Murfreesboro, TN - Middle Tennessee State University senior journalism major Tiffany Parker has been focused on working with local media outlets to gain expertise in her field.

But during the spring semester, her academic career took a different turn after the Murfreesboro resident was recruited to work in the office of Tennessee Rep. Mike Sparks, an MTSU alumnus, during the 114th General Assembly, which concluded in late April.

“I've been very busy in these last two years building a rich tapestry because I want to stand out and I want to build a career,” said Parker, who plans to attend law school after graduating from MTSU. “I’ve just had my nose down and working and that’s what I think Rep. Sparks saw. I’ve had a rich experience working for him and I’m so grateful.”

Parker’s internship duties vary, from writing press releases to working on paperwork, answering calls from constituents, doing research and running errands.

Sparks, who completed his second degree at MTSU in December 2024, said it’s a “win-win” for everyone involved, including his constituents in District 49, which represents the Smyrna and La Vergne areas in Rutherford County.

“All my interns have helped me be more effective, be more productive and more efficient. So I’m proud to get an intern,” said Sparks, who has hired multiple MTSU students to intern in his office. “I think it’s life-changing for them and it’s such an opportunity for them.”

The Tennessee Legislative Intern Program was established in 1972 to provide Tennessee college and university students with an opportunity to work and learn in a hands-on legislative environment.

Each year, 70 to 80 students from around the state participate in this program to learn about leadership responsibilities as well as develop legislative process skills. The interns assist legislative offices with their activities and work functions.

State Sen. Shane Reeves, a native of Murfreesboro and six-year veteran of the legislature, has employed an intern each year he’s been in office. 

“I’ve been a senator for six years and all of those years I’ve had an intern, and they have proven to be invaluable in my office,” said Reeves, “not just in customer service, but doing research projects for me, in the committees I’m involved with in health, commerce and agriculture.”

Many students who take part in the legislative internships are political science majors. But the major doesn’t matter, said Amy Atchison, chair of the Department of Political and Global Affairs. “We welcome applicants from any major on campus,” she said.

“I did not know this opportunity even existed,” said Parker, whose undergraduate degree path takes her through the School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the College of Media and Entertainment.

Although Parker is majoring in journalism, Sparks connected Parker with the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program through the Department of Political and Global Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts, which coordinates the program at MTSU.

“Our department is grateful to Rep. Sparks and Sen. Reeves for their support of MTSU and the TLIP program,” Atchison said.

For Parker, the experience as an intern at the state Capitol has opened a whole new world to her.

“Everything I’ve learned is all coming together. Now I understand the jargon,” Parker said. “Being at the Capitol just feels right. I can’t put my finger on it.”

Parker, who has been juggling a full course load with career-centered work and family life, has previously worked at Nashville-based WKRN-TV and WGNS-AM Radio in Murfreesboro. But she hopes to continue finding new opportunities like the legislative internship program to broaden her horizons.

“I’ve just been trying to stand out and I’ve found myself in spaces where people take a chance on me,” Parker said. “I’m hungry for knowledge and I’m eager for the experiences that will help further my learning and my future career.”

Visit https://bit.ly/437hdgA to learn more about the legislative intern program.