Internships in Politics and Government can be an extremely valuable experience that may lead to full-time employment. They provide valuable educational experiences by fusing the theoretical issues of the classroom with practical aspects of politics, administration, and law. Besides academic benefits, students may gain experience, develop professional skills, cultivate networks, and investigate career opportunities.
The Department of Politics and Government will not find you an internship, as the majority of organizations are looking for students who will become committed to their programs and who will take the initiative to contact them. It is your responsibility to find such a situation for yourself and have it approved by Dr. Riverstone-Newell.
The opportunities for internships can be found in numerous areas. First, in the public sector, possibilities exist for administrative, governmental, and political positions at the local, state, and national levels. A second area of potential experience is found in the private sector where students work with interest groups, political parties, political campaigns, analysis and polling, the legal profession, and other similar fields. A third area of potential experience is the nonprofit sector where students work on fundraising, policy development, and other similar areas. Whatever program best fits the student's needs, the department expects the student to be able to clearly link the practical experiences gained with the purposes previously stated.
A small number of organizations contact the Department of Politics and Government directly. For more information on these opportunities, please contact Dr. Riverstone-Newell by email at lrivers@ilstu.edu.