Internships

Videos

Ted Hoffstrom
Intern for Minnesota State Senator Chick Wiger

Jacob Olson
Intern for Governor Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Senator Norm Coleman

Emma Olson
Intern for Minnesota State Representative Paul Marquart

Meghan Glass
Intern for Minnesota State Representative Lynn Wardlow

Max Page
Intern for Minnesota State Senator Tom Saxhaug

Christina Davenport
Intern for WATCH, a court-monitoring organization in Hennepin County

Paul Soper
Internship Director
1480 Social Sciences Building
267 19th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-1002
psoper@umn.edu

Current Internship Postings

Finding Housing in Washington, D.C.

Through the Department's Internship Program, students can do internships with a wide variety of political organizations and government offices. Watch these video clips to hear students share their internship experiences.

Finding an Internship

Do your homework before you contact an individual, agency, or organization about a possible internship. You can learn more about an organization by accessing the internet or by making a trip to the library. By doing a little homework, you can secure an internship that meets both your career and educational goals. Students who are participating in unpaid internships are strongly encouraged to apply for the College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Internship Grant. Applications may be downloaded from the Career and Community Learning Center's web site. Check out the current internship postings by selecting the Current Internship Postings link above. If you don't find what you're looking for, search the web sites at the bottom of the page for additional internship opportunities that match your academic and career interests.

Receiving Academic Credit

Students who participate in a political internship can earn political science credits for their internship. Although credit is not given for the internship experience itself, students can receive credit for their internships by taking POL 3080, the Department's internship course. For this course, students must complete weekly journal entries, conduct informational interviews, and write other essays and research papers. Once you have secured an internship, and know how many hours per week you will be working at that internship, contact Paul Soper, Internship Director for the Department of Political Science, to enroll in POL 3080. PLEASE NOTE: In order to enroll in POL 3080, you must meet with Prof. Soper at least one week prior to the beginning of the semester in which you do your internship.

Political Science major, Abby Bar-Lev,
(second from the left with pink jacket) with the interns
for Senator Feingold.

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More Student Praise for Their Internship Experiences

Brianne Lawson, Intern for Governor Tim Pawlenty, Spring 2006

"This internship has been everything I had hoped it would be. I got the hands-on experience I desired. I met some truly inspiring people. I learned the importance of organization and detail on the job. I was forced to follow a strict schedule, with early hours and long days. It made me excited for my future in law and politics. Furthermore, this internship has opened the door to more opportunities."

Matthew Doyle, Intern in Congressman Jim Ramstad's Minnesota Office

"As this is the final week of classes and intern journals, I have decided to take this opportunity to reflect and share my views on the Congressional internship experience as it nears it its conclusion. I feel that the experience has been extremely valuable to me personally. I have learned a great deal about politics, have a much better understanding of the process, and have gained valuable insight into an elected Congressional Member's expectations and interactions with constituents. I have improved as a writer and feel it has sharpened my political science critical thinking skills. I undoubtedly have a lot yet to learn, but feel I have learned more this semester as an intern than I could have just taking classes.

"Besides what I have learned though my observations and from members of Jim's staff I have made contacts which could prove immensely valuable in the future. If I decide to pursue a staffing position after graduation or run for elected office, I have no doubt the advice and guidance from people I have met here would be a great asset. I feel that this has helped me to realize that although I truly enjoy politics, a career as a federal staffer is probably not for me. I have learned the benefits and strain placed on an elected Member of Congress and feel I would be better suited for a local or statewide position, contrary to my belief entering this internship. I would strongly recommend the experience to anyone considering a career in public policy."

Patrick Williams, Intern for Minnesota State Senator Bill Belanger

"I just wanted to say that this internship has been amazing. I think it's great that the University offers this and gives credit for it. I have learned an outstanding amount about Minnesota politics and how the legislature works."

Mary Eichten, Intern for Minnesota State Senator Jane Ranum

"This internship has been one of the best experiences of my life, and definitely of my academic career here at the U. I have never enjoyed "working" so much. Aside from getting to do what I love, I learned a lot. What I learned is not all political, although I most definitely know more about issues and people in the field than ever before. What I have learned most is much more personal. I have learned that I really could see myself in this field in the future. I have learned that it is not nearly as difficult or scary as I had thought. I have also learned a lot about the opportunities that exist in the field. While I love my education in political science, I did not really think that it could lead to anything other than running for office. I … had no idea of the opportunities that are available and the positions that are part of the elected body in the Capitol."

Emily Pugh, Intern for Minnesota State Senator Geoff Michel

"It has been an honor and a thrill to intern for the Minnesota Senate this past semester. It will be one of the most influential things I do during my college career for sure. I have made so many relationships with different people at the capitol that will hopefully help me in the future when I am searching for jobs! I could have never learned the things I did at the Senate while in the classroom. Of course politics is about lawmaking, floor procedure, bills and committees, but there is so much more to it that no one realizes until they work right in the middle of it. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do this internship!"