Such projects generally involve working in a political or governmental organization or working on a political campaign. Students are responsible for arranging their field experience or internship and for clearing the project with a political science faculty member. The faculty adviser supervises the fieldwork as well as assigns and grades the academic work submitted in conjunction with the project. The Department has arranged Congressional internships on an ongoing basis with various members of Congress. Interns work either fall or spring semester as full time staff assistants in Washington, DC or in Minnesota.
Interns apply during spring semester for an internship during the following year.
Students intern at the State Capitol in St. Paul while the Minnesota legislature is in session. May. Applicants must apply during fall semester and submit their completed applications to the internship coordinator at the Capitol. The coordinator matches student interns with legislative members who have similar interests. Public Achievement is part of a national initiative that enables young people to learn citizenship skills. University students put their education and citizenship skills into practice by serving as Public Achievement coaches for middle school students.