The Political Science Department has formed relationships with individuals and organizations that offer internship opportunities to students who are interested in getting practical experience outside of the classroom. Internships give students a chance to apply what they've learned in the classroom, gain knowledge that can't be found in a textbook and make connections that help them find employment following graduation. Students should talk with their adviser about internship opportunities offered by organizations in the area, Lansing, and Washington, D.C.
For students seeking credit for an internship, the Department requires 37.5 hours of documented work for each credit earned.
Lansing
The Political Science and Public Administration Department at Northern Michigan University offers several internship opportunities for its students. After several years of arranging internships at The Washington Center, law offices, and city government offices, the department is on a new endeavor to continue to provide high-quality internships that include placement in Lansing, Michigan’s state capitol. Students interested in working as an intern in Lansing should talk with their adviser about their options.
The Washington Center
The Political Science and Public Administration Department partners with The Washington Center to offer students internship experience in the nation’s capitol. The Washington Center maintains relationships with thousands of organizations in the Washington, D.C., area to provide a wide array of options to suit students’ unique interests. Outside of their internship, students take classes offered by The Washington Center and participate in leadership forums. They also have the opportunity to network with fellow interns and individuals in positions that may help them find employment opportunities following graduation.
Visit The Washington Center online for more information and to learn how to apply for an internship.
Read About Jeremy Hosking's Lansing Internship Experience
As a recent legislative intern, I found the Lansing internship to be an eye-opening experience. This internship provided a look into how state government truly functions that cannot be taught from a textbook. The Lansing internship allowed me to fully immerse myself into the political culture of the state legislature.
As a legislative intern, I had many different tasks assigned to me on a daily basis. These tasks allowed me the ability to take what I have been taught in the classroom at Northern Michigan University and apply them to real situations. For example, in my undergraduate career, there has been a strong emphasis on both writing and research skills. These skills were used daily during my internship as one of my chief duties was writing letters for a representative. I especially enjoyed writing letters of support because often people did not supply any information. As a result, I would get to spend time researching to enable me to write the letters.
However, not all my time in Lansing was spent researching and writing. On days that the legislature was in session and committee meetings were scheduled, I would attend to take notes and watch the procedures. This was an excellent opportunity to witness parliamentary procedure in action. On some occasions, the representative whom I interned with would have to leave one committee to cast votes in another committee. I would monitor what was going on in one committee and let the representative know what happened while business was being taken care of in another committee.
In closing, I would strongly urge students from any academic discipline to participate in this internship program. The experience and knowledge gained will be like none other.
For more information, contact Dr. Carter Wilson at carwilso@nmu.edu or call (906) 227-1502.