51³Ô¹ÏÍø

20170101_City_Hall_51³Ô¹ÏÍø_001-High%20Res%20JPEG.jpg

Careers, Internships & Opportunities

Internships & Opportunities

The College of Liberal Arts encourages undergraduate students to participate in internships to prepare for their future careers. Students can apply the core skills they learn in their degree programs—how to think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively—in real-world professional settings.Ìý

The college actively collaborates with 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s and employers across a range of fields and industries to help cultivate professional development opportunities for its students. Additionally, 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s location in Philadelphia allows students to pursue internships across an array of organizations in the region.

.Ìý

Department Internships

51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Political Science Department helps students secure experiential internships to prepare them for careers after graduation. Student placements have included

  • the city of Philadelphia,
  • law firms and local prosecutors' offices, 
  • political campaigns,
  • public interest groups, and 
  • state legislative and congressional offices.

Public Service Internship Opportunities

Students can participate in public service internship opportunities through the Public Service Cooperative. 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s faculty, students and alumni have a long tradition of public service. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers four distinct, credit-bearing internship opportunities for undergraduate students on the local, state and federal levels.Ìý

Students interested in public service can work part time in Philadelphia in either city government or competitive political campaigns. Full-time internship programs are available in Pennsylvania’s capital city Harrisburg, or in the nation’s capitol, Washington D.C.

Harrisburg Capital Semester

Started in fall 2009, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø sponsors an internship semester each fall and spring semester in Harrisburg in association with 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Harrisburg Campus. Students can explore government affairs, policymaking and implementation firsthand while studying full-time and staying on track to graduation. The Harrisburg semester allows students to receive 6 to 9 credit hours of internship along with a 3-credit Research Preparation course. .Ìý

The Washington Semester

The Washington Semester places students in internships in our nation’s capital through close collaboration with .ÌýStudents work in government institutions such as the House of Representatives, and in public organizations focused on the arts, business, environment, international relations, journalism and other fields. Develop connections, take courses and gain professional development during your internship. Enrollment in the program includes a financial stipend. The Washington Semester allows students to receive 15 CLA credits during the fall or spring, or 12 credits during the summer.Ìý.Ìý

Contact the Internship/Program Coordinator, Sean Murphy for inquiries at .

Careers

The skills gained from a liberal arts degree are highly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving world. Apply the experience and knowledge acquired in the Political Science BA program to your professional pursuits across many organizations and industries, including academics, cultural institutions, government agencies or the social sciences. The versatility of this program’s curriculum helps you graduate with valuable skill sets sought by many employers.Ìý

51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Political Science BA is an excellent foundation for graduate study. Students often pursue master's degrees in business, international affairs, law, public policy and public administration.

Graduates pursue careers such as 

  • »å¾±±è±ô´Ç³¾²¹³¦²âÌý
  • education,
  • government affairs,
  • lobbyists,
  • policy researchers,
  • political consultants and 
  • political correspondents.

Career Services

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

The Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts empowers students to present themselves successfully as candidates for internship, employment and postgraduate education opportunities.Ìý

Through counseling, seminars and workshops, the center offers an array of services including

  • connecting students’ experience with potential employers;
  • drafting and editing résumés and cover letters;
  • practicing interview skills;
  • preparing for further education; and
  • strategizing on internships and job opportunities.

.

Career Seminar

The College of Liberal Arts requires a one-credit seminar course that focuses on the flexibility of a liberal arts degree to prepare students for careers in corporate entities, education, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and more. Through this course, you’ll develop and refine your résumé, receive guidance on navigating professional networking opportunities and interviews, and be equipped to confidently market yourself to potential employers.Ìý 

.

University Career Services

As a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student, you can also visit the university’s Career Center for support during your job or internship search. Drop in for a short visit or schedule a 30-minute coaching session to discuss components of your professional profile, including your résumé and LinkedIn presence.

Career services can provide

  • assessments of your professional direction,
  • Ìý²¹²Ô»å
  • support for job search strategies.

.