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Department of Political Science
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Department of Political Science

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Internships

This page contains all current internship openings that have been submitted to the Political Science Department. This list is updated at least once a week, and often several times a week, so check it frequently for new postings. If one of the internships interests you, follow the instructions for applying for that internship. Typically you will apply directly to the organization that is offering the internship. If you are selected for that internship, and you would like to receive academic credit for it, then contact our internship director Paul Soper to sign up for POL 3080, our internship course.

Can't find what you're looking for here? Download the Internship & Volunteer Opportunities brochure with 100+ suggestions for finding internships for political campaigns, disaster relief, the environment, global issues, government agencies, human rights, immigrant issues, legal field, local government, lobbying, political research, race and gender, social issues, and the U.S. Congress.

To organizations wishing to post internship announcements on our website: please send your internship announcement to r-misk@umn.edu, and we will post them on this page as soon as possible, and email them to all political science majors. We have found that this is the best way to disseminate information to our students, and to maximize the number of applicants for each internship posting. It is always best to submit your announcements one or more weeks in advance of the next semester, so that students can plan their academic schedules with the internship in mind. This also helps to increase the pool of applicants for your internship position. Your announcement should give a brief description of the duties involved, any required skills the student should have, and instructions for how to apply. If your organization has a website, it is helpful to include a link to that page. If you have any questions about posting your internship announcement, please feel free to contact Paul Soper at psoper@umn.edu.

If you accept an unpaid internship, make sure you apply for the CLA Undergraduate Internship Grant. Internships are a great way to enhance your academic experience. The CLA Undergraduate Internship Grant Program is designed to provide some financial assistance to students participating in unpaid internships. See the Career and Community Learning Center's web site for details.

 

Internships with Senator Al Franken. Posted May 1.

The internship role for the Al Franken for Senate 2014 campaign requires individuals who are professional, articulate, and responsible with an interest in campaign and political work.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Assisting with intake of campaign requests;
• Help with processing and entering of contributions;
• Assisting staff with field work and organizing campaign events and various activities around Minnesota;
• Assisting finance staff in fundraising events and efforts;
• Attending campaign events and/or caucus events with staff;
• Researching various organizations and events across Minnesota;
• Assisting Political Director in planning events;
• Assisting in weekly compliance and finance reports;
Additional Knowledge & Skills:
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications
• Ability to multitask independently and demonstrate sound judgment
• Ability to work and contribute in a highly collaborative team environment
• Understanding of political and legislative processes
• Organized and quick learner
In addition to assisting in the campaign office, interns will receive unique career development opportunities. Through working with staff, interns will be able to make an informed decision about what areas of campaign work interest them and gain valuable skills that will prepare them to succeed in a political and professional career.
Application Process
If you are interested in an internship with the Al Franken for Senate 2014 campaign please send the following materials:
• Resume
• Cover letter indicating weekly availability
• Three references
Send application materials to jessi@alfranken.com or by mail to Al Franken for Senate 2014, PO
Box 583144, Minneapolis, MN, 55458.
If you have any questions concerning the internship program please do not hesitate to contact us at jessi@alfranken.com or by calling 651-222-0064.

 

Klobuchar for Minnesota 2012--Summer Internships Available. Posted April 24.


Klobuchar for Minnesota 2012 is seeking interns to work in our Minneapolis office (or in other regional offices across the state) to help re-elect Senator Klobuchar. An internship on the Klobuchar campaign will provide great experience for students as they prepare for their future careers.
Internships are available in the following areas:
Field/Organizing
Finance/Fundraising
Communications/Research
As an intern on the campaign, you will join a fun and hard-working team. You may find yourself planning events, managing data, or recruiting volunteers.
Requirements:
-Commit to working 15-20 hours per week.
-Some work for evening and weekend events may be required
-Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
-This position requires a highly motivated, punctual, and responsible individual
This is an unpaid internship, but we can work with students to help them earn credit towards graduation.
*Note: It is the student’s responsibility to seek possible credit for this internship
Please send your resume along with an e-mail describing your qualifications for the position to Brian O'Shea at boshea@amyklobuchar.com (please put "internship" in the subject line).
If you need more information, please feel free to contact the campaign office at 612-378-2012.

 

League of Women Voters Minneapolis. Posted April 24.

(download the application here)
Voter Education Internship Opportunity
In one year Minnesotans will be asked to vote for a variety of political candidates, as well as cast judgements on divisive policy issues that will have ramifications beyond our state lines. As such, LWVMpls is gearing up to ensure that those who are traditionally marginalized in our community will have a strong and vibrant voice in the 2012 election.
With this internship, you’ll play an incredibly important role in helping the League provide the voters of Minneapolis the services they need to be informed and active participants in the 2012 election.
Some of the opportunities for involvement include:
• Obtain from the state League and local election officials basic registration and voting information as well as accurate dates and deadlines for the current year.
• Disseminate voting information throughout the community, especially any changes in election law affecting the public.
• Staff the League telephone during the election in order to provide accurate and up-to-date voter information to the public.
• Assist in identifying other community organizations, individuals, or entities with an interest in promoting an informed and active electorate.
• Work with Board members, staff, and committee chairs to plan and implement activities and events.
• Assist in producing voter education materials, emphasis placed on obtaining help with translating these materials into languages commonly spoken in Minneapolis.
For this internship we are seeking people who are creative problem solvers, eager to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, willing to remain nonpartisan while performing work for LWVMpls, and have a passion for empowering those who are traditionally underrepresented in our political process.


Erik Paulsen for Congress Campaign Internship. Posted April 24.


The Paulsen for Congress campaign is looking for applicants to fill internship positions for fall 2012.
Interns will be able to participate and assist in numerous campaign fields including field work, communications, and finance. Interns will work closely with campaign staff and learn about all aspects political campaigns in a hands-on fashion.
Responsibilities include:
-Assisting with volunteer coordination and recruitment
-Organizing literature drops
-Assisting with Get Out The Vote efforts
-Other campaign activities
Qualifications:
-Strong verbal and writing skills
-Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
-Applicants must provide their own transportation to the campaign office in Eden Prairie and to campaign activities throughout the Third District.
Applicants should work with their educational institutions to receive credit for their internships.
Interested applicants should send a resume, short letter of interest in the position, and references to:
Brian Cook
Field Director - Paulsen for Congress
Brian@PaulsenForCongress.com
952-934-8999
--------------------
Brian Cook
Field Director
brian@paulsenforcongress.com


Contact Info

Undergraduate Adviser
Rose Miskowiec
1482 SocSci
612-624-8517
r-misk@umn.edu

Internship Director

Paul Soper
1480 SocSci
612-626-1002
psoper@umn.edu

Director of Undergrad Studies

Scott Abernathy
Assoc. Professor
1246A SocSci
612-624-3308