Internships

Why Pursue an Internship

An internship is an excellent way to see if a particular career is right for you. It is also a way to gain professional skills and experience in your field of interest. If you are curious about what types of skills are needed in the workforce, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has created Career Readiness Competencies. Learn more about these competencies and how your political science degree helps you develop these skills.

10 Tips to Help You Get Your Dream Job   •   What's the Most Important Item on a Resume?   •   The Best Career Advice I Got from Big City Executives

Types of Internships

Many types of internships, both credit- and non credit-based, are available in Charleston, Washington, D.C., throughout the U.S. and abroad. Political science majors pursue a wide variety of internships in various sectors (e.g. nonprofit, private, legal, and government). 
  
Credit-Based Internship Information  •    Non Credit-Based Internship Information

Internship Resources

Resources are available to College of Charleston political science students on this website and the internship coordinator and members of the political science faculty can assist in recommending potential internships, but students are ultimately responsible for arranging their internships. For more details visit:

Local Internships    •    Internships Outside of Charleston

If you need help narrowing your focus, the Career Center can help you through assessments and one-on-one counseling.

The following websites may also be helpful as you think about a career in political science:

American Political Science Association
Occupational Outlook Handbook  
Department of Political Science Career Resources

Where Our Students Have Recently Interned

Sustainability

Internship Application Tips

Once potential opportunities are identified, be sure to update your cover letter and resume.

  • It is important to keep your resume updated, but you should always tailor your resume and cover letter to the internship for which you are applying. The Career Center has created excellent guides to develop these materials.

Apply to the internship and be sure to follow up with the organization. 

  • Follow application instructions carefully and set a reminder for yourself to check on the status of your application. Be patient, show initiative, and keep a positive attitude during the process.
  • Keep track of the internships you applied to and save the internship announcements. Sometimes online postings are removed so you want to be sure you have the descriptions for interview preparation purposes.

Possible Funding Sources

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences   •   Career Center Internship Award


For more information on internships, contact our associate chair, Dr. Jordan Ragusa.

 
 

News

Internship Search Tips for Political Science Students
Posted on 9 June 2017 | 10:17 am
Political science majors pursue a wide variety of careers which is a testament to the degree’s versatility. This is good news but it also makes deciding what career avenue to pursue a little more challenging. Here are a few tips: Understand why you are pursuing an internship. An internship is an excellent way to see … Continue reading Internship Search Tips for Political Science Students
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Political Science Senior Creates Intentional and Unique Internship
Posted on 17 May 2017 | 12:53 pm
Brendan Geiling, a senior political science major and communication minor, wanted to gain experience in the emerging field of brand development so he contacted Charleston based Garden & Gun to see if they would be willing to host an intern. Geiling researched the magazine’s website, discovered that they had a team that specialized in his … Continue reading Political Science Senior Creates Intentional and Unique Internship
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Junior Sarah Nesbit to Intern with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Summer Internship Program
Posted on 10 May 2017 | 9:05 am
Political Science major and African American Studies minor Sarah Nesbit will participate in the highly selective Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Congressional Internship Program on Capitol Hill this summer. Offering three distinct internship programs, CBCF’s mission is to “prepare college students and young professionals to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts, and informed advocates by … Continue reading Junior Sarah Nesbit to Intern with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Summer Internship Program
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