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Internships are out of the classroom experiences designed to augment a student’s regular course of study. They allow you to gain important practical experience and to see what it’s like to work in a particular field. When combined with LA 495.18A (for International Politics and Political Science) and LA 495.19 (for the Minor in Business and the Liberal Arts) they also allow you to earn academic credit.
If you are interested in an internship you will want to talk with your advisor after you have had an opportunity to do a bit of research on your own about the kind of internship you might like to do. If you are a Political Science or International Politics student you may want to consider the Washington Program where you can actually take courses from Penn State professors during the fall semesters while doing a Washington based internship. But you should also take some time to try and find an internship on your own. Some pay a salary or stipend but most do not. We have links below to help you get started on your search.
When you have found an internship you’ll want to think about whether or not you want to receive academic credit. Again, your advisor can help you decide whether this is appropriate. If you do want to receive credit you’ll need to apply with this form. You’ll be notified very shortly about whether you were accepted and how to register. If you have any questions about this process you should see Angela Hill in 202 Pond Lab, or drop email her at amr25@psu.edu. The instructor for LA 495.18A and LA495.19 is Suzanne Gold. Dr. Gold can be reached at 814-863-0732 or smg29@psu.edu. You can see examples of the syllabi for LA 495.18A (PL SC and Int PL) and 495.19 (Minor in Business and the Liberal Arts).
Here Are Some Things To Think About As You Consider Whether An Internship Is Right For You:
An internship is not a job. Full or part time employment does not offer the same opportunities that an internship does and is not intended to educate the student the way an internship should. And internships do not pay like a regular job. The opportunity to learn by doing and the chance to make contacts that will lead to a job or appointment to a top graduate or law program may be worth far more than any amount of salary.
Internships are not inexpensive. They often require you to move to a city with a higher cost of living than State College. You may need to buy some new clothes. There are some scholarships around to help you with the cost of an internship. Be sure to apply to both the College of the Liberal Arts Enrichment fund and the Department of Political Enrichment fund.
An internship is not a chance for free credits. In fact, a good internship will work you harder than any class you have ever taken. The hours are long, the deadlines short, and the margin for error is minimal. Unlike in the classroom, actual policy and political decisions that affect many people may be dependent upon the quality of work you do. And in order to receive credits you’ll have to apply for LA 495 before you go on the internship and complete all the assignments to receive a passing grade. In no cases can you receive academic credit upon your return if you have not registered before you go.
Finding an Internship
Finding a good internship will require research and legwork on your part.
Once you do find some internships of interest to you be prepared to submit a resume, writing sample, and list of references. In addition, you may have to go to the office for an interview on short notice. During the interview, do not be afraid to ask questions to determine what type of work you will be doing.
You should wait until you have several offers before choosing a placement. It may also be a good idea to contact each office and ask additional questions before making a decision. Also, you must contact the coordinator to determine if this placement is acceptable before accepting any position. Your advisor or one of your professors may be able to help you decide on the best internship.
After securing the internship placement, it is your responsibility to arrange the details of your internship with your office supervisor. You should work out a schedule that allows you to work at least 150 hours over the course of the internship (for 3 credits) or 300 hours (for 6 credits). In addition, you should discuss any time off you will require (such as spring or holiday breaks) and when the internship will end. Additionally, you should discuss with your supervisor what your specific duties will be during the semester. Please forward any questions or concerns about arranging the details of the internship to Dr. Gold (smg29@psu.edu)
Here are some links to get you started
Program Requirements