Department of Political Science

Political Science
1414 Social Sciences Building
267 19th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone: 612-624-4144
Fax: 612-626-7599
E-mail: polisci@umn.edu

Chair: Raymond D. Duvall

Current Internship Postings

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 e-mail 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.

  • Senator Amy Klobuchar, Internship Program in Washington, D.C. Posted November 6.


The Washington office of Senator Amy Klobuchar is currently accepting internship applications for the 2010 spring semester. An internship with the Senator’s office is a terrific chance for students to see, and gain experience in, the United States legislative process.
In your first several days you can expect to become familiar with the staff, the office, and Capitol Hill. You will receive training from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), learn how to use the Library of Congress to research policy issues, and attend professional development workshops. If you want to get to know Washington, DC better, our office is glad to arrange visits to other government buildings, monuments, and museums.
Interns will support the legislative and professional staff by conducting policy research to be used for floor speeches, committee hearings, and other legislative materials. Interns will also be asked to do a variety of administrative tasks, including tours of the U.S. Capitol for visitors from Minnesota.
The spring internship runs from January through May and is available both part time and full time. If you will be attending classes while you are here we ask that you note that on your internship application, as well as what days and times you are available to work. We are happy to coordinate with educational institutions and students to develop internships for academic credit.
Materials required for consideration:
* Cover letter
* Resume
* Short writing sample
* Two letters of recommendation
* Application (available at http://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/internships.cfm) and attached to this email.
If you would like to be considered for this program, please send your application materials by mail, email, or fax to:
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
c/o Internship Coordinator
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-3244
Fax: 202-228-2186
email: Greg_bohrer@klobuchar.senate.gov.
The deadline for Spring 2010 application materials is November 15th, 2009. Due to security measures it may take mail through the postal system up to 2 weeks to reach our DC office. We recommend using the email address above to submit your application materials to ensure your application arrives in time. Please note that while we will accept applications from non-Minnesotans, our office gives priority to applicants with Minnesota ties.
If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address listed above or the number listed below.
Sincerely,
Greg Bohrer
Intern Coordinator
Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-3244

  • Korean Economic Institute. Posted November 6.


KEI is looking for undergraduate or graduate students with a background in political science and/or economics, as well as an interest in Asia-Pacific issues, especially Korea, for its internship program.
We offer competitive candidates a unique internship opportunity to be integrally involved in the inner workings of an international government policy institute. Expectations for interns are high. In return, interns can expect a challenging environment which will prepare them for full time employment in a professional setting.
While we do not pay our interns, we promise to provide them with maximum exposure to the major issues and players in US-ROK relations and professional growth in a number of valuable areas. See http://www.keia.org/internships.php#_2 for more information.
Sherry Gray, Ph.D.
Coordinator, Global Policy Area
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota
232 Hubert H. Humphrey Center, 301 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 USA
Telephone (1-612) 626-5674; Fax 625-3513

  • ICPSR Summer Undergraduate. Posted November 6.


Internship Program -- 2010
The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), the world's largest archive of digital social science data, is now accepting applications for its annual summer internship program.
ICPSR is a unit within the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. ICPSR's data are the foundation for thousands of research articles, reports, and books. Findings from these data are put to use by scholars, policy analysts, policy makers, the media, and the public.
Program Structure:
* Interns will prepare data in the UNIX and Windows environments and gain experience using statistical programs such as SAS, SPSS, and Stata.
* Interns will attend courses in the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research.
* Interns will be required to attend a weekly Lunch and Lecture series that will expose them to various aspects and departments of ICPSR and the Institute for Social Research (ISR).
Timeframe:
The summer student internship program lasts 10 weeks, from June 7-August 13, 2010, at ICPSR in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Compensation:
$3,000-$5,000 stipend (pending NSF REU Approval), room and board in university housing, and a scholarship covering the cost of fees, texts, and materials for coursework in the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research.
Application Procedure:
Interested individuals should submit a cover letter of interest, resume, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation (all in one packet or message, if applying by email) to ICPSR Human Resources, Attn: Summer Internship Program, P.O. Box 1248, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106-1248, Email: careers@icpsr.umich.edu. Applications are due February 8, 2010.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an applicant packet review, an online interview, and a telephone interview.
*Pending NSF REU Approval
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Qualifications:
* Undergraduate standing and completion of sophomore year in a social science major
* Strong academic credentials
* Knowledge of a statistical software package such as SPSS, SAS, or Stata
* Previous relevant social science research experience via work or class project
* Demonstrated leadership, problem solving, and strong verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with professionals at all levels
* US Citizen or Permanent Resident (pending NSF REU Approval)
* Must not complete undergraduate studies before December 2010

