Undergraduate Internships
The Political Science department offers several programs through which students may gain practical experience while earning academic credit. A political science internship involves working in the office of a public official or, when possible, in an election campaign. Prior interns have served in responsible positions with state assembly members, state senators, and members of Congress, and in a number of campaigns for local, state, and national office. The comparable program in public administration places students in positions, often paid, with local government offices and agencies where they may be involved with city planning and zoning issues, public relations efforts, special research topics, or budget preparation, to mention several possibilities. In addition, the department regularly sends selected students to the state capitol to participate in the Sacramento Semester Program where they work with members of the Legislature, officers of the executive branch, or lobbyists to gain a fuller understanding of the political process firsthand. Finally, special arrangements also may be made for some students to serve as staff to members of Congress in Washington, D.C., for a semester.
Available Internships for Fall 2012:
North Bay Labor Council/SEIU
Caroline Banuelos for Santa Rosa City Council campaign
Erin Carlstrom for Santa Rosa City Council campaign
Wes Chesboro for State Assembly campaign
Cotati City Council campaigns
Petaluma Friends of Recreation
Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy
Muelrath Public Affairs Inc.
Graton Day Labor Center
Friends of SMART
Sonoma County Conservation Action
Superior Court of California
County of Sonoma
Sonoma County Parks Department
For more information, please contact Dr. Cynthia Boaz at boazc@sonoma.edu.