5 answers
Davis
Student
Thousand Oaks, California
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to get an internship as a Political Science major? I would love something in a capital city or a government building for the best experience. #Spring25
I will be attending the University of Arkansas. I would love an internship as well as an opportunity to study abroad.
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5 answers
Jeffrey Stephens
Chief of staff for Government Affairs
8
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
I was a political science major and ended up spending the first nine years of my career working in the Federal Government in DC. I got my start via some really impactful internships.
The first internship I received was through a connection I made during all the volunteering work I did when I was in high school. She connected me with her son who worked for one of the senators from my home state. He helped me secure my first internship. Takeaway: Share your interests with your network! People who know you and your skills/capabilities will want to help you. Build a LinkedIn profile and start adding people you know. You'll be able to see what professional connections they have and may be able to connect you with.
I was lucky to start in a senator's office, but don't forget to look for more local internship/volunteer opportunities. Having any political experience on your resume (including campaign volunteering) will be attractive when you apply for political/government internships. The intern coordinator for my second internship (which led to my first job out of college) told me it was my previous internship/campaign experience that got me the job!
Finally, once you land an internship, remember that no task is below you. My first boss told me the reason they hired me after my internship is because I always made sure the printers had paper in them. Those seemingly small gestures make a difference and get noticed. Good luck!
The first internship I received was through a connection I made during all the volunteering work I did when I was in high school. She connected me with her son who worked for one of the senators from my home state. He helped me secure my first internship. Takeaway: Share your interests with your network! People who know you and your skills/capabilities will want to help you. Build a LinkedIn profile and start adding people you know. You'll be able to see what professional connections they have and may be able to connect you with.
I was lucky to start in a senator's office, but don't forget to look for more local internship/volunteer opportunities. Having any political experience on your resume (including campaign volunteering) will be attractive when you apply for political/government internships. The intern coordinator for my second internship (which led to my first job out of college) told me it was my previous internship/campaign experience that got me the job!
Finally, once you land an internship, remember that no task is below you. My first boss told me the reason they hired me after my internship is because I always made sure the printers had paper in them. Those seemingly small gestures make a difference and get noticed. Good luck!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Davis !
So you will be moving to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas as a Political Science Major ! This is awesome !
Thinking about the word "internship" may be skipping some of the steps in the process, so allow me to give you more information that can set your mind at ease. Internships are for students in their Junior and Senior year in college or after they graduate. They are for people who have a foundational, yet advanced, knowledge, understanding and experience you can obtain from volunteer work or a Work Study job on campus, associated with politics or government.
I would suggest that when you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, you opt for the Work Study Program. You can work in the Political Sconce Department at your college or if your college places work study in the community, a government agency in Fayetteville. Talk with the Financial Aid Officer at the college about Work Study. The Federal Student Financial Aid Program pays you, not the college. The capitol city of Little Rock is 190 miles away from where you'll be attending college, so if you really want to be involved in a capitol city, you can consider going for your Masters Degree in Little Rock or moving back to California and do the path in Sacramento. College staff can give you information about studying abroad but you will need to justify something like going into international affairs or a very specific reason to study abroad for this career.
First establish what exact career you want so that the experience you get can supplement your academics and effectively target a specific career. Your education and experience will unfold as you go along and it may not necessarily resemble the thoughts you have right now before you start. Be open minded and get as much experience as you can.
Plan your big move now. This is going to be more important for the moment than thinking about where you'd "like to" work. If you've already established that you will live in the Dorms on campus that's great, but know exactly where you'd be living. This summer, see if you can possibly go for an orientation at the University of Arkansas and get a feel for the campus, unless you've already been there before. I moved 3,000 miles when I went to college, so I realize how important making living arrangements long distance can be. Set priorities for this move and let things unfold as they will for your academics and experiences once you get there. You'll be moving 1,337 miles and long distance moves can be easy if you focus on the plans early on.
I wish you all the best !
So you will be moving to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas as a Political Science Major ! This is awesome !
