An internship is a short-term learning experience in a professional setting related to your field of study or career interest. It is an opportunity to integrate relevant classroom knowledge with meaningful practical work. Internships help students gain work experience in public affairs, international issues, and exposure to practical politics. A variety of internships are available with government agencies (national, state, or local), with nonprofit organizations, for elected officials, or with private organizations.
Internships provide opportunities to explore a possible career path, to develop and refine relevant skills in a professional environment and broaden your professional contacts. Successful internships can often lead to letters of recommendations or potential job offers and can be showcased on your resume. The ways in which you search, prepare, and apply for an internship is similar to a job search, so the information on this page will be helpful for both.
Searching for Opportunities
Finding an internship or job will take time and research. The OPPORTUNITIES section of this page lists a variety of UMass programs you can explore.
Handshake
Handshake is an online platform for college students to explore opportunities and apply to internships and jobs. Your Handshake profile lets you present a full picture of your background and experience to employers. It is never too early to explore Handshake.
- Log in and set up profile.
- Search for opportunities in Handshake.
- Regularly check: Political Science - Featured Jobs + Internships
- Questions? Make an appointment with a peer intern or career advisor in the SBS Pathways Center.
USA Jobs
USAJobs is the United States government's free web-based job board for civil service job opportunities with federal agencies.
PoliCorner
PoliCorner provides job applicants with one of the most comprehensive jobs databases in public service. Applicants can apply directly to jobs, manage and track their applications, message employers, and receive free career advice through the PoliCareer Corner.
Opportunities in Public Affairs
OPAJobs is a comprehensive source of jobs in public affairs, government affairs, policy, public relations and communications in the Washington, DC Area! (Login using: UMassSBS and SBScareers@)
Research and Networking
Some organizations and agencies may have internships posted on their websites. Feel free to research online and apply directly. You may also approach an organization of interest and see if you can arrange an internship with them independently; it does not need to be an established program. It can also be useful to talk family members, neighbors, and friends. They may know of an opportunity in an organization.
Connect UMass
Connect UMass is a platform that connects current students with alumni for conversations about careers, mentoring, and professional development. Connect UMass makes it easy for students to log on, set up a profile, and network with alumni who are happy to help you out!
Making Yourself a Strong Applicant
There are several steps to making yourself a strong applicant for any internship. Be sure your cover letter and resume are strong, and you have received feedback on them before applying for an internship.
SOCBEHAV 250 - SBS College to Careers class
This one-credit seminar is designed to help you develop career materials, practice professional skills, and prepare for internships, graduate schools, and jobs. Offered in fall & spring semesters.
SBS Pathways Center Advisors
SBS Peer Interns & Career Advisors can support you in creating your resume and cover letter. Use Handshake to schedule a career advising appointment. The Pathways Center is located on the first floor of Thompson Hall.
Considering Academic Credit
Some students choose to receive credit for their internship; however, it is not necessary or required. To be eligible for a credited internship, students must have completed 45 credits and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. If you do not meet these standards, you may appeal to the SBS Academic Dean.
You will want to begin planning at least one semester in advance. It is important to take the following steps:
- Find a Faculty Sponsor - Reach out to a faculty member or permanent lecturer (adjunct professors and grad students are not included) and ask them to be a sponsor. With your faculty sponsor, you will arrange an academic project and enroll in POLISCI 298 (pass/fail). The number of credits is determined by the number of hours committed to the internship (see chart below). Students may earn a maximum of 18 internship credits in their academic career.
- Set Up the Internship in SPIRE - Submit an Experiential Learning Request in SPIRE. Please watch this video or follow these written instructions to learn how to submit the Experiential Learning Request.
If you were admitted to UMass in Fall 2023 or later, POLISCI 298 (credited internship) will cover one 200-level course requirement in the major. Any additional credits, beyond three, will be applied to the 120-credit requirement for the University.
Internship credits: 40 hrs. = 1 credit. This is based on a 13- week semester.
| CREDITS | HOURS/WEEK | HOURS/SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9 | 120 |
| 6 | 17.5 | 240 |
| 9 | 25.5 | 360 |
| 12 | 34.5 | 480 |
| 14 | 40 | 560 |
If you need additional help, you may schedule an appointment in Handshake with a Career Advisor. To meet with an academic advisor, you may schedule an “internship” appointment via Navigate. You may also find the introductory video below helpful in your search.
OPPORTUNITIES
SBS in DC
SBS in DC is a full-semester program, offered fall and spring semesters, that connects SBS majors with UMass alumni working in Washington DC. Students need to apply and be accepted into the program. Participants live together as a cohort in DC and are matched with host internship sites. Students will earn 12-15 credits for the semester and may enroll in a 300-level social science class, engage in professional development, and have networking opportunities with professionals in their fields of interest.
A total of three internship credits (POLISCI 298) will be applied to the Political Science major. A 300-level class may be approved to the major depending on content.
For more information: https://sbspathways.umass.edu/channels/sbs-in-dc/
The Washington Center (TWC)
The Washington Center (TWC) provides opportunities for students to gain experience, skills, and networking connections, while living and interning in the nation’s capital, all while earning academic credit. Their Academic Internship program includes 3 components: a supervised internship, career readiness programming and an academic course. The program runs semester-long or during the summer.
You may receive POLISCI 298 and/or UMASS 298 internship credit.
For more information: Contact UMass Career Services (Barlett Hall, 3rd floor, 413-545-2224) to help you set up this program. https://twc.edu/find-program
SBS in Boston
The SBS in Boston program provides the opportunity for SBS majors to spend a semester living and interning in the greater Boston area while earning credit toward their degree. Internship opportunities, including mentorship by UMass Amherst alumni, provide experiences across a variety of fields. Students in the cohort live in the dorms on the Mount Ida Campus, participate in a professional development class every Friday, and receive a full semester's worth of credits (financial aid will apply).
SBS in Boston internships have included the Massachusetts State Appeals Court, the Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren, the Office of the Governor of the State of Massachusetts, WGBH, State Street Corporation, and The Castle Group.
For more information: https://sbspathways.umass.edu/channels/sbs-in-boston-boston/
Law and Policy Justice Program at the Mount Ida Campus
For students who are interested in law, government and social justice-related careers, and want to gain practical experience to become more job-ready and/or better prepared for law school. This program will run in the spring and will take place on the Mount Ida Campus in Newton, thus providing more access to for-credit internship positions in the Greater Boston area. Students in the program will enroll in the course "Social Justice in Practice: Law, Politics, and Policy" and gain essential knowledge and skills for future legal practitioners, policy makers, public service leaders, and community actors in an increasingly diversifying and globalizing society. Open to all majors.
For more information, complete the interest form and read here.
SBS Shadows
Spend a day at the office with an alum over winter break! Learn about the work they do, their company or organization, and how they got from UMass to where they are now. This is a great opportunity to get exposure to the real world of work, to learn from alums who have been where you are, and to get insight into the different options and pathways that lie ahead for you.
For more information: https://sbspathways.umass.edu/channels/sbs-shadows/