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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:

Where Our Students Have Recently Interned

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.