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 padviser@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.
- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Posted May 14.
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 fall and spring semester course schedules and summer work schedules taken into account. If your institution allows or requires college credit, accommodations can be made.
Please mail or email applications to the following address:
Mailing Address:
Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar
Internship Coordinator
1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Email: Joe_Campbell@Klobuchar.senate.gov
For more questions, please call 612-727-5220.
- Brazelton for House. Posted May 14.
Chris Brazelton
Brazelton for House
548 Tower Drive
Delano MN 55328
email: brazelton@iglide.net
website: www.brazeltonforhouse.com
Home phone: 763-972-4022 Cell phone/voicemail: 612-209-4553*_Campaign Manager:_* oversees all day-to-day aspects of the campaign. He or she is ultimately responsible for making sure the campaign stays within its budget and that the campaign plan is followed. They should have strong organizational and interpersonal skills. The campaign manager must also be able to delegate responsibility to others. Works closely with Candidate, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Field Director and Database Manager to develop and implement the campaign plan.
*_Volunteer Coordinator:_* works to find volunteers to help with various activities. The campaign timeline will guide their recruitment activity. He or she should be outgoing, energetic, and comfortable on the phone. Patience and persistence are key qualities, as is an ability to delegate work to others. Finding enough volunteers for door-knocking, phone banks, parades, letters to the editor, data entry and lawn sign delivery is hard work, so it is recommended that the Volunteer Coordinator organize a team of volunteer recruiters. The Volunteer Coordinator also oversees volunteer retention efforts.
*_Media Coordinator/Communications Director:_* organizes earned media opportunities for the campaign and builds relationships with area editors and reporters. This includes recruiting volunteers to write letters to the editor in support of the candidate. This person will also oversee the campaign’s media research by tracking newspaper articles. This person will coordinate campaign updates to the campaign’s supporters and will work with the Database Manager to assure that mailing and email addresses are maintained and current.
- Internship - Girls International Forum. Posted May 12.
Girls International Forum (GIF) Girls International Forum (GIF) is a Minnesota-based organization created to help girls shape policies that affect their lives. GIF provides a forum for girls to learn, through direct experience, that they can 1) change their own lives, 2) help others recognize their own power and voice, and 3) effect global change in the world by taking local action - think globally and act locally. GIF works directly with organizations in the U.S. and other countries to provide a forum where girls can work together across communities and nations to improve lives.
Scope of Project: GIF is seeking to develop a more interactive website (www.girlsforum.org) that will provide:
• Updated graphics and layout to website.
• A discussion forum for members to communicate with each other and report on progress and lessons learned in conducting community-based action projects.
• Downloadable documents to allow organizations around the world to develop action projects based on the GIF model.
• Access to newsletters and other communication tools.
• Surveys for girls to provide input to GIF planning team.
• Other updates as may be recommended or advised.
Specific skills needed:
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrated skills in website development
• Commitment to working collaboratively with youth
Hours Per Week: Variable
To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to: zorar@girlsforum.org, or
Zora Radosevich
Executive Director
Girls International Forum
2324 University Avenue West, Suite 106
St. Paul, MN 55114
(651) 645-3636
- Internship Opportunities with Ellison for U.S. Congress. Posted May 7.
“How old do you think the people were who helped lead the civil rights movement? They were your age…. There are exciting things to do. We have a chance to empower others. Give them the power, help them to vote.” – Keith Ellison
Do you think we need to see progressive change happen in this country? Do you think the Iraq War needs to end? Do you think the cost of higher education is out of control? Do you think as a nation we have enough to cover all children who need healthcare & give them the kind of education you had growing up? Congressman Keith Ellison’s campaign is focused on exploding the vote in order to send leaders to Washington who are going to fight for progressive change.
We’re going to register and mobilize 20,000 new voters in the 5th Congressional District to make this is a reality here in Minnesota and we need your help.
The Ellison for U.S. Congress campaign is looking for passionate, resourceful, team players to participate in our internship program. Our interns will gain:
• Experience in Community Organizing
• Communication Skills
• Event Planning Experience
• Professional Development
Duties will include working with volunteers to achieve our voter registration goals, data entry responsibilities, organizing events & policy forums, staffing Congressman Ellison at campaign events, and keeping a journal of your experiences. We also can work with you to meet specific internship requirements if you are a part of a program.
Please send your resume by May 20 to: sarah@keithellison.org
- POSITION: Campaign Intern. Posted April 25.
AVAILABILITY: Immediately; flexible start/end dates
On November 4, Minnesotans will have a chance to invest in a better life for future generations by voting for a proposed state constitutional amendment to fund Minnesota’s water quality, wildlife, cultural heritage, and natural areas. Vote Yes Minnesota is a nonpartisan statewide ballot campaign comprised of citizens and organizations working together to ensure passage of the amendment.
DUTIES: We seek capable individuals to assist with a variety of tasks, including:
* Engaging in direct voter contact through tabling, literature distribution, visibility events, and other activities as assigned by Campaign field staff
* Responding to public inquiries regarding the Campaign and proposed constitutional amendment
* Assisting with logistics for Campaign field events
* Staffing Campaign committee meetings and events
* Miscellaneous research projects, as assigned
* Office administration (including, but not limited to answering phones, data entry, and greeting visitors)
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Interest in politics, field organizing, communications, and/or fundraising
* Solid interpersonal skills; experience responding to members of the public a plus
* Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines
* Ability to work in teams and thrive in a fast pace, dynamic atmosphere
* Supportive of the campaign’s mission to pass the statewide amendment to protect water quality, wildlife, cultural heritage, and natural areas. Experience and/or a particular interest in one of these areas is a plus.
BENEFITS:
* Experience with a major, statewide political campaign
* Professional networking opportunities
* Exposure to a variety of campaign functions. Specific areas of interest (i.e. communications, fundraising, etc.) will be accommodated to the extent feasible
* Academic credit, whenever possible
TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter to:
Laura Nevitt, Field Director
Vote Yes Minnesota Campaign
2334 University Ave W, Suite 150
Saint Paul, MN 55114
laura@yesformn.org
- Intern with Substance. Posted April 14.
Substance is a Twin Cities based nonprofit booking and promotions group devoted to merging independent art and music with social justice activism. Summer and fall academic session internships available. Perfect if you are interested in:
Booking
Promoting
Production
Sound Engineering
Activism around Social and Environmental Issues
Event Planning/Organizing
Especially recruiting interns to work on a festival show during the Republican National Convention - working on logistical considerations, communication with musicians and organizations, and fund-raising and grant writing. Contact:
info@livewithsubstance.org or Nolan at 763-913-2192, for more info or to
apply.
www.livewithsubstance.org
Thanks,
Jim Forrey
Substance