EIU Department of Master of Arts in Political Science

Internships

Dr. Ryan Burge is the internship coordinator for our graduate program. If you are interested in pursuing an internship, send her an email (rpburge@eiu.edu). 

An internship application may be downloaded here: Political Science Internship Application. 

Where to Look for Internships

There are a number of organizations on campus that our students have interned for including the Study Abroad office, OISS, Military Science, and the Athletics department. 

Additionally, local governments often have internship programs. Reach out to City Managers/Administrators, County Regional Planning Offices, City Parks & Recreation Offices, County Public Health Organizations, and Regional Economic Development Agencies. 

EIU's Career Services offers access to the Handshake application which lists numerous internship and job opportunities for our students. You can access that here: EIU Handshake Program. 

Other Places to Look for Internships

Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program

ILSIP is an internship geared toward expanding ones perspective for those interested in planning academic, business or government careers into their chosen fields and have an understanding of the legislative process and how it relates to their work. Driving the focal point of policy development and political action, the Illinois General Assembly is a motivating showground to experience state government first-hand by working as an Illinois Legislative Staff Intern.

Student PIRGs

The Student PIRGs Summer Internship program is intended for college students who seek to elevate their experience in political organizing and strategy. This program is 5 weeks long and offers interns the opportunities to enhance leadership skills, political engagement, and interest in advocacy careers

CIA Graduate Studies Program – Intelligence Analyst

As an Intelligence Analyst Graduate Intern for the CIA, you will perform and gain understanding with full-time intelligence analysts, studying and evaluating information from all available sources—classified and unclassified—and then analyzing it to provide timely and objective assessments to customers such as the President, National Security Council, and other US policymakers.

CIA Graduate Studies Program- Human Resources Analyst

As a Human Resources (HR) Analyst Graduate Intern with the CIA, will experience working with a full time HR Analysts practicing data-driven human resources through analysis, writing and briefing on human capital data assets and trends. You will gain skills in analytic tools, management strategies and workforce planning.  

Senator Durbin’s Office

Senator Durbin offers students an internship program that gives first-hand experience for day-to-day operations within the Senator’s office. This internship is for undergraduate students of all majors, and graduate and law students. 

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross (ARC), internship candidate(s) will have the opportunity to learn from proficient advocates within the organization. Interns will also be provided experience how ARC interfaces with governmental agencies, the Illinois General Assembly and other non-profit organizations.

Environmental Law and Policy Center Internship

The Environmental Law & Policy Center offers several policy and science internships for undergraduate and graduate students. Environmental Policy and Science Internships Interns will develop strong writing and analytical skills and perform as an advocate within the environmental community.

Illinois Licensed Beverage Association

The ILBA aggressively lobbies the Illinois General Assembly, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, the Governor, Secretary of State and all statewide elected officials to promote and protect the retail liquor industry. Interns will gain comprehensive skills to partake in the lobbying process at the states capital.

Susana A. Mendoza Illinois State Comptroller Internship

Interns have the chance to work with the succeeding departments: policy, external affairs, or communications. Interns will analyze policies and develop skills in creating policy memos, critically drafting press releases, as well as influencing social media posts.

Children’s Defense Fund Internship (Washington)

Interns experience the role of public interest groups in the policy process and work alongside expert practitioners, and leaders in child advocacy. You can expect to gain experience in leadership and critical thinking skills. 

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Internship Program (Washington, D.C.)

Congressional interns have the learning experience of how the legislative process works. Interns will have the ability to promote leadership, empowerment, as well as the Hispanic culture.

Reform for Illinois

Reform for Illinois is known as a nonpartisan public interest group. Interns will be able to conduct research and advocate reform that will enhance the growth in public participation in government.

James Dunn Fellowship

Students have the ability to select their top 3 choices of government departments they wish to intern at. After being placed in one office interns will obtain knowledge and analytic skills on how that department governs.

Senator Duckworth’s Office

Illinois interns have the opportunity to acquire an understanding of how elected officials help citizens navigate concerns with federal agencies. Interns will also be highly involved with how legislative happenings influence the lives of residents within their communities.

Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center Policy and Education Intern

Interns will be involved in the planning and execution of ChicagoCAC’s policy agenda. Interns will also examine and collect data that is directly related to policy and government affairs and how these particular policies support the community education efforts that pertains to child sexual abuse prevention and response.

llinois Partners for Human Service Policy and Government Affairs Intern

Interns will directly assist the Communications Manager. Interns will experience skills with communication and how to promote communications strategies geared at expanding awareness of human services a work of Illinois Partners.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Various intern opportunities are available depending on the student’s interest. Within the internship program interns will develop essential skills demonstrating critical thinking, research, writing communications, as well as assisting within virtual meetings.

Environmental Law and Policy Center Internship

Policy and Science Interns support ELPC’s Senior Policy Advocates, Policy Associates, Communications Staff and Economists/Financial Analysts. Interns will experience and contribute to clean energy projects within the Midwest as by implementing grass roots advocacy work.  

Council on Foreign Relations (New York, Washington, D.C.)

At CFR, interns can expect to complete high quality work with the devoted staff in a diverse and all-encompassing environment. Interns will acquire esteemed skills and gain experience through exposure to leading foreign policy experts.

Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF)

An internship with IARF provides interns the opportunity to gain insight on the environment and experiences of state government. The internship will promote tactical skills such as research, deliberate communication, and fast-paced critical thinking skills.