Internships
For AY24-25, Dr. Jessica Feezell will serve as the departmental internship coordinator. Welcome Dr. Feezell!
Available Opportunities
- The Political Science Department offers multiple internship opportunities for students. General information about each available internship is below. To view more detailed information about any internship program please click the name of the program, additional information will include application links, details, and all requirements. Any additional questions about the internship process, placements, or credits should be directed to Internship Progam Director Dr. Jessica Feezell.
General Internship Opportunities
- Students who have applied and been awarded an internship can earn credit toward their degree by meeting the the Internship Director and enrolling in POLS 2998 or POLS 491.
- Students who have not yet secured an internship offer can work with the Internship Director to find an available internship and apply. If accepted students will earn credit hours toward graduation.
Fred Harris Congressional Internship
- Selected students spend a semester living in Washington, DC while working in the office of a NM senator or representative.
- Participants earn a $1,000 stipend to offset costs, and credit hours toward graduation.
New Mexico State Legislative Internship
- Selected students spend a week in Santa Fe, NM and participate in part of the NM legislative session alongside state lawmakers.
- Participants earn a $500 stipend to offset costs, and credit hours toward graduation.
Mayor's Select Internship Program
- Selected students will work directly in the Mayor's Office and one other city department of their choosing.
- Participants earn credit hours toward graduation.
Why Internships Matter
Participating in an internship is one of the most valuable things you can do while in college. For example, internships provide an opportunity for you to:
- reflect on, confirm or contradict what you learn in the classroom
- build and expand social and professional networks
- reflect upon your current major or future career
- build your resume
- build skills in your chosen field and future profession
- develop habits of professional practice
- exercise civic responsibilities
- learn by doing
But don’t just take our word for it. Here are what financial, career, and education experts say about the value of internships:
- Internships Have Value, Whether nor Not Students Are Paid (The Chronicles of Higher Education)
- Degrees are Great, but Internships Make a Difference (US News and World Report)
- Why are Internships So Important? (CNN.com)
- The Importance of Internships to College Students (CollegeView.com)
- College Students: You Simply Must Do an Internship (Better Yet: Multiple Internships)! (LiveCareer.com)
- What is the Value of Doing an Internship? (TheBalance.com)
