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 Washington D.C. Internship. Posted July 1.
    The Washington office of Senator Amy Klobuchar is currently accepting internship applications for the 2009 fall 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 Legislative Information System (LIS), 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.
    Every effort is made to pair interns with legislative assistants based on their policy interests and experience. 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.
    The fall internship runs from September through December 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
    2 written recommendations.
    -One academic, one professional.
    One page essay:
    -Describe your position on a current event of your choice that demonstrates your understanding of both sides of the debate and why you support one viewpoint over another.
    Unofficial transcript
    Application (available at http://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/internships.cfm)
    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 application materials is July 8th. Please be aware that due to security measures it may take mail through the postal system up to 2 weeks to reach our DC office.
    If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address listed above or the number listed below.
    Sincerely,
    Greg Bohrer
    Internship Coordinator
    Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar
    302 Hart Senate Office Building
    202-224-3244
    www.klobuchar.senate.gov
  • Agency: Department of Administration/ODGA/Census 2010. Posted June 8.
    Position: Local Government Liaison - Internship
    Appointment Dates: Fall Semester, 2009 (Unpaid)
    Open to: Current Graduate or Undergraduate Students Only
    Requirements: 10 - 25 Hours per Week (Flexible Schedule)
    Positions Open: 1-3
    Background: Every 10 years, we conduct a census of our population. The results help
    determine representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your
    community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety. In Minnesota,
    recent population estimates indicate that we are on the verge of possibly losing one of our
    seats in the United States House of Representatives – something we cannot afford. With
    your help, the State of Minnesota can get the most out of the upcoming Census and return
    our full representation in Congress for another ten years.
    Appointment Details: The primary purpose of this position is to provide
    communications assistance to the State of Minnesota for the 2010 Census. Working with
    cities, counties and townships throughout Minnesota, under specific direction from the
    state demographic center, the incumbent of this position will serve as the knowledge base
    for all census activities throughout the state through the formation of Local Government
    Complete Count Committees. The incumbent may also serve as a staff representative at
    various events throughout the state. He/she must be able to perform and communicate
    effectively and efficiently under stringent time constraints including the ability to deal
    effectively with a variety of personnel within and outside the realm of state and local
    government.
    Application Procedure: Please email resume and cover letter to Ryan Dolan (Census
    2010 Camapign Coordinator) at ryan.dolan@state.mn.us. Applications can also be
    mailed to: State Demographic Center, 300 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street,
    Saint Paul, MN 55155.
    Phone inquiries should be directed to Ryan Dolan at 651-201-2479.
    All applications must be received by 5:00 PM on August 14, 2009.