Political Science Internships

This is a UTEP EDGE experience where students acquire new skills and networks in local, regional, and distant internships at the offices of elected officials, public and nonprofit agencies.  The three-credit internship course is designed for well-prepared students to gain experiences in such organizations.  Well-prepared students will not only have a good GPA, but also working knowledge of government and of contemporary news about public affairs via daily scans of several respectable media outlets.    

No books are assigned in this course, although the professor may send links and suggest material throughout the semester.  Students are expected to complete 160 hours (approximately 12 hours per week in a long semester), to write weekly reports on a regular day (such as Friday) each week to crboehmer@utep.edu, to complete a reflection paper by the last day of the semester, and to obtain a paragraph (or letter) evaluation from their internship supervisor by the last day of the semester along with a verification of their logged hours.  No special forms are required for the log or evaluation. 

The first weekly report, via email, should be approximately 500-750 words detailing students’ initial impressions of the office, organizational culture, management style, and tasks assigned to them.  The professor will respond to weekly reports with comments, suggestions, and/or questions that should be answered on the next weekly report.  Subsequent emails may be shorter, around 250 words.  In the final reflection paper, the student should summarize their major learning and accomplishments and consider how the internship affected their skill sets and may affect their professional journeys after graduation.

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Thank you and congratulations for your commitment to public service!