Internship Program at The Southern Group

Our Internship Program

Based in Tallahassee, our highly competitive internship program extends from Interim Committee Weeks to the conclusion of the Legislative Session.

Throughout this period, our dedicated team of interns provide essential support to our professional lobbyists. They provide extensive coverage of the Florida Legislature during session and committee weeks, are actively involved in drafting and tracking bills and amendments, closely monitor and prepare comprehensive committee meeting summaries. Additionally, our interns play a crucial role in maintaining client relationships. Interns arrange and attend meetings with executive and legislative branch leaders, organize events, and generate reports for lobbyists and clients.

By equipping young professionals with the advocacy, access, and influence that The Southern Group provides, our internship program serves as a catalyst for future success.

At The Southern Group, we prioritize offering our interns an invaluable experience. Working day in and day out in our Tallahassee office, our interns gain a profound understanding of every aspect of the legislative process and have the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with lobbyists, legislators, executive branch leaders and clients statewide.

After their experience with The Southern Group, former interns have pursued careers inside the Florida Legislature, at diverse state agencies, in various legal professions, and as lobbyists – some even within our own firm.

Kendall Doody

Kendall Doody graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy. She is currently enrolled in Florida State’s Master’s program in Applied American Politics and Policy. Kendall previously worked as a research assistant in FSU’s Paleoclimate Research Lab, where she contributed to climate research and data analysis.

Anna Kate Daunt

Anna Kate Daunt graduated magna cum laude from Davidson College in 2023 with honors in English. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit Court, where she developed an interest in pursuing a legal career. Following graduation, Anna Kate spent a year in Korea as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, working with students at a rural high school.

Caleb Joiner

Caleb Joiner is a Political Science major at Florida State University with a longstanding passion for politics and government. During the 2024 legislative session, Caleb gained hands-on experience working on the OPS Staff for the Sergeant at Arms of the Florida Senate, where he deepened his understanding of the inner workings of the Florida Legislature. He later served as a summer intern for The Southern Group, gaining insight into the private sector’s role in the legislative process. Caleb is eager to continue leveraging his drive and enthusiasm for government to contribute to The Southern Group's success as Florida's leading lobbying firm.

Callie Rhodes

Callie Rhodes is a graduate student at Florida State University, pursuing a Master of Science in Media and Communication Studies with a specialization in Political Communication. She has gained extensive experience through internships in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., including roles in the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis, with State Senator Jay Collins, on Capitol Hill with Congresswoman Laurel Lee, and on Congressman Neal Dunn's re-election campaign.

Olivia Rebull

Olivia Rebull is a Finance major at Florida State University. A graduate of Coral Gables High School in Miami, Florida, she earned an International Baccalaureate diploma and graduated in the top 1% of her class. Olivia was an active member of student government, serving as class president, and participated in various honor societies. She is the proud recipient of a $50,000 merit-based academic scholarship from the Coral Gables Community Foundation.

Shelby Stott

Shelby Stott is a senior at the University of Florida, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a Certificate in Political Communications. Before joining The Southern Group as an intern, Shelby gained hands-on experience as an intern with the United States Marshals Service, coordinating prisoner transport and engaging with local youth to build community relations. Additionally, she has worked as a Student Assistant for External Affairs at the UF Lastinger Center for Learning, where she helped identify gaps in tutoring services across Florida’s K-12 public school districts.