Business Advocacy Intern

Business Advocacy InternDivision: Business AdvocacyReports to: Associate Vice President of Business AdvocacyFLSA Status: Part-time, Non-ExemptLocation: Columbia, SCCompensation: $15/hour (Paid Internship)Schedule: Tuesdays 12–5 p.m., Wednesdays 9–5 p.m., Thursdays 9–3 p.m. (approximately 20 hours per week; flexibility around legislative session schedule)Duration: December 15, 2025 – June 30, 2026 (with potential for full-time extension at our Charleston, SC office)Position OverviewThe Business Advocacy Intern supports the Chamber’s Business Advocacy team in advancing policies that foster economic growth and strengthen the regional business environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate interested in starting their career in business advocacy or government affairs, gaining first-hand experience in the legislative process at our state capitol.This role will directly support the Associate Vice President of Business Advocacy while the South Carolina Legislature is in session from January to May 2026, working part-time Tuesdays through Thursdays in Columbia, SC.Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong passion for politics, an interest in business advocacy, and have an educational background or experience in political science, business, or related fields. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for those who aspire to build a career in government relations and are interested in relocating to Charleston to become a full-time employee in June 2026.The internship offers immersive experience in legislative monitoring, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement, providing valuable insight into how advocacy strategies shape the business landscape at the state and local levels.The intern will be provided with the necessary technology, including a laptop device, to ensure success in the position.Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesMonitor Legislation: Track state legislative activity, including bills, committee hearings, and floor votes.Policy Analysis: Summarize and provide initial analysis of proposed legislation and amendments, identifying potential impacts to the business community.Reporting & Updates: Assist in preparing weekly legislative tracking reports and maintaining internal bill-tracking databases.Research Support: Conduct background research on policy issues, legislators, and state agencies.Meeting Support: Help prepare materials for policy team meetings, legislative briefings, and stakeholder engagement.Communication: Draft concise summaries of legislative activity for internal and member communications.Administrative Support: Provide general support for the Business Advocacy team, including scheduling, note-taking, and logistics.Advocacy Tools: Assist with voter voice and policy note projects (no prior experience required).Desired QualificationsCurrently pursuing a degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Research and analytical ability with exceptional attention to detail.Demonstrated interest in public policy, government, or advocacy preferred.Dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced, professional environment.Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.Professional Development & Learning OutcomesIntern will receive training and mentorship in legislative monitoring, policy brief development, and stakeholder engagement. By the end of the internship, participants will:Gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and policy landscape in South Carolina.Develop practical skills in bill tracking, policy analysis, and advocacy communication.Build professional experience in business advocacy and public affairs.Contribute directly to advancing the Chamber’s mission to support a thriving business community.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNoneSkills and AbilitiesLanguage SkillsAbility to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or budget reports. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from senior leaders, managers, and employees using tact, courtesy, and cooperativeness.Reasoning AbilityAbility to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with a few abstract and concrete variables, exercising judgment, resourcefulness, ingenuity, and initiative. Ability to exercise discretion while managing confidential information.Other Skills and AbilitiesComputer knowledge to include Microsoft Office, Excel, and other basic computer software systems.