Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to apply for internships?
Are there any paid internships?
Should I apply for internships as a freshman?
Are all of the political science-related internships in Washington, DC?
What kinds of internships are out there?
How do I find an internship?
Do I need a resume to apply for internships?
Can I receive academic credit for an internship?
Where do I start?

When do I need to apply for internships?

Most internship applications are due in the spring with most deadlines ranging from mid-January through March. Students interested in security-related internships (i.e. FBI, Department of State, CIA, etc.) must apply in early fall due to the extensive security clearance process.
Are there any paid internships?

Although most internships are unpaid, there are a number of good internship opportunities which offer students a stipend. A few top-notch internships programs, like the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, offer both a stipend AND housing.
Should I apply for internships as a freshman?

Yes. Most internship providers accept applications from freshmen. Also securing a less competitive internship for the summer following the freshman year will help a student's application chances at the more competitive internships which require students to apply as sophomores or juniors.
Are all of the political science-related internships in Washington, DC?

No. Most of the internships established by the previous Director of the Internship Program are either in Washington, DC or in Raleigh, NC but there are great policy and political internships in New York City and other major cities and in capital cities around the world via the U.S. Department of State.
What kinds of internships are out there?

The following are just a few exciting internship possibilities in different areas:

There are internships on Capital Hill and at the White House.

There are internships in international relations working for think tanks like the Brookings Institute, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, human rights organizations, and U.S. security organizations like the CIA and Department of State.

There are internships in civil rights and women's rights organizations like the NAACP and the National Organization of Women.

There are internships in international political economy at places such as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representatives and the National Economic Council at the White House.

There are internships in the legal area at the U.S. Supreme Court and the Justice Department.

For students geared toward partisan politics, there are internships at the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee.
How do I find an internship?

There are many different venues for locating an internship.
a) Department's list of potential internships
b) Internet sites
c) Duke's Career Development Office
d) Other Duke students
Do I need a resume to apply for internships?

Yes, most organizations request a resume along with a cover letter, transcript, 2 letters of recommendation and a small writing sample. Please check the information in the department's database to see the organizations' application requirements. The Department of Political Science will be offering workshops in the fall semester to assist students with the application and search process. For assistance with writing a resume, please contact the Career Center at 660-1050.
Can I receive academic credit for an internship?

Course credit is not given for internships. However, a student wishing to use the internship experience as a starting point for a research project may enroll in Political Science 189 or 190 for the purpose of writing a paper. The internship paper should be a serious piece of research in which data (usually gathered as part of the student's work) is analyzed and conclusions reached. The paper should reflect some familiarity with and use of the relevant literature.

If you have obtained an internship for which you intend to seek course credit, you should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies, prior to undertaking fieldwork.
Where do I start?

You can begin the internship process by setting up an appointment with Suzanne Hull, Director of the Internship Program.

Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-noon and Thursdays 2:00-5:00 pm
Students can stop by informally, but are encouraged to set up an appointment.

Contact Information:
Office: 325 Perkins Library
Phone: (919) 660-4325
Email: sehull@duke.edu

Please make sure that the Internship Advisee Information form is filled out prior to meeting with Ms. Hull.