employed full-time by the office, giving them a jump-start in their career.

Since the program requires students to relocate to D.C. and the internship position is unpaid, it comes with a scholarship to assist the students financially in establishing themselves.

“Our priority is to remove barriers so that the most qualified students can go on this internship,” Parish said. “Many of the students who go claim that it is one of the most impactful things they do. It can alter career paths.”

The program includes students from a variety of studies who are selected based on how well they will represent UT, their passion and their potential to grow in their career.

“We’re preparing political leaders, and that’s really exciting,” Parish said.

Having just celebrated its 40th year, the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program is another avenue for students pursuing a career in politics.

David Folz, the campus representative for the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program, said this particular internship is an established tradition on UT’s campus.

“There is a wide and varied set of responsibilities,” Folz said, describing the program. “It’s a great opportunity to see how UT students learn first hand by being involved in the legislative process and become a part of making history.”

Applicants apply during the fall since Tennessee has a part-time legislature that meets from January to April.

Unlike the Congressional Internship Program, students participating in the Tennessee Legislative Internship move to Nashville and their internships are paid, receiving nearly $7,000 for a session. Students are also reimbursed for their monthly commutes from UT’s campus to Nashville.

“This internship program deals with state issues,” Folz said. “Its an opportunity for bright young men and women to be on site and serve on staff.”

Folz said Tennessee’s program has proven to be highly successful and even serves as a model for other schools’ programs.

“From the university stand point it is an opportunity for students to learn first hand of the lawmaking process and is of unparalleled value,” Folz said.

In the Jan. 12, issue of The Daily Beacon, staff writer Altaf Nanavati profiled the four UT students currently spending their semester in D.C.