Internships
“I think every political science student should be required to do an internship at the state legislature or something similar to it. This internship has been worthwhile for a number of reasons. First, it has given me experience that I can use on my resume and take with me as I begin my professional career. Second, academically it has filled in the gaps in my education and helped me understand the political process better. Third, it has given me contacts and networking opportunities that I will now use to pin down a job that I will enjoy doing. Fourth, it gives me a step up in experience from other people that will be graduating with me…”
– Andrew Thomas, Political Science student
Internship Director:
Dr. Gary Moncrief
Environmental Research Building, Rm. 5141
Boise State University
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725-1935
(208) 426-3686
fax: 208.426.4370
gmoncri@boisestate.edu
Getting Started
For complete instructions including examples of internship journals please see the Word document Internships: The Basics.
For an overview of and recent changes in BSU’s internship policy, read BSU Policy 3060 on Practicum and Internship.
Consider two or three possible areas in which you would like additional experience.
Review the listing of possible internship opportunities or current postings. Is something of interest? If so, carefully review the application procedure for that particular internship announcement. In most cases, you will be asked to submit a cover letter and a resume to the agency, legislator, or nonprofit organization. You will probably interview and, if successful, you will then go to the BSU Career Center website to fill out a form for academic credit.
You may also want to look at the lists of internship opportunities that are not current. In many cases, an internship deadline may have passed or it might not be a current internship opportunity. However, that agency has shown an interest in working with interns in the past. It may be that they would be interested again. Don’t worry if you do not see the exact internship that you had in mind. Many students develop their own internships. If there is a particular agency or policy area in which you’d like to work, then you should do a little research about the internship opportunities that may be available. Most organizations post information about their intern programs on their website.
It is a good idea to check the internship announcements on the board outside the Political Science Office. Many agencies place announcements approximately one month before the next semester begins and these announcements keep coming in through the first month of a semester.
Internship Opportunities
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee Summer Internship
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee is seeking college students and recent graduates for summer internships with the Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention. “Charlotte in 2012,” the Convention Host Committee, will tell the story of Charlotte as the world focuses on the region during the Convention. The DNC is predicted to host over 15,000 representatives from the media, 6,000 delegates and thousands of elected officials and dignitaries in attendance. Click here for further information on the internship and to apply (by 4/18/12).
Washington, DC, and more distant postings
The Office of Senator Mike Crapo
Senator Crapo’s office is looking for interns for the summer and fall of 2012 semesters. Internship assignments for these semesters are available in both the Washington, DC, as well as in the Boise office of the senator. More information is available at http://crapo.senate.gov/resources/interns.cfm. With questions, or to apply for an intern position at Senator Crapo’s Washington, DC office, please contact Casey N. Attebery at (202) 224-6142 or casey_attebery@crapo.senate.gov. With questions, or to apply for an intern position at the Boise office, please contact Jennifer Beier at (208) 334-1776 or jennifer_beier@crapo.senate.gov.
The Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA)
U.S. Senator Patty Murray is looking for interns who want to learn more about the federal government and want to be part of a hardworking team dedicated to serving the citizens of Washington state. Applicants must be graduate or undergraduate college students who have completed at least one year of college and whose permanent residence is the state of Washington or are attending a Washington state college or university. Internships are unpaid and are available for school credit if approved by your college or university. D.C. interns typically work full time (40 hours per week), however part-time schedules can be accommodated. All state internships are part-time. Senator Murray’s D.C. office offers legislative and press internships. Outreach and constituent casework internships are available in the state offices. For DC Internships, contact Office of Senator Patty Murray, Attn: Ms. Amaia Kirtland, 448 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, call 202.2240.2621, or email dcinternship@murray.senate.gov. For Washington state internships, contact Office of Senator Patty Murray, Attn: Ms. Erin Vincent, 2988 Jackson Federal Building, Seattle, WA 98174-1003, call 206.553.5545, or email interncoordinator@murray.senate.gov.
The Office of Senator James E. Risch
The Senator’s Constituent Services office will be looking for interns for the upcoming legislative periods. Please contact Jessie Caraway at Jessie_Caraway@risch.senate.gov, or call 202-224-2752 for application information and position description.
The Office of Congressman Raúl Labrador (ID-1)
This is an internship opportunity in Washington, DC, for the spring semester. Click here for the section concerning internships on the official website of the U.S. Representative. For further information and to apply, please contact Alex Etchen, Legislative Correspondent/Assistant, at 202.225.6611 or Alex.Etchen@mail.house.gov. Notice that there is a separate posting for Rep. Labrador’s Meridian office among the local postings below.
The Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation has over 60 positions available ranging from foreign and domestic policy to unique positions in creative services and outreach to Spanish speaking communities. The deadline for the summer internship program is February 1st.