  • The Office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum

Spring 2010

We are seeking energetic and proficient interns in the St. Paul office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum. An internship in Congresswoman McCollum’s office will provide valuable experience to students as they prepare for their professional careers. Interns have the opportunity to work with and assist all members of the staff, including legislative, administrative, outreach and press duties. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend some local functions and meetings related to the Congresswoman’s work in the district. In addition, we are happy to work with your college or university to arrange for academic credit. Applicants should be highly motivated and enthusiastic, as there are far more applicants than available positions.

Preferred Qualifications

    • Excellent written and oral communications skills
    • College juniors or seniors preferred (but not required)
    • Positive attitude and an ability to effectively handle a number of tasks at once
    • Strong connections to Minnesota

Hours and compensation

Internships are available year-round. They are available on a part-time or full-time basis. In some cases, a stipend may be available. Transportation and housing are the responsibility of interns.

Responsibilities Include

    • Supporting administrative staff: answering phones, database entry, and sorting mail
    • Various projects as assigned
    • Assisting casework staff in helping constituents resolve problems and navigate federal bureaucracies
    • Compiling local news clips and distributing to district and DC office staff
    • Promoting constituent outreach efforts by communicating with constituents and constituent groups, attending meetings and events, and drafting correspondence

Application process

Applicants should send a cover letter (indicating availability), a resume, and references.

Those interested in a St. Paul internship should fax materials to (651) 224-3056, e-mail to: emily.mitchell@mail.house.gov, or mail to: Office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum; Attn: St. Paul Internship Coordinator; 165 Western Avenue North, Suite 17; St. Paul, MN 55102.

  • Unilever National Park Congressional Internship Program In Partnership with SCA

    Each year, six student leaders are selected to participate in the Unilever National Park Congressional Internship program, gaining valuable real-world in a Congressional office on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for 3 months followed by another 3 months of immersion in one of the Nations premiere National Parks.

    Unilever, a Proud Partner of America's National Parks, wants you to experience the National Parks first-hand by participating in this exciting, one-of-a-kind internship program.

    Congressional Internship

    You will spend the late winter in a Republican or Democratic Congresspersons Congressional office on Capitol Hill. Duties will include the opportunity to create policy, edit policy, and be involved in meetings to discuss the impact of legislation on the Parks. You will be exposed to the busy daily schedule of an active congressperson and his or her committee and legislative responsibilities.

    Program Dates: January 2010 – June 2010 SCA Position ID: 9961 Number of Positions Available: 3 Openings Deadline for Application: October 30, 2009

    Eligibility

    • Current undergraduate with some professional experience (applicants are considered eligible up to one year after receipt of B.A. or B.S.)
    • Strong GPA (above 3.0)
    • Interest in resource management, conservation issues and the public policy process
    • Willingness to work in a Republican or Democratic Congressional office

    Requirements

    • Detailed resume
    • Directed writing sample (e-mail contact below for prompts)
    • College transcripts
    • Two recommendations
    • Availability for all interviews, orientation and the full internship program

    Benefits

    • A living stipend of $400 weekly in Washington, D.C., and $150 weekly in the National Park
    • Intern housing is provided throughout the program. You will live near Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and in a designated National Park.
    • 24-hour accident and injury insurance, and medical insurance option
    • Eligible for an Americorps Education Award for internship service
    • Career and alumni services during and after the internship

    For further details and to apply please contact:
    Abe Gates
    Admissions Placement Manager
    The Student Conservation Association
    P.O. Box 550
    Charlestown, NH 03603
    Phone: 603.543.1700 x216
    E-mail: agates@theSCA.org

    Two Writing Samples
    Instructions: Both essays must fit on a single, 1.5 spaced page each using 12 point font. Please put your name and university at the top (either your current or most recent school). You must answer both prompts, a page for each essay question. Essays are due with other application materials; incomplete applications will be disqualified. When composing the essays, remember that you do not know the political composition of your audience.

