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Interns receive academic credit for their service. They are required to work at least 10 hours per week at their internship on a fixed schedule worked out with you. You’ll need to be flexible enough to allow them to meet their other obligations. They’ll need a specified supervisor (you or a member of your staff) as well as some specific responsibilities. Interns meet with Professor Christensen on a monthly basis; he’ll probably also visit you in your office.

Professor Christensen talks with interns about their interests (level of government, campaign, elected official or community group, policy areas, etc.) and he suggests a placement if they don’t already have one in mind. He maintains a list of interested placements and a file of “job descriptions” which the students can look at. Students are then given contact names and numbers and they phone potential placements to arrange for an interview. Some placements treat this like a job interview, others are more casual – it’s up to you. If the student is acceptable, set up a work schedule and get started.

Internships usually run from the end of January through mid-May and from the end of August to Mid-December. You should plan projects and work assignments accordingly.

The supply of interns is not sufficient to meet demand. Here are some ways you can increase your chances of getting an intern:

• Give Professor Christensen an occasional reminder of your interest.
• Provide a brief “job description” by email or fax. Make it sound interesting.
• Designate a specific project or policy area for the intern.
• Provide hourly pay or a stipend for the semester ($500-1500).
• Whenever you meet a San Jose State student, suggest that they intern with your office and refer them to Professor Christensen. Students need not be political science students, although we encourage them to take appropriate courses like state or local politics before or in concurrence with their internship.