Farmingdale State College (FSC) offers a unique opportunity for students to intern
with the New York State Senate or Assembly. This spring semester program allows eligible
students to participate in state government operations, providing hands-on experience
in Albany, NY, at the state capital. Accepted students must relocate for the semester,
gaining the chance to immerse themselves in a professional environment and grow both
personally and academically.
Cassandra Zaneski, a Business Management major with a minor in Legal Studies, and
Liam Tierney, a Science, Technology, and Society major, are two exceptional FSC students
who thrived in this internship program. Cassandra, known for her academic excellence
and work ethic, found the experience reinforced her passion for law. Liam, an active
volunteer and advocate, used his time as an intern to support constituents and explore
his interest in government service. Both were praised for their performance and represented
FSC with distinction.
The internship counts toward elective credits, keeping students on track for graduation.
Interns gain valuable skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving
while working directly with state officials. Tasks include meeting with constituents,
attending legislative sessions, and conducting research on key policy issues. Interns
also take a government class at the capitol, complete with readings, quizzes, and
a research paper.
To qualify, students must be full-time undergraduates, ideally juniors or seniors.
The NYS Senate internship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, while the Assembly has no GPA
requirement. Information sessions are held every fall to help students learn more
about the program and prepare their applications. Farmingdale’s Campus Liaison supports
students throughout the application process, ensuring all materials are complete.
Since 2019, eleven FSC students from a variety of majors have interned in Albany,
with many going on to law school or public service careers. Interns consistently describe
the experience as transformative, providing new perspectives on government and career
paths. Interested students are encouraged to attend an information session and explore
how this opportunity can enrich their education and future.
