Kennesaw State student gains legislative experience through Georgia General Assembly internship

For Kiara Johnson, the Georgia State Capitol became more than a place of policy—it became a launching pad for her future in law and public service.

As a Georgia Legislative Intern, Kiara supported lawmakers and staff by conducting legislative research, managing administrative tasks, and helping communicate policy initiatives through social media, with the goal of helping the public stay informed about legislative developments.

“This experience gave me firsthand exposure to the legislative process,” Kiara said. “It strengthened my communication, research, and organizational skills—tools I’ll carry with me into law school and beyond.”

Kiara found the opportunity through a personal referral, but it was Kennesaw State University that helped her prepare and connect the dots. She credits the Department of Career Planning and Development for helping her polish her resume and stay informed about internship opportunities. She also found inspiration and guidance from Professor Michael Martinez, who introduced her to the Georgia Legislative Internship Program and offered valuable advice about preparing for law school.

“Professor Martinez encouraged me to pursue my goals and connected me with people and programs that opened doors,” she said. “That moment of encouragement was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at KSU.”

Throughout her time at KSU, Kiara has developed essential life skills—like self-discipline, time management, and communication—by balancing academics, work, and extracurriculars. She also found a supportive community through student organizations like the Black Student Psychology Association, which helped her grow both personally and professionally.