“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
For a listing of Political Science Internship opportunities, click here.
For additional information, contact Dr. Moncrief. Additional internships will be added so please check the listings.
Sample Resume and Cover Letters