Political Science Internships
College of the Pacific
By supplementing classroom work with hands-on participation in the institutions and processes of government, politics, or the law, students learn more deeply, develop important skills and knowledge, anticipate possible career paths, and establish early networks of professional associates. This is part of our commitment to help students develop the ability to apply their knowledge of politics, government, and political science to practical situations. Real world experience helps you better understand and appreciate what you are learning in the classroom.
Students at Pacific have many opportunities for valuable political science internships. Some students work locally in one of the Central Valley cities. Others make the short drive to the capital of California, Sacramento, where chances to experience state-level government and politics are abundant. Still others intern in Washington, D.C., often with a member of Congress or in an executive branch agency. The European Parliament is another source of internships for students on study-abroad programs.
Recent Pacific political science internships have included the California Governor's Office, the California Journal, the Office of the Mayor of Stockton, many California state legislative offices, U.S. congressional offices, many judicial offices, including the offices of local judges and District Attorney, and the offices of members of the European Parliament, based in Strasbourg, France.
Credit for completion of program
When the internship is over, the student together with the faculty supervisor will conduct an assessment of the internship to determining how well the student's learning objectives were achieved.
Cost of the program
The program does not cost anything additional to normal enrollment.
Time frame for completion of the program
You must have first had a semester of preparation with your advisor.
Requirements to join the program
Each Intern is assigned a faculty supervisor who will assist the student in developing a preliminary statement of learning objectives for the internship prior to the semester during which the student undertakes the internship. When the student begins the internship, she or he will complete a more focused Learning Objectives Statement in consultation with the work supervisor. The student will keep a journal to facilitate his or her learning as a participant observer in the workplace.
