Internships are an important element of today's undergraduate education. A well-structured internship program can assist you with figuring out the difference between a job and a career.
An intense, time-on-task internship will produce a meaningful experience with which you can test your knowledge in your field of interest, develop new strengths, and learn about career opportunities you may not otherwise discover.
You can earn from three to 15 upper division credit hours for an approved internship. Many government internship programs are paid positions ranging between $1,000-$5,000 per semester.
Getting started
Eligibility
To qualify for an internship, you must have junior status and a 2.5 GPA. Transfer students also need to have completed two semesters of full-time study at SUNY Oswego.
Consultation
Working with your academic advisor and the Political Science Internship Coordinator is essential. You must discuss how an internship will affect your academic program and determine whether the internship will be taken for departmental credit (POL) or General Studies (GST) credit.
Application process
Prior to starting their internship, you must complete two application forms: one for the Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) and one for the specific program to which you're applying. Applications can be obtained from the CEL Office, in 145 Marano Center, or from Dr. Eric Blanchard, Political Science Internship Coordinator, in 435C Mahar Hall.
Placement and credit
Internship placement
The Department of Political Science places students with several reputable internship programs located in Albany, NYC and Washington D.C. You can also find your own position via online internship databases, or use the Center for Experiential Learning as a campus-based resource center to secure a position. In all cases, we'll work closely with you to help you locate a high quality, academically challenging internship that matches your particular interests and specific career goals.
Learning agreement
Once your internship has been secured, you must meet with the Political Science Internship Coordinator, Dr. Eric Blanchard, to discuss your learning objectives, review your specific responsibilities, and design your academic assignments. This helps to ensure that you receive a credit-worthy experience.