Internships

Job applications are considered on the basis of which candidate can contribute the most to an organization. Therefore, the purpose of an internship is to improve the student's worth to organizations by a) increasing their skills, b) increasing their understanding of employers' needs, and c) aiding the student in articulating how they can contribute value to employers.

While students may find their own internships and approach the department with a proposal, we encourage students to take advantage of the Department's experience in placing interns. Internships can take place in an organization related to political science, including but not limited to: educational institutions, social services agencies, book publishers, media outlets, campaigns of political candidates, the office of governing politicians, government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, philanthropic organizations, and legal organizations.

Here are a few intern placements:

• Huck Montgomery, Winning Strategies Washington
• Brian Garst, Cato Institute
• Matt Schwab, Verizon Wireless
• Kyrsten York, Bill of Rights Institute
• Jennifer Reed, Gulf Coast Diplomacy Center
• Stephanie Jarriat, Washington Center
• Davia Grant, CQ Press

With Dr. Emery, students will develop a resume that emphasizes any experience they have in developing skills needed in organizations related to political science. These skills include research, writing, analysis, fundraising, event planning, administrative tasks, and others.

• Students can receive three (3) hours of credit for at least twenty (20) hours of work weekly, and submitting weekly journal entries, a cover letter, and a three page Reflection paper that discusses the responsibilities and goals of each department in the organization, the needs of the organization, and where the student might contribute in their future career.
• In cases where the student is already in a full-time job but needs to increase their skills and visibility in that organization or field, the student may receive 3 credits for a different sort of endeavor. As an application, the student will write a three page Reflection paper that discusses the responsibilities and goals of each department in the organization, the needs of the organization, and where the student might contribute in the organization using their skills as a social scientist. The student and faculty will discuss the proposed project and create a project plan, in which the first step is for the student to get the project approved by their supervisor. It is possible for students to contribute additional value in a variety of ways.

The internship may be taken in any semester, including the summer. Internships should be arranged prior to registering for courses a semester ahead of time. Students can apply by scheduling a meeting with Dr. Emery, who is the Internship supervisor.

FAQ

• Where are internships located? Most internships are located in Pensacola, some on the UWF campus, but you are not limited to staying in the Pensacola area. Students may get credit for participating in national and international internship programs.
• Do I get paid? Students may receive both pay and credit for their internship, if a salary is offered. Several national internship programs are paid, for example, the Summer Fellow program at the Institute for Humane Studies.