PoliSci@SJSU Internships
Political Science 181/Public Administration 281

SJSU Political Science 181. Internships. Students gain first-hand experience in politics and administration through work with elected officials, campaigns, administrative agencies and community organizations. Placements include the district offices of state and federal legislators, city council members, mayors, county supervisors, city managers and department heads, campaigns for offices at all levels and community groups ranging from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and the South Bay Labor Council to neighborhood groups and corporate government relations offices. Interns complete 150 hours at their placements, meeting regularly with the director of the internship program and in seminar with other interns. Early in the semester they complete a research design, setting forth hypotheses about politics that they will research as a participant observer. The research design is the basis for a substantial paper due at the end of the semester. The internships have proven an excellent way to develop civic engagement and professional resumes, leading to political involvement and/or employment for hundreds of SJSU students over the past years. The program is also valuable as a community relations tool for the university.

Syllabus - Fall 2005

Placements - Fall 2005

For potential intern placements: How do I get an intern?

Sites with Student Intern Opportunities:

Capitol Fellows Program
Postgraduate fellowships in state government: Executive, Judicial, Senate and Assembly

USAJOBS Student Employment