Internships, Summer Jobs, and Other Opportunities in Public Service and Politics
There are so many internship opportunities, special seminars and other interesting opportunities for students interested in public service and politics, that the links on this webpage only offer a sampling. Some of these will be of particular interest to government majors, but there are many internships here for students in other fields as well. Some of the most competitive programs have very early deadlines -- if the deadline has passed for this year, start planning now to apply on time for next year. The list is organized geographically, programs located in New York, Washington DC, or elsewhere. "Elsewhere" includes some programs that place students around the country, like the National Park Service, which might include opportunities in New York or DC.
The Career Services Office (on the 5th floor of Miguel) has a number of resources you should consult. Look on the bookshelves for Internships 2004 (Peterson's Guides) and Summer Jobs for Students (primarily jobs at summer camps, historic sites and national parks). Some good books on the shelves that are somewhat more focused on careers than short-term jobs, include Jobs and Careers with Nonprofit Organizations, The Harvard College Guide to Careers in Government and Politics, and Good Works. Although these are not specifically focused on internships, they include some useful advice for internship-seekers. Browse these shelves, as new resources are often added.
Resources on the web
There are some webpages that tend to post public service internships and career information. Two very good ones are www.idealist.org, and the New York Progressive Network. And don't forget to check out the Career Services webpage where there are links to numerous career and internship websites, like Monstertrak and www.internships.com. Many large non-profit organizations and government agencies post job openings and internship opportunities on their website; check out the website of organizations whose work you respect.
It pays to plan ahead!!
Many of the opportunities below have very early deadlines -- many New York City Government internship applications, for example, are due early in January. Applications are due for the excellent, well-paid, internship at Newsday before Thanksgiving. Some of the most competitive programs have very early deadlines -- if the deadline has passed for this year, start planning now to apply on time for next year. And don't give up -- some students have found great internships at the last minute.
If you want to earn credit for your internship, see your academic advisor and/or the Internships Coordinator, Doris Pechman. If you know of opportunities we should add to this list, email Professor Groarke. Also let her know of any experiences, good or bad, that you have with any of the organizations listed here.
Will I get Paid?
Some internships are paid, and some are not. Some non-profit organizations can accept work-study students, and students can earn their work-study grant at that site. Whether or not you are getting paid, you may be able to earn academic credit for your internship. If you want to earn credit for your internship, see your academic advisor and/or the Internships Coordinator, Doris Pechman. Whether you get paid, and/or get credit, or not, an internship can be a valuable learning experience, and can make you more a more attractive candidate to future employers.
New York
The City of New York has many opportunities for college students and recent college graduates.
- The Government Scholar Program, a ten-week program combines full-time employment in City government with a seminar series exploring the mechanics of local government as well as important issues facing the City. Through work experiences and weekly discussion, the Scholars come to understand the enormous variety and complexity of the challenges in New York City government. The Scholars receive a stipend of $3,500 for ten weeks. Apply EARLY - applications are due in early JANUARY.
- The Public Service Corps gives students eligible for work-study an opportunity to work in city agencies. For more information on the Public Service Corps, contact the Manhattan College Student Financial Services office, or call the Public Service Corps at 212-669-3684.
- Most City agencies also offer summer internships independently of the above programs; information is available here.
- The King's County DA's office The King's County DA's office (that's Brooklyn) accepts interns in the spring, summer and fall.
- Several local elected officials accept interns; talk to Doris Pechman about these opportunities.
Opportunities with Elected Officials
any Manhattan College students do internships in the local offices of elected officials - from City Council Representatives to US Senators. Ask Doris Pechman about which elected officials have offered internships - or call the office an an elected official you admire, and ask if they could use an intern.
Two hundred paid summer internships at 57 non-profit organizations, doing work in a wide variety of fields. Opportunities for all interests and majors.
The Jury Project - Interested in the law? "The Citizens Jury Project seeks interns to work on jury reform in New York. The project's OmbudService responds to jurors' ideas and concerns and assesses the conditions of New York courts through ongoing data collection and analysis. Interns staff the OmbudService booths, located at ... courthouses in Manhattan, and ... Brooklyn, and deal firsthand with the issues affecting jurors. In addition to working in the courts, interns have the opportunity to conduct legal and policy research, and visit a variety of courts and court-affiliated organizations." (from their website) Or, work on a Mock Trail project. Jason Smith MC '04 said, "This is a dream internship for anyone who wants to learn or be a part of the legal system because it offers a great deal of hands on learning and has unlimited opportunities."
Gaia Institute
Here's one for scientifically minded and/or outdoors types; help a research institute engage in research studies involving wetlands and natural water systems. Paid and unpaid internships offered.
Washington DC
Washington and Albany Semesters
American University Washington Semester Program
Students spend a semester studying and interning in Washington, D.C., earning 12-15 credits. Program choices include: American Politics, Economic Policy, Foreign Policy, Gender and Politics, International Business and Trade, International Environment and Development, IT and Telecom Policy, Journalism, Justice, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Public Law, and Transforming Communities.
The Washington Center for Academic Seminars and Internships (TWC)
TWC arranges internships for college students and recent graduates in a wide variety of government and private institutions in Washington DC. Students also take at least one course and participate in a series of lectures, tours, and workshops. TWC offers housing to student interns. Students typically earn 12-15 credits for a semester, and 9 credits for a summer program.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Summer Internship
Most interns in Congress don't get paid. This is a rare opportunity to work for a member of Congress for a summer and receive a stipend, free housing, and free transportation to and from DC. Latino students with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply. Application usually due in January.
Everett Internships
Two hundred paid summer internships at 57 non-profit organizations, about half of which are in DC. Opportunities for a wide variety of interests and majors.
DC Internships
The Fund for American Studies offers an internship program and five "institutes" to college students. Unlike most other organizations that facilitate DC internships, this program has a particular ideological point of view. Study their website carefully to decide whether thisis the program for you.
Institute for Experiential Learning (IEL)
Like TWC, IEL offers internships, courses and housing to college students.
Student Peace Action
The student arm of one of the largest direct organizing peace groups in the country. Seeks interns throughout the year.
Internship at Civil Rights Organizations
The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights is a coalition of numerous civil rights organizations, representing various ethnic, religious, and racial groups in American society. The LCCR lists scholarships, job opportunities, and internships at its member organization on its website, including opportunities at LCCR itself.
Elsewhere
Taking It Global
A webpage with listings of internships, study abroad, and professional opportunities around the world.
Union Summer
Union Summer is a four-week educational internship program of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations). Students participate in union organizing drives and other campaigns for workers' rights and social justice. Union Summer was launched in 1996 and has graduated nearly 2,000 activists. Interns earn a stipend of $300 a week.
Century Institute Summer Program
The Century Institute Summer Program is a two-week fellowship designed to introduce undergraduate students to the progressive tradition in American public policy.
National Park Service
Want to work outdoors, and feel like you've made a contribution? Want to work with people, teach, or work with plants and animals? One of our national parks might be the right place for you to spend your summer. Check out these two websites,
www.sep.nps.gov,
www.nps.gov, and the section on the National Park Service in
Summer Jobs for Students, a book available in the Career Services Library.
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
Minority undergraduates are invited to apply for a summer program designed to prepare them for graduate study and faculty careers. Through the SROP students work on a research project guided by a faculty mentor and have the opportunity to explore a topic of interest at one of fifteen host CIC universities. Special educational enrichment activities such as workshops and social gatherings are also scheuled during the summer. Students receive a stipend.
