Internships In Political Science

Internships In Political ScienceOverview of InternshipsInternship Program I: Sacramento SemesterInternship Program II: Cal State DCDr. Rich Haesly, Internship Director, Department of Political Science

Overview of InternshipsIn the Department of Political Science, CSULB3 Ways to Fulfill Practicum Requirement for POSC majors:1) Internships (POSC 447/448/498) and Judicial Apprenticeship (POSC 418)2) Moot Court (POSC 417) or Model UN (POSC 378)3) Service Learning: Women in Political Theory (POSC 401) and Comparative Political Movements (POSC 450)Not required for Minors, but Minors May Enroll in Any PracticumUp to 6 units of Internship toward POSC; up to 9 units for degreeInternship courses are run as Independent Study1) 120 hours of interning, verified by internship supervisor2) Written Internship Journal3) 12-15 Page Internship Analysis PaperTips on Finding An InternshipDepartment Website has Useful Information about Internships: http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/cla/departments/polisci/posc-internships/political-science-internships-at-csulb/Other ResourcesCareer Development Center (250 Brotman Hall) http://careers.csulb.edu/Clearinghouse for internships advertised on campusWorkshops, Resume Tips, Interview Advice, etc.Internship Essay Writing ContestIdealist (Non-Profit Organizations): http://www.idealist.org/APSA (American Political Science Association): http://apsanet.org/Start Search Early. Find an internship that you want, not one you are forced to do!Contact Internship Director (Dr. Rich Haesly) before accepting an internship to make sure it will work for our department requirements.

Internship Program I: Sacramento Semester

Sacramento Semester: OverviewRun by Dept. of Political Science at CSU, SacramentoStarted in 1976Excellent Placement Opportunities: Legislative, Executive, Judiciary, Media, Pressure Groups30 interns/Spring SemesterLast year, 10 of the 30 Participants Received Job OffersExciting Time to be in SacramentoCA is Governable again: California Sees Gridlock Ease in Governing New York Times (10/20/13): http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/19/us/california-upends-its-image-of-legislative-dysfunction.html?_r=043 new members of the State Assembly and State Senate

Sacramento Semester: BasicsOpen to all students at any CSU campus. Open to all majors.Spring semester onlyJuniors, Seniors and Graduate Students (when enrolled in program)3.0 GPA (or greater) preferred12 unit course of study (can enroll in more courses at CSUS for more units if you want)6 units internship (CR/NC): 25 hours/week6 units of graded coursework: Count as Upper-Division, Law, Politics and Policy CoursesSacramento Semester: Cost of ProgramEnroll as a Visiting Student at CSU, SacramentoFees are about the same as a full-time student at CSULBStudent Aid (grants and loans) typically transferableCost of living in Sacramento is lower than in Southern California10 $4,000 Scholarships Are AvailableCompetitive, but financial need is primaryCSULB has a great track record winning full- and partial-scholarhishpsSacramento Semester: Application ProcessApplications are due the first week of November (This year: November 1, 2014)Two-page Application FormOne-page Scholarship FormWaiver to Release Financial Aid Information to CSUSWriting SampleApplication is Used to Find Internship Placement that Fits Your NeedsCampus Representative (Dr. Haesly) Writes a Letter of RecommendationNo other letters of recommendation are neededWorth coming to see me (review your application and to get to know you better so I can write strong letter)Decisions: Acceptance (Early December); Scholarships (Mid-December)Sacramento Semester: Finding Out MoreFrom Sacramento SemesterDr. Michael Wadl, Director Sacramento Semester: wadlem@csus.edu (916) 278-4012http://www.csus.edu/GOVT/Department%20Programs/Sacramento%20Semester.html

At CSULBDr. Rich Haesly, Internship Advisor and Internship Director: rich.haesly@csulb.edu (562) 985-4700Email me with questions or to set up a meeting (for more information, review your application, etc.)

Internship Program II: Cal State DC Internship Programhttp://youtu.be/hml1-65P4og

Cal State DC Student TestimonialsCal State DC: OverviewRun by CSU, FullertonStarted in 2006Spring and Summer Programs (May add Fall semester soon)Similar types of Placements as Sacramento Semester (Legislative, Executive, Interest Groups, Media, Political Parties)You are interning in the nations capital!Important Difference: For Cal State DC, you are responsible (with their help) for finding your internshipIf you apply (resume, cover letter) for at least 5 internships, you will be guaranteed an internship.Semester prior to entering Cal State DC, you must attend a handful of mandatory meetings at CSUFCal State DC: BasicsOpen to select CSU campuses (CSULB were invited this year)Open to all majors. Juniors, Seniors and Graduate Students3.0 GPA (or Better) PreferredSpring Semester: 12-15 units 6 units of internship 6-9 units of other courses (Taught by CSU faculty), not simply POSC courses (e.g., Comm Studies, Creative Writing): Varies by semester.Summer Session: 6-9 units6 units of internship3 units of applied course (topics vary by session)

Cal State DC: Cost of ProgramCSUF Visitor (Spring); CSUF Extension (Summer)Fees similar to CSULBRemember, Summer courses are more expensive/unit (both at CSULB and CSUF)Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) Generally TransferableHousingExcellent, Furnished Corporate Apartments near Union Station: $4,000 (Spring), $3,000 (Summer)Can live with family or friends, or find own accommodationsAirfare to DC (approximately $400-$500)Some Scholarship Are Available. Contact program for details.Fundraising EncouragedCal State DC: Application ProcessMore extensive than Sacramento SemesterApplicationGPA, major, etc.Extracurricular activities, relevant skills, previous internship experienceEssay: What personal qualities and skills would you bring to an internship in Washington, DC? How does participation in such a program into your academic and career goals?One letter of recommendationSample resume and cover letter that you would send out to apply for internshipsScholarship ApplicationDue Date: Rolling Admissions; Scholarship Consideration: October 7 for Spring 2014 Program

Cal State DC: Finding Out MoreFrom Cal State DChttp://dcinterns.fullerton.edu/index.aspDr. Sarah Hill (Director, Assistant Professor of Political Science, CSUF, (657) 278-2504, shill@fullerton.eduAt CSULBDr. Rich Haesly, Internship Advisor and Internship Director: rich.haesly@csulb.edu (562) 985-4700Email me with questions or to set up a meeting (for more information, review your application, etc.)