GV PS

Student at Voice of America is Russian voice of the Hubble

Kamil Sadyykov, one of our intrepid IR students and current intern at Voice of America, is on YouTube narrating some NASA photos as part of his internship. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25nSS2p-miI.

Kamil is completing his internship via The Washington Center. To learn more about GVSU's new affilication with The Washington Center, visit www.gvsu.edu/gvdc. Here's a pic of Kamil at a recent TWC event (flanked by Matt McLogan, GVSU University Relations, and Kevin den Dulk, Professor of Political Science). 

 

Visit from The Washington Center and other internship news

A representative from The Washington Center, which provides internship and academic seminars in Washington, DC, will be visiting GVSU on Wednesday, September 30. She'll lead an informational session from 1-1:45 in 1104 KC. For those of you who may not have heard, GVSU now has an affiliation with The Washington Center that makes interning in DC even easier and rewarding. Read more about it at www.gvsu.edu/gvdc. Also, Career Services is hosting several internship-related events next week, including an introduction to LakerJobs (a listing of internship opportunities) and a general session on interning. You can find out more information at http://www.gvsu.edu/careers/index.cfm?action=home.events.

Internship Advice from a GVSU Student

Political science major Alexis Stanczuk has completed two internships. She graciously agreed to share her advice on internships.

Knowing where to find internships is half the problem.  The first thing you should know is that everyone offers internships: government office (Senators, The EPA, The State Department), non-profits (Project Vote Smart, NARAL Pro-choice America), think tanks (CATO Institute, Brookings Institute), foundations (UN Foundation), lobby groups, campaigns, and newspapers.

Once you’ve found organizations that you are interested in working for, you should apply for as many internships as possible, as to increase the odds of getting an internship.  You have to remember that a lot of people are out of work right now, and they are taking internships hoping these unpaid positions will turn into a real job.  After applying for an internship don’t be afraid of calling the contact person to ask if they received your application, inquire when they are starting interviews.  Contacting organizations multiple times shows that you have initiative, and it increases your name recognition.  When organizations are sorting through hundreds of applications have to make an extra effort to stand out. 

Once you have an internship, make the most of the experience by talking to your co-workers about their jobs, learn about their career path.  Knowing more about available political science careers will help you transition from school to the work force.  You should also do everything possible to set yourself apart from all the other interns. Make yourself memorable and maybe the office will hire you once you graduate.  The social science field is network based; the more people you know the better.  Most jobs are secured not because of your qualifications, but rather because of the people you know. 

Amanda Miralrio, GVSU IR 2008, interns at CRS

Amanda Miralrio has been conducting research on Latin America in the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade division of the Congressional Research Service. This fall, Amanda is starting her Master's degree in Latin American Studies at George Washington University. She is interning at the CRS Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI). While at GVSU, Amanda was a McNair research fellow.

Summer and Fall Internship Opportunities

Some recent solicitations that have come to the Political Science Department for internships: Ottawa County Prosecutors Office GOP Internship Fair Scholars at Risk Network Carter Center The US Supreme Court The Grand Rapids Arena District And many more! Please check the "PLS and IR Internships Gateway" on Blackboard to read full descriptions and obtain contact information.

Political Science alum lands position with Rep. Hoekstra

Rep. Peter Hoekstra's office has hired Derek Atkinson, who graduated in 2008 with a political science degree, to serve as Systems Administrator. A Marine Corps veteran, Derek interned with Rep. Hoekstra before landing the position. For more information, click here.

GV in DC website

For those considering an internship in Washington, DC, the Department of Political Science is pleased to announce a new site just for you: www.gvsu.edu/gvdc. Some basic information is available now. We will add an FAQ, additional student reflections, and financial information in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Internship Events

Some key upcoming events:

• FEBRUARY 12: A rep from the Carter Center will visit to discuss internship opportunities with this premiere human rights organization. See the flier here: Download 2009 Winter - The Carter Center Info Sessions. (NOTE: Holly Bennett, a GVSU IR alum in IR, interned and then moved into paid employment with the Center. See a story here.)
• FEBRUARY 15: Deadline for Henry scholarship application.  Download Henry Internship 2009 - flier .
• FEBRUARY 18: Informational meeting about an exciting new program with The Washington Center in Washington, D.C. More information TBA.

Latest Internship Opportunities

Check out several new internship opportunities, recently posted on Blackboard. Visit Blackboard and click on "Community" and then "Opportunities." The recent ads include the Center for Progressive Leadership (PAID), Greenpeace (as Prof. Richards says: "Learn to drive boats!"), and The Carter Center. And there are many more opportunities listed at the site. Contact Professor den Dulk with questions.

Henry Internship 2009

The GVSU Political Science department is now taking applications for the Henry Internship.

The Henry Internship places a GVSU student -- the Henry Scholar -- in the Washington, D.C., offices of one of Michigan's Representatives or Senators during the spring/summer academic session. The Paul B. Henry Foundation pays a stipend of at $2,000 to defray the costs of travel and living expenses, and Scholars receive a tuition waiver for up to 6 credits.

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 55 credits by the end of the Winter semester and are expected to report about their experiences to the GVSU community during the 2009/10 academic year.

For information on how to apply: Download Henry Internship 2009 - flier.