    1. Please write a personal statement that provides the reasons you are interested in policy and National Parks. The personal statement is your chance to make the best case for how well this internship opportunity suits you.
    2. Present a professional writing sample of your choice. You do not have to send official transcripts, copy of unofficial transcripts are accepted.

  • Margaret Kelliher for Governor Seeking Interns for 2010

    The Margaret for Governor campaign is accepting applications for internship positions for the 2010 Minnesota Gubernatorial race.

    Internships are designed to give applicants exposure to campaign style politics statewide in one of the most competitive and exciting Gubernatorial races in Minnesota history. All internships are unpaid, volunteer positions.

    Internships are available in the following areas:

    • Policy
    • Field
    • Finance

    Please send a resume and one page cover letter to Susy Bates at susy@margaretforgovernor.com

    For any questions, please contact Susy at 612-655-5926 or susy@margaretforgovernor.com

  • Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Minnesota Office Seeking Interns for Spring 2010

    U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar seeks Interns to assist office staff with casework, outreach and administrative duties at the Twin Cities office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting casework and outreach staff, researching grant opportunities, assisting the State Scheduler with scheduling duties, planning service projects and meeting constituents. In the Minneapolis office you will work directly with congressional aides on issues involving constituent concerns and requests. You will also assist the staff in working with city and town officials and non-profit organizations applying for federal grants, among other responsibilities. Every effort is made to pair interns with Outreach and Advocacy staff based upon their interests and experience. Full and part-time unpaid internships are available with both the Outreach and Advocacy teams with J-Term and spring semester course schedules taken into account. If your institution allows or requires college credit, accommodations can be made.

    The internship application form can be found at:
    http://klobuchar.senate.gov/downloads/InternshipApplication.pdf

    Please mail or email applications to the following address:

    Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar
    Internship Coordinator
    1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250
    Minneapolis, MN 55415

    Email: Brian_Garshelis@klobuchar.senate.gov

    For more questions, please call 612-727-5220.

  • Senator Al Franken’s Minnesota Office Seeking Interns for Spring 2010

    Senator Franken's state office assists constituents with issues at the federal level, acting as a liaison between constituents and federal agencies. The office also provides outreach to various communities on behalf of the Senator.

    The internship role requires individuals who are professional, articulate, and responsible with an interest in government service. Based on the individual's availability, interests, and skills, interns will work with outreach staff, case workers, communications staff, and administrative staff. Interns will serve as a vital component of keeping the office functional by assisting with the constituent mail process and managing the front desk.

    Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Answering phones and assisting constituents with requests
    • Assisting constituent and field staff with casework and related tasks
    • Assisting outreach staff with research, event planning, and other work
    • Attending meetings with and for field and outreach staff
    • Assisting the scheduling and communications staff
    • Other assigned tasks based on the needs of the staff and office

    In addition to assisting the office, interns will receive unique career development opportunities. Through working with field, casework, and other state staff, and meeting with the Senator, interns will be able to make an informed decision about what areas of political work interest them and gain valuable skills that will prepare them to succeed in a political and professional career.

    If you are applying for the fall or spring session, please include the days and hours you are able to work. In the summer session, interns are expected to work full time unless enrolled in summer courses. We will work with universities that offer academic credit.

    Senator Franken accepts all applications for internships. However Minnesotans will be given preference. All internships are unpaid.

    Application Process

    If you are interested in an internship in Senator Franken’s Saint Paul office, please submit the following materials:

    • Resume
    • Cover Letter
    • Three References

    These can be emailed to mninterns@franken.senate.gov, or faxed to (651) 221-1078. Please do not mail any applications because of the Senate’s mail delivery delay.

    Applications must be received by the deadline, depending on which term you are applying for.

    • Fall Internship – July 15th
    • Spring Internship – November 15th
    • Summer Internship – March 15th

    If you have any questions concerning the program, please do not hesitate to contact the intern coordinator at (651) 221-1016, or by emailing mninterns@franken.senate.gov.