05/20/2026
Internship highlight✨✨✨
Claire Koenecke ~ South Dakota State Legislature
“I served as an intern for the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session. As an intern, I helped staff
the Senate State Affairs Committee, conducted legislative research, attended weekly legislative
leadership press conferences, tracked bills, and assisted with many other tasks to ensure
session ran smoothly.
Throughout this process, I got a close look at how the Legislature operates in South Dakota. I
learned about what issues are prevalent to South Dakotans, and what the Legislature is doing to
help them. I was able to observe how Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches work
together in South Dakota. Additionally, I worked with and learned from both Legislators and
Legislative Research Council Staff as they work hard to better South Dakota.
This internship provided me with tools I will continue to use in my future career. From this
internship, I have a better understanding of not only how the legislative process works in South
Dakota, but also how state, local and the federal government interact with each other. I was able
to grow my skills in legislative research, written communication, and collaboration with a team.
This internship was a wonderful experience and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any other
students interested in politics and public service.”
