Internships

Government and Politics

Choosing an internship related to a government or political entity is helpful for those interested in pursuing a career in any of these fields:

 

Legislative Affairs

Public Policy

Campaigns

International Affairs

Advocacy

Lobbying

Communications 

Law

Is law school or a career in the legal profession in your future? If so, students have an opportunity to complete an internship with an attorney, law firm, or legal agency to gain hands on experience and a better understanding of a legal career. We can assist students in locating and applying for internship opportunities in a variety of law related fields.

UM Research and Teaching

Students have an opportunity to work closely with political science faculty in assisting with research projects or undergraduate teaching responsibilities. Interning as an undergraduate research assistant or teaching assistant is an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in a teaching or data science career and are preparing for a graduate level program.

Finding an Internship

Ultimately, it is up to the individual student to take the initiative to seek out and acquire an internship. However, as the Political Science Internship Coordinator, I can assist students in determining which internship track is best suited for their future career goals and provide information on employers who frequently offer internships. Students can also apply to the Internship Experience program through the Division of Outreach, which helps students locate an internship and logistical matters associated with travel and housing. The Career Center also compiles information about internship openings, and is available to help guide you through the application process.

Sue Ann Skipworth

Instructional Associate Professor of Political Science and Assistant Chair

• saskipwo@olemiss.edu
• 662-915-5407

Where our students have interned

 

Center for American Progress	Mississippi House of Representatives
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute	North Mississippi Rural Legal Services
Cornerstone Government Affairs	Republican National Committee
Embassy of Jordan	Tennessee District Attorney
Fundraising, Inc.	U.S. Department of State, Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs
Gamble & Schlemeier, Missouri Lobbying Firm	U.S. House of Representatives
G.S. Proctor & Associates	U.S. Senate
Illinois House of Representatives	U.S. Senate Commerce Committee

 

"Being part of the internship experience at Ole Miss has greatly enhanced my learning. The law has a multitude of facets, which opened my eyes to the world; it creates a more enriched learning journey." Madison Patterson, interned for Jarvis and Hamilton law firm

"I've learned so much about how the government works and how bills are passed. I’ve been present at historic moments such as the equal pay bill, the CRT bill, and even the foster care bill. As a Mississippian, it’s amazing to see these things first hand." Jada Barnes, interned with the Mississippi House of Representatives

"I am very thankful to have this internship, especially meeting so many people. The networking opportunity has been like none other." Steven Young, interned with the Mississippi House of Representatives

Helpful Resources

Visit Office of Outreach's Internship Experience

Visit Career Center's Internship webpage

Internship FAQs

What is an internship?

Internships are opportunities for students to gain work experience within a desired career field for a specified timeframe.

Why are internships valuable?

Internships promote critical thinking, skill development, and professional growth. Specifically, internships provide students benefits such as:

• Bridging the gap between classroom learning and the real world.
• Gaining practical experience in a professional environment.
• Acquiring knowledge and understanding of various elements within political science (political institutions, campaigns/elections, law, political behavior, research, policy, etc.).
• Building and expanding social and professional networks.
• Becoming more confident about a career path and pursuing that career.

Can I get academic credit for an internship?

Yes, students can earn course credit for internships through the Internship in Government (POL 389) course depending on the amount of total expected work hours as outlined below:

Credit Hours	Total Work Hours
1	50-99
2	100-149
3	150-199
4	200-249
5	250-299
6	300+

 Students interested in earning course credit must contact the Political Science Internship Coordinator once the internship has been secured and submit a completed learning contract before the beginning of the academic term to ensure placement in POL 389.

How are internships graded?

POL 389, Internship in Government, is a Z graded (pass/fail) course. Students grades are based on the written assignments completed throughout the term for the course.

How can I financially afford an internship?

Internships can be paid, which offers students some financial assistance in offsetting living expenses while interning. For those who have unpaid internships there are scholarship opportunities available through the Political Science Department and through UM Outreach Department.

• Link to our scholarship page.
• Link to Outreach’s internship experience scholarship (https://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/internships/internship_costs.html)

Washington Internship

"Grateful is the word I think of when looking back on my internship experience. This opportunity to intern in the U.S. House of Representatives has been so rewarding; I have learned a lot about the legislative process and made meaningful connections. A remarkable part of this journey is that it allowed me to improve my critical-thinking and communication skills. Now, I plan to use what I have learned to help my community thrive."

Edward Hunter

Interned with Congressman Trent Kelly