Frequently Asked Questions

What is an internship?
What can students work?
How do I get credit?
How many hours do I have to work?
Do the units count toward my major?
How am I graded?
Can I work on the weekends or in the evenings?
Can I do an internship in the summer?

What is an internship?
An internship is an unpaid position that allows you to get experience in a field that you think you might like to work in. Interns are assigned a supervisor by the office in which they work. At the beginning of an internship, the supervisor and the intern agree upon the intern's duties and work schedule. At the end of the internship, the supervisor evaluates the intern's performance.

 Where can students work?

The Unruh Institute sponsors internships in government, political, and advocacy offices. Recent interns have worked on both state and national campaigns; others have worked in environmental advocacy organizations; others have worked in the Governor's Office. We have lots of information about internship locations in our office located at VKC 263. However, you are not limited to offices that we provided direct opportunities for. Feel free to call offices that interest you and ask them if they would like an intern.

 How do I get credit?

You get credit by enrolling in POSC 395. This course requires D-clearance; stop by our office to arrange for D-clearance. You must have a completed internship agreement signed by both you and the supervisor at the office where you will be working before you can receive D-clearance.

 How many hours do I have to work?
The amount of credit you get depends on the number of hours per week that you work at your internship, as follows:

Hours:  8   12  16   20    24   28   32
Units:    2    3     4     5      6     7     8

 Do the units count toward my major?

Up to 4 units of POSC 395 can be applied to the Political Science major. Up to 8 units will count toward graduation.

 How am I graded?

During your internship, you must write a policy analysis paper that examines an issue of public concern related to your internship. Details will be distributed at the orientation session at the beginning of the semester. Your grade in the class is based on that paper and other assignments and your supervisor's evaluation of your performance. See the POSC 395 Class syllabus for detailed information.

 Can I work on weekends or in the evenings?

Yes. However, you must find an internship in an office that has hours at those times.

 Can I do an internship in the summer?

Yes. To receive credit, you must enroll in POSC 395, so you must pay tuition to the University. However, see The Diana Chudacoff Levin Award information.

 

Call the Unruh Institute at (213) 740-8964 or Email unruhins@usc.edu with any additional questions.