Experiential Learning - Internships

Many Political Science students supplement their academic studies with field work or internships outside the university, and the department grants up to 6 hours of academic credit for these experiences through PO-390.

Internships give students the chance to apply the concepts and theories they've learned in the classroom, to observe the political process in action, and to investigate potential career opportunities.

Although most students prefer to place their own internships based on individual needs and interests, the Political Science Department offers a wide range of internships.

Students who are interested in a PO-390 internship shold contact Dr. Elizabeth Stiles at 216.397.4671 or estiles@jcu.edu. The following is only a partial list of internships completed by JCU students:

Government internships encompass experience at the local, state and national levels:

• Akron City Councilman's Office (9th ward)
• Cleveland Heights Municipal Court
• Cuyahoga County Commissioner's Office
• City of Cleveland Mayor's Office
• United States House of Representatives (11th district, Ohio)
• United States House of Representatives (16th district, Ohio)
• United States House of Representatives (17th district, Ohio)
• United States House of Representatives (30th district, New York)
• United States Department of Justice - FBI (Ohio and Washington, DC)
• United States Export Assistance Center (Cleveland, OH)
• United States Secret Service, Cleveland Field Office

Environmental agencies:

• Brecksville Nature Center
• Earth Day Coalition

Print and Media news:

• KPCQ television (Seattle, Washington)

International Consulates with representatives in Cleveland:

• French Consulate
• Italian Consulate
• Lithuanian Consulate
• Slovenian Consulate General
• Swedish Consulate
• Swiss Consulate

Business internshiