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Political Science Internships and Summer Study: in politics and law.

Compiled by Jeremy Lewis; last updated 15 Feb. '08 with internship news.
Huntingdon internship listings at College Central NEW
A wide variety of positions have been filled by our students.  Some examples to give you ideas:
The Jobs and Seminars:
  • News of our Interns 
  • Notices of Opportunities NEW
  • Alabama Capitol Internships
  • Business Council of Alabama
  • Congressional District Internships
  • US Rep. Mike Rogers
  • Defense of Democracies NEW
  • Election Campaigns
  • Florida Internships
  • FocusFirst. 
  • Jimmy Carter Center; & SCIS
  • Libertarian Party of Alabama
  • Minority Scholarships via APSA 
  • National Security Education
  • Non-profit Management Internships
  • Project Vote Smart
  • PPIA JSI: Public Policy and International Affairs Junior summer institutes NEW
  • US Senate Internships
  • Washington Center for Internships
  • Washington Internships NEW
  • Anne Nelson '01, Intern Coordinator
  • White House Internships | | 
    		•
    The sample students (early years):
  • Cindy Barnes' '99
  • Amy Garrett '02
  • Amy Formby Hinton '98
  • Mel Koniar' '99
  • Jared Lyles '01
  • Carrie McDonough '01
  • Larry McLemore '04 | Hearst scholar | White House
  • Jimmy Payne '99
  • Cara Sadler '01
  • Geoff Warren '03 |
  • Law, Grad school & employer Fair:
  •  http://www.alabamaconnection.org 
    		•

  • News of Interns (a sampling only, since so many students find internships and jobs in our state capital):
  • Spring '08:
  • For the first time, we have won two 3/4 time, competitive capitol internships, sponsored by the Alabama Law Institute.  While Larry Newton (Republican) will work in a research group within Governor Riley's office, Amanda Spiegel '08 (Democrat) will be working with Senator Roger Bedford, Chairman of the General Fund.  Congratulations to both students on this prestigious, highly competitive award -- and best wishes for maintaining their good academic progress.  Two previous political science students, Jared Lyles '01 and Elizabeth McLain Grimes '04 have won capitol internships.  Both maintained excellent academic progress alongside their internships, and both subsequently entered law schools.
  • Felix Parker '07 has taken a position organizing 20 south Alabama counties for the Democratic party.
  • Fall '07:
  • Several political science students worked in capital area law firms and public law offices.
  • Summer '07:
  • In summer 2007, Emily White interned in the Washington, D.C., office of U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D-AL).  She experienced the fast-paced life of the Hill, stuffing massive amounts of mail, giving tours to constituents, and observing countless House arguments and debates.  House and senate summer internships are very exciting, often pay fairly well, and provide a good opportunity to learn more about our legislative system, make friends, and network with professionals.
  • Sen. Sessions is looking for federal interns for summer 2008, for which you would need to apply by February, plus district positions on a more informal basis.
  • Chrys Lake (and others) began working in the US attorney's office under our alumna, Leura Garrett Canary.
  • Al Zachos became a planning analyst for the SMART department of the Department of Finance.
  • Several students worked in the law firm of Rushton, Stakely.
  • Spring '06: Elizabeth McLain worked in public relations for Hyundai cars, along with several other HC students.
  • Fall, '05: Several students, including Steve Witt and Al Zachos, worked in the law firms of Rushton Stakely; or Beasley, Allen, in Montgomery.
  • June '05:
  • Amanda Spiegel has received a paid internship with Galloway, Smith, Wettermark and Everest, a law firm in Mobile.
  • Several students worked in the law firms of Rushton Stakely; or Beasley, Allen, in Montgomery.
  • James H. "Bo" Wright worked for the Attorney General in Columbus, GA.
  • Jarret Layson '04, on summer break from 'Bama law school, is a law clerk with the law firm of Beasley, Allen, in Montgomery.
  • Joey Hollis '04 is pursuing a MPA degree at AUM while working full time for the Business Council of Alabama and has been accepted to Cumberland law school.
  • May '05: Elizabeth McLain [now Grimes] completed her capitol internship with the Attorney General's office.



  • Notices of Opportunities



  • Alabama Capitol Internships:
    • Jared Lyles '01 worked in this internship in spring 2000 for the Governor's legislative liaison office.  He assessed bills daily for the Governor and provided guidance on whether the Governor should support or oppose the legislation.  Then he lobbied legislators on behalf of the Governor's position.  Just coincidentally, it was successful term, with a number of major bills passed in the final few days.

    Elizabeth McLain '05 won the internship in spring 2005 and opted to work for the Attorney General.  She enjoyed work in the consumer division.
     



    3 Aug 2001


    Atlanta Internships.
    Jimmy Carter Center, downtown Atlanta:
    There are regular opportunities to work as an intern in this presidential library and center of activism for world peace, election watching and political development.  Interns are unpaid and must commit to 100 hours during regular office hours.  Duties -- besides office work -- may include research projects.
    See  http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.org/information/interns.phtml

    SCIS: Southern Center for International Studies, Atlanta.
     http://www.southerncenter.org/history.html
    There are regular opportunities here for student interns to take news clips and for research associates (with advanced degrees in international studies.) Frequent guest speaker events are held here, including a series with former US Secretaries of State and Defense.



    RALPH BUNCHE SUMMER INSTITUTE UNDERWAY
          The 16th annual APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI) is underway. Twenty gifted,
          minority undergraduate students from colleges across the country are attending the RBSI this
          summer on the campus of Duke University. The RBSI is a five week,
          academically-intensive, summer program designed to simulate the graduate school
          experience, provide mentoring, and expand academic opportunities for African American,
          Latino/a and Native American students. The institute, under the direction of Duke Professor
          Paula McClain, will run from June 2 through July 3. At the conclusion of the 2003 RBSI, ten
          students will be selected to present their research during the American Politics Poster
          Session at the APSA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. Be sure to stop by and talk to these
          promising students at the Annual Meeting.

          For over a decade with support from APSA and the NSF, the Ralph Bunche Summer
          Institute has encouraged talented minority students between their junior and senior year of
          college to excel and to continue their studies in political science in graduate school, many
          with full fellowships and teaching assistantships. Headed into its sixteenth year, the RBSI is
          an annual opportunity for promising undergraduates to develop their analytical, writing, and
          quantitative skills. The academic environment is challenging, yet supportive. Students learn
          what is necessary to be successful in a graduate program and a successful scholar in political
          science. More information: www.apsanet.org/about/minority/rbsi.cfm.



    BCA, June 2004:
    The Public Affairs Department of the Business Council of Alabama is interested in
    interviewing potential interns for Fall 2004. Should you have students needing college
    credit in this area, please ask them to send me their resume'; either via email or by mail.
    (Both of these are listed below as well as a brief profile of our organization.)

    The Business Council of Alabama truly appreciates the opportunity to serve as a host in
    this capacity. It must be understood that this is a non-compensated internship; however,
    we feel it is extremely important for students to have a "real-world" experience and to be
    trained and taught a variety of skills inorder to be successful in this field.

    We also continuously provide other opportunities which may arise on a weekly basis.

    NOTE: In spring 2005, Joey Hollis '04 worked for BCA on a full time paid basis.


    Congressional District Internships:
    Carrie McDonough '01 took an internship in Fall 2000 in the Montgomery office of Senator Jeff Sessions, himself a Huntingdon graduate in History and Political Science.  Among other tasks, she enjoyed casework for constituents.

    Mel Koniar worked for Rep. Sonny Montgomery of Mobile, in his district and Washington offices.


    19 March 2003
    US Rep. Mike Rogers is offering unpaid internships (fieldwork credit available in PSC) in his district offices in eastern Montgomery.  Both Summer and Fall are possible.

    Call Daniel Webster (334) 277-4210.

    The office is at
    7550 Halcyon Summit Drive
    Suite 100
    Montgomery AL 36117



    Election Campaigns:
    A number of our students have worked in election campaigns -- notably Larry McLemore '04 (an active Republican) in his mother's successful run for the open judicial seat in district court, Montgomery County, place 3, Fall 2000.
    Jimmy Payne '99 worked for a 1998 campaign.
    Chad Hobbs '01 also worked in several campaigns in Alabama.
    Amy Formby Hinton '98 worked in the Siegelman campaign for governor in 1998 and upon the surprise victory, became a press secretary in the new administration.

    Florida Internships:

    Cara Sadler '01 interned in January '01 in the Executive Office of the Florida Governor,  Office of Policy and Budget. She was assigned to:
    1. researching information for replying to citizen requests to Gov. Jeb Bush. (correspondence).
    2. A Special Project - researching legislation on the creation of Boards and Commissions, for Governor Bush's testimony before the U.S. Civil Rights Commission about Florida's role in the presidential election.  She compiled information on the percentage of minority hires in Florida's government agencies and departments for the Governor's briefing.
    3. Attending interim committee meetings of the House and Senate (about the election)



    FocusFirst.
    This program is an opportunity for you to help underprivileged children begin their education with the best vision medically possible, and I am so pleased to have you on board.  However, in order to participate in this program, you need to
    attend our training, which takes place in Montgomery on Saturday, February 5, 2005 from 9:00am-12:00pm.  (If you cannot make this training, you can attend the training in Birmingham on February 26 from 9:00am-12:00pm).

    The training at Huntingdon will be held on campus in Flowers 101.

    Also, in order to participate in the FocusFirst program, you must commit to participating in three
    screenings during the semester.  You may choose what days you would like to participate in the
    screenings*they will take place weekdays (usually in the mornings) - each screening lasting
    between 2 and 4 hours.

    Should you have any questions, please e-mail us at focusfirst@impactalabama.org.  Please
    forward this to as many students as possible. We look forward to a big turnout on Saturday.

    Your Huntingdon campus contact is Christina Vranich (cvranich@huntingdon.edu)  You can also
    see more info regarding FocusFirst on our web page at impactalabama.org.
     Thanks, again, for your interest in FocusFirst, - Stephen Black



    Illinois:
    Governor of Illinois Fellowships and internships programs:
    BA required, all majors considered.
    Located in office of the Governor, 107 Stratton Building, Springfield, IL 62706.
    Compensation: $2,226 per month.
    Contact: web page Illinois Governor's Internships and Fellowships
    Tammy Payne, Program Director,  Tammy Payne or (217)782-5213.
    Application deadline: January 31 for  following August, notification given in April.



    June, 2003:
    Libertarian Party of Alabama is looking for interns:
    Mike Rster, administrator
    (205) 328-8683 Work
    (205) 322-1848 Fax
    www.AL.LP.org Web
    gallatin76@aol.com Email
    2330 Highland Ave
    Birmingham, AL 35205



    National Security Education
    National Security Education Program (David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarship) gives foreign language study abroad to less common countires, in return for a commitment to work in federal national security agencies for one year after graduation.
    website: http://www.iie.org/nsep/
    also the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship is available for students receiving Pell Grants.
    http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html
     
  • Project on Defense Alternatives


    • Non-profit Management Internships:
    Amy Garrett '02 took an internship in Fall 2000 with The March of Dimes, the organization that aims to reduce birth defects.  Her goals were to develop a youth council to extend the group's reach into a younger generation.  She also became the state governor of Cicrcle K service organization.  This developed into a professional interest.  She went on to write her capstone paper on non profit management theory, and then took a master's in the same subject at the Kellogg School, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.

    There's a new fellowship for PhD students (you in a couple of years?) researching philanthropy and non-profits: $18,000 support plus $5,000 for write up support.  Not bad!
    See Social Science Research Council: http://www.ssrc.org/

    Ford Foundation Program Associates in Non-Profit and Philanthropic sector:
    Program Associates are 2-year fellowships for MA or law graduates with experience in a broad range of non-profit areas.  16-20 positions, located in New York city.
    Deadline December 15.
    Website:  www.fordfound.org
    eMail:  programassociates@fordfound.org .


    Project Vote Smart (Montana-based web database service)
    I wanted to send you a note to remind you that Project Vote Smart is
    seeking interns at our Great Divide Ranch research facility for the fall,
    winter and spring sessions.

    Our political research center, founded by national political leaders Jimmy
    Carter, Gerald Ford, John McCain, Geraldine Ferraro and 40 other prominent
    political leaders, is now handling millions of citizen inquiries a day and
    was recently recognized by over 100 news organizations as the best there is.

    We provide an extraordinary experience for interns in one of the most
    beautiful places on earth.  Our young people's efforts to defend the
    citizens right to the facts about those that govern do not stop on Election
    Day.  We will have over 10,000 newly elected officials to track - their
    speeches, voting records, backgrounds, issue positions and campaign
    contributions (that's right; they will already be fundraising for their
    next go around).  Project Vote Smart collects exciting and important
    research, that U.S. News and World Report says, "would make the founders
    weep with joy."

    Students interested in applying may visit the internship page of our
    website - http://www.vote-smart.org/program_internships.php - or email
    intern@vote-smart.org for an application form and more information.

    We would greatly appreciate it if you could tell your students about this
    opportunity.  The Project pays all living expenses.

    Thank you and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

    Lisa Coligan
    Internship Coordinator

    Project Vote Smart
    1 Common Ground
    Philipsburg, MT  59858
    406.859.8683 (ph)
    406.859.8680 (fx)
    lisa@vote-smart.org

    www.vote-smart.org

    Washington Internships:

    The DC office of Senator Jeff Sessions has an opening for a legislative correspondent (LC).  This LC would work with me on budget and tax letters (and other letters related to my issue portfolio, including trade, insurance, banking, small business, pensions and Social Security) as well as handle all letters related to the Judiciary Committee (of which the senator is a member).  This LC also would attend constituent meetings with me, assist in staffing Budget Committee hearings (another committee assignment of the senator), and help with a variety of additional legislative projects.  We are looking to hire immediately and can interview candidates both in DC and back in the state via teleconference.  Please ask anyone who is interested to e-mail their resume to our legislative director, Alan Hanson, at the following e-mail address: alan_hanson@sessions.senate.gov  A cover letter is not required, but would certainly be appreciated.  Dr. Andrew W. Barrett, Legislative Assistant, Budget & Tax Policy, Office of Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), 335 Senate Russell Building, Washington, DC 20510-0104.  Phone: (202) 224-4124 | Fax: (202) 224-3149

    Contact for advice and internships with a US Rep. from Indiana:
    Anne M. (Scuffham) Nelson '01,
    Senior Caseworker/ Internship Coordinator
    Rep. John N. Hostettler, IN-8th
    (812) 232-0523

    Cindy Barnes '99 and MelKoniar '99 both worked in Republican offices on the hill.  Cindy served Sen. Sessions and Mel served Rep. Sonny Callahan's office.  They were both impressed with the professionalism in Washington compared to Alabama's local offices.  Cindy later became counsel to the US Senate Judicary Committee.

    Larry McLemore '04 spent the summer of 2003 as a White House intern.  He wrote,"The White House is a great place to work because I get to see so many
    things that show how it is run and organized.  The White House is structured much like a
    corporation.  Also, I get to go to a lot of good events.  I have seen "W" a few times and
    he is always energetic and very warm and friendly.  Mrs. Bush is also very graceful and
    kind.  I am working ten hour days and I usually go to the White House athletic center and/or go run after work so I am usually pretty tired during the week."
    He added, "I have had some interesting discussions with staff members who are new ("Bushies") and those who are career bureaucrats for the executive branch.  I have learned about their experiences here and what got them here or what they did before they came to the White House.  Additionally, we have a speaker series with one of the senior staff or cabinet members about once a week!  It's a great experience so far!  Cheers!"
         Larry had also interned for Attorney General Bill Pryor (doing legal research on capital cases), and for State Sen. Larry Dixon.
         Previously, he won a trip to Washington DC from St. James School based on his performance on a national test on government and politics provided by the Hearst Foundation.  (Larry has also been active in leading a variety of student clubs and student government.)  He spent a week working in the US Senate Youth Program, experiencing policy addresses by numerous public figures including General Shelton, Justice Souter, the administrator of NASA, most Senators and some Senate staff.  Two students are selected from each state.  A highlight was being presented with a $2,000 college scholarship check by Sen. Shelby.

    US Senators.
    Several students (e.g., Larry McLemore, Cindy Barnes) have worked as interns in either US Senators' offices, Richard Shelby or Jeff Sessions.

    Geoff Warren '03 worked in US Senator Shelby's office in Washington DC during May 2003.  He writes:
            "An internship in Senator Richard Shelby's office is a unique and valuable experience for Political Science and non-Political Science majors alike.  From the beginning of the internship, I was allowed to take part in the day-to-day activities of a congressional staffer.  We attended committee meetings, responded to constituent mail, and researched issues for constituents.  In addition, working in Washington, D.C. gives you access to not only congressional staff but to the American political process in general.  We were encouraged to volunteer at the Republican National Committee and to attend Lobbying Groups' receptions."

    One of the better Washington DC programs, involving both week-long speaker programs and summer-long internships in political offices, is the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, 2000 M Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20036-3307.  Phone (202) 336-7600 or (800)486-8921; Fax: (202) 336-7609; www.twc.edu; e-mail info@twc.edu.

    A common housing solution for interns is found in the George Washington University dorms, near Georgetown.  American University, in NW Washington, may also have suitable accommodation.

    WISH (Washington Intern Student Housing) is found at www.internsdc.com, or (202) 548-2720.  They specialize in housing close to capitol hill.