If interested, please apply at www.heritage.org/internships by the deadline. Turn with any questions to Angelise Schrader,
Program Associate, at Angelise.Schrader@heritage.org or call 202.608.6047.
Other Washington, DC Internships
Considering an internship in Washington, DC but don’t know where to stay? Check out the WISH program for college interns.
US State Department Internship Program
The US State Department offers opportunities for internships in overseas US embassies. To find out more about application materials and the internship positions please see this information page, which is an excerpt from the State Department website. The Internship Coordinator for these positions is Dr. Burkhart. Please direct inquires to rburkha@boisestate.edu.
Local postings
Idaho Trails Association
Idaho Trails Association Trail Project Coordinator, 2012
Time Period: 12-15 Weeks: Mid-May to Late August, 2012
Background: Founded in 2010, ITA is a non-profit organization, dedicated to the caretaking of Idaho’s hiking trails. Currently managed as an all-volunteer organization, board members, partners and funders include Friends of Scotchmen Peaks Wilderness, Bitterroot-Selway-Frank Church Foundation, Student Conservation Association, USFS Regions 1 and 4, REI and National Forest Foundation. www.idahotrailsassociation.org
Go here for more information and how to apply.
AARP Idaho
AARP Idaho seeks a Voter Education Intern to assist with launch of a statewide voter education effort. The intern will assist with compilation of voter guides for Idaho’s Primary Election (May15th), communication efforts, social media voter and public education, and grassroots volunteer engagement in key regions. The voter guide will encompass every statewide and state legislative race. The internship would start by April 6, 2012, and end on May 12, 2012, and pay $10 hour for undergraduate students, for 20-30 hours per week. To apply, contact Lee Finn, Advocacy Director/Lobbyist, at AFlinn@aarp.org, or (208) 855-4005.
Ada County Elections Department
The county’s Elections Department is looking for interns to assist the Elections Specialist with preparations for the state’s 2012 primary, among others. Click here for the detailed description and application instructions.
The Idaho State Legislative Services Office
If interested in working as an intern for members of the legislative branch of the Idaho state government than apply through the Legislative Services Office. Click here for contact information, detailed instructions, and an application form.
Office of the Governor
The Governor’s Office has internship opportunities for the state’s legislative sessions. You may also view the internship information page at http://gov.idaho.gov/resources/interns.html. Find a detailed position description here. Click for the application form here. For further information, please contact Michelle Craig, Internship Coordinator, at 208.334.2100 or michelle.craig@gov.idaho.gov.
Idaho Senate Minority (Democratic) Caucus
We are seeking interns interested in assisting Senators in the Minority (Democratic) Caucus during legislative sessions. The internships, which are open until filled, begin January 9, 2012 and run for the duration of the session (generally 90 days). Click here for the detailed position description. Find the application form here. For further information, contact Diane Kelly, the Minority Office’s Chief of Staff at 208.332.1351 or dkelly@senate.idaho.gov.
Congressman Raul Labrador’s Meridian District Office
Interns will perform administrative functions such as answering phones, drafting constituent correspondence, and assisting with constituent casework. For more information please submit a cover letter with a resume and (2) letters of reference by email to kristy.sternes@mail.house.gov. or by fax (208) 888-0894. Notice that there is a separate posting for the Washington, DC office of Rep. Labrador, above.
The Idaho Democratic Party’s Political Communication Internship Program
IDP is looking for an intern from a major either in Communications, Political Science, or Social Science for the spring semester. The Communication Intern would work with the Communication director at the Statehouse during the legislative session. Main duties would be attending and recording Legislative Committee meetings, floor sessions, and Community forums. The Communication Intern may be asked to edit and cut audio and video from these sessions as well as use social media to spread any pertinent information to the public. For more details, click on this link to see the announcement or contact Sally Boynton Brown at (208) 336-1815 ext. 104 or Sally@idahodems.org.
The Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls offices of U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
The office of U.S. Senator Mike Crapo seeks spring semester interns to assist in the management of these regional offices. Students interested in politics, public service, public relations, writing, and the like can gain valuable experience through the internship. Interns work with staff members, assist in communication operations, occasionally attend meetings and events with staff, and generally offer support in the day to day function of an active Senate office. Qualified applicants should have experience with Microsoft Office and be able to type, multitask, communicate, and work well with others. The position offers flexible daytime hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
For questions, please contact Courtney Conner, Internship Coordinator, at (208) 334-1776, or Courtney_Conner@crapo.senate.gov. Application and more information can be found online at http://crapo.senate.gov/resources/interns.cfm.
IDP Finance & Development Program
The Finance and Development director of the Idaho Democratic Party is looking for an intern to assist with budget management and event planning, among others. Click here for a detailed description and application instructions.
Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest
PPVNW in Idaho is seeking an intern for the position of voter engagement specialist for the summer 2012 semester. Application deadline is May 7th, 2012.
This organization seeks to “lay the foundation for systemic social change in Idaho,” and “will provide interns with the essential tools of grassroots organizing —tools” you “can apply to other social justice campaigns on their campuses and in their neighborhoods. The specialists who have spent the summer learning on-the-ground skills will be empowered to make positive change for years to come.”
The internship is scheduled June 11th – July 31st and “is designed to provide list growth in strategically important legislative districts and enhanced capacity for voter engagement, while also empowering the specialists to be agents of change in the communities where they work over the summer and for the remainder of their lives.” A stipend will be provided upon completion. For a full program description and instructions on how to apply, email jonny.carkin@ppvotesnw.org.
The Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program along with the Law Related Education program, have an internship opportunity open for a student this Spring. See the detailed program and duty description here. With further questions, or to apply, contact Mary Hobson, IVLP Director, 208/334-4510, or Anna Almerico at aalmerico@isb.idaho.gov.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho
The ACLU of Idaho is accepting applications for Legal Intake internships and volunteer positions. Legal Intake opportunities are open to undergraduates, recent graduates, and law students. The intern will learn about legal issues pertaining to constitutional freedoms, the kinds of complaints that raise constitutional issues, how these complaints are addressed, and sources of assistance for persons with complaints. The intern will also have the opportunity to attend ACLU of Idaho Legal Panel meetings, often to present issues and research to the panel; and lastly, interns will receive assistance with her/his writing skills and knowledge of constitutional law from the ACLU of Idaho Staff Attorney. Field trips to jails are sometimes an option. For further information and instructions on how to apply, click here.
Risch Pisca, PLLC
The Law and Policy Firm, Risch Pisca, PLLC is looking for an intern for the duration of the legislative session convening January 9, 2012. The position will be full time, from January 9 until the Legislative session adjourns. The intern will attend Legislative Committee meetings, track issues and legislation on behalf of the firm’s clients, and provide reports and summaries. Professional attire is required. A student or recent graduate majoring in Political Science, Political Economics, Public Policy/Administration, or Pre-Law would be ideal. A monthly stipend may be negotiated.
If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to bdavenport@rischpisca.com.
Idaho Voices for Children
This non-profit advocates for children in the areas of education, health, safety and childhood welfare and is looking for applicants for the unpaid position of Donor Management Software/Marketing Intern. Duties would include entering data and reviewing content for consistency, creating standard and custom reports that are germane to marketing goals to be determined, determining data relationships and linkages between Quickbooks (accounting package), Giftworks and web site and moving data between them, and looking for opportunities to enhance organization efficiency using the above technologies and making recommendations for improvement. Perl programming learning opportunity is possible. Please contact Greg Satz at satz@iranger.com for further information.
The Idaho Office for Refugees
The Idaho office for Refugees is looking for an intern to work 10 to 15 hours a week. The main duties include assisting in the planning and organization of the State Conference and Employment Workshop and other tasks as they arise. If interested, please contact Kara Fink at kfink@idahorefugees.org, or Tara Wolfson at twolfson@idahorefugees.org.
The Idaho Freedom Foundation
Starting in December 2011, the IFF offers a range of internship opportunities for the spring 2012 semester. During the session, the intern would assist in preparing for legislative committee hearings, maintaining online databases, and other projects as needed. For further information and to apply, contact Erik Makrush at Erik@idahofreedom.net, or call 208-949-6772.
The Association of Idaho Cities Internship Program
This paid internship will provide an opportunity to learn about city government in Idaho and develop knowledge and expertise on state and local policy issues. Click here for the full announcement.
Idaho Human Rights Organization Internships
This organization seeks interns to work on a variety of educational endeavors. For more information and to apply, contact Amy Herzfeld at (208) 345-0304 or amy@idaho-humanrights.org.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is offering an unpaid internship working with the chief lobbyist and grassroots (volunteer) manager on a variety of issues. ACS-CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society which works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national and state priority. Click here for the detailed internship description or contact Aaron Czyzewski at Aaron.Czyzewski@cancer.org or 208.422.0845.
American Civil Liberties Union Legal Intake Interns
The Idaho chapter of ACLU seeks interns to work on case intake.
The Heritage Foundation Internship Program
For details about an internship opportunity with the Heritage Foundation, click here.
The Environmental Protection Agency Internship Program
The EPA internship provides students interested in public relations, mass communications, journalism, policy and other related fields first-hand experience in the press office of presidential cabinet member EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. For more information, click here.
And finally:
For additional information, contact Dr. Moncrief. Additional internships will be added so please check the listings.
Sample Resume and Cover Letters