Guest Column from State Representative Christina Hagan: Encouraging Local College Graduates to Apply for Statehouse Fellowship

For over fifty years, the Ohio General Assembly has sponsored a legislative fellowship program through the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC). The program is a thirteen-month paid fellowship that places twenty to twenty-four college graduates in various positions throughout the state legislature. Many are placed within the Ohio House and Senate, some work for LSC itself, and others are placed with Ohio Government Telecommunications.

As a state representative who has personally worked closely with LSC fellows, I have the highest regard for the program. Some of Ohio’s brightest and most innovative minds are hired as fellows and go on to even bigger and better ventures at the end of the program. Throughout the fellowship, fellows have the opportunity to communicate directly with constituents, attend committee meetings and session, write speeches, and research legislation, among a variety of other daily tasks.

This opportunity can be a great stepping-stone for those just beginning their careers, whether one continues on in public service or changes career paths when the thirteen months have ended. The leadership skills and characteristics developed during the program, like attention to detail and project management, are easily carried on from position to position. That being said, the experience often leads to permanent employment opportunities within the legislature.

For those interested in applying for the 2017 class of fellows, the application deadline is April 1st, 2016. College graduates of any major are welcome to apply – a political science degree is not required! If you have any interest in learning about your state government or serving the people of Ohio, I would highly encourage you to apply. More information can be found at the following website:  http://www.lsc.ohio.gov/fellowship/default.htm.

As always, if you have any questions about the fellowship program, or any other state issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (614) 466-9078 or Rep50@ohiohouse.gov.