University of Southern CAlifornia’s Political Internship Program

The Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California encourages students to explore the world of politics outside the classroom by participating in POSC 395: Directed Governmental and Political Leadership Internship. The Unruh Institute helps place students in internships that match their interests and talents and provides guidance to them before and during their internship. While students gain practical experience and build relationships in the world of politics, employers reap benefits such as the inflow of new ideas, the opportunity to attract potential future employees, and the contributions of motivated students whose class grade depends in part on their employers’ satisfaction with their work.

While it is a requirement that students’ internships be political in nature, the Unruh Institute attempts to define politics broadly. In the past, students have had internships with offices and organizations ranging from political campaigns to interest-specific non-profit organizations:

Local and national political candidatesCity, County and State political offices

The White HouseThe Sierra Club

CalPIRGRelief International

The American Civil Liberties UnionGen-Next

Cordoba CorporationRed Cross of L.A.

The Afghan Women’s MissionEquality California

The WorldTradeCenter Association…..and many, many more!

How the Class Works

The Institute offers POSC 395 every semester and during the summers. In order to enroll in POSC 395, students must first complete a mutually satisfactory internship agreement with their office supervisor. The number of units toward graduation students can earn from their internship experience depends upon the number of hours they work per week:

Hours / Units
8 / 2
12 / 3
16 / 4
20 / 5
24 / 6
28 / 7
32 / 8

How We Assign Grades

To encourage students to meaningfully engage with the subject matter of their internship, students are required to write a policy analysis paper or complete a research project pertaining to the issue area of their internship. Their grades in the class are then based on this paper, other periodic assignments, and their supervisor’s evaluation of their performance.

Other Questions?

Please visit our website at or contact the Unruh Institute’s Internship Coordinator at 213-740-8964 or via Email at .

Please fill out the following information in as much detail as possible:

Name of organization
Description of organization
Department
Location (address)
Contact information / Name:
Phone:
Email:
Website
Internships Available
(indicate all that apply) / Fall semester (Sept.-Dec.)
Spring (Jan.-April/May)
Summer (June-August)
Approx. hours/week
Please indicate / For course credit
Salary provided

Responsibilities/duties of intern (esp. political activities/focus):

______

Qualifications desired:

______

Please fax completed Internship Opportunity Forms back to 213-740-3167 or

Email them to the Internship Coordinator at .