Thinking about the word "internship" may be skipping some of the steps in the process, so allow me to give you more information that can set your mind at ease. Internships are for students in their Junior and Senior year in college or after they graduate. They are for people who have a foundational, yet advanced, knowledge, understanding and experience you can obtain from volunteer work or a Work Study job on campus, associated with politics or government.
I would suggest that when you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, you opt for the Work Study Program. You can work in the Political Sconce Department at your college or if your college places work study in the community, a government agency in Fayetteville. Talk with the Financial Aid Officer at the college about Work Study. The Federal Student Financial Aid Program pays you, not the college. The capitol city of Little Rock is 190 miles away from where you'll be attending college, so if you really want to be involved in a capitol city, you can consider going for your Masters Degree in Little Rock or moving back to California and do the path in Sacramento. College staff can give you information about studying abroad but you will need to justify something like going into international affairs or a very specific reason to study abroad for this career.
First establish what exact career you want so that the experience you get can supplement your academics and effectively target a specific career. Your education and experience will unfold as you go along and it may not necessarily resemble the thoughts you have right now before you start. Be open minded and get as much experience as you can.
Plan your big move now. This is going to be more important for the moment than thinking about where you'd "like to" work. If you've already established that you will live in the Dorms on campus that's great, but know exactly where you'd be living. This summer, see if you can possibly go for an orientation at the University of Arkansas and get a feel for the campus, unless you've already been there before. I moved 3,000 miles when I went to college, so I realize how important making living arrangements long distance can be. Set priorities for this move and let things unfold as they will for your academics and experiences once you get there. You'll be moving 1,337 miles and long distance moves can be easy if you focus on the plans early on.
I wish you all the best !
Katie Manderson, MA, ACC
Ombudsman/Mediator/Facilitator/EEO/Employee Relations
24
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Awesome. The best way to get an internship in government is to apply! It really is that simple sometimes. I have worked at every level of government, so keep an eye on city councils, local government offices, as well as federal agencies. All the summer internships at federal agencies are due in the fall/winter. I would track them now, so you know when they will open up.
For studying abroad highly recommend working with your University on what opportunities they have overseas. If they don't have a country that you want to go to many times they will partner with other Universities and you can do their program. I spent a year studying abroad and loved it! I highly recommend a year. Most people I know wish they had done a year, so that is why I chose it and I decided because I wanted to focus on international politics I did most of my core classes while overseas to get the full experience of politics on the international level.
Good luck! You got this!
For studying abroad highly recommend working with your University on what opportunities they have overseas. If they don't have a country that you want to go to many times they will partner with other Universities and you can do their program. I spent a year studying abroad and loved it! I highly recommend a year. Most people I know wish they had done a year, so that is why I chose it and I decided because I wanted to focus on international politics I did most of my core classes while overseas to get the full experience of politics on the international level.
Good luck! You got this!
Lindsey O'Shaughnessy
Communications professional
5
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
Hi Davis, one great way to get an internship is explore programs offered by your college or university. Many universities will offer partnerships with local or state governments to participate in government-related internships, which can offer you practical experience. In the meantime, as others have suggested, volunteering in a local political office is a good first step. And, of course, the best way you can prepare yourself is being an engaged, dedicated student well-versed in all levels of politics and government by studying not only in your classes but also in the world around you by remaining engaged and informed on local, state and national issues.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
165
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I did Political Science as an under graduate major and then went on to advanced degrees. I never did an internship.
First, campus political groups.
Second, local gatherings re political speech.
Third, walk in to a local political office and volunteer, first as a gofer and move your way up. And in your part of CA, that should not be in the least difficult, but I am not sure about Arkansas.
Fourth, keep up with the news, and I do not mean that as provided by TV. Local and national newspapers.
Fifth. Read history, especially related to United States history. At least from the beginning of the Republic. Soak it in and all the ideas presented.
First, campus political groups.
Second, local gatherings re political speech.
Third, walk in to a local political office and volunteer, first as a gofer and move your way up. And in your part of CA, that should not be in the least difficult, but I am not sure about Arkansas.
Fourth, keep up with the news, and I do not mean that as provided by TV. Local and national newspapers.
Fifth. Read history, especially related to United States history. At least from the beginning of the Republic. Soak it in and all the ideas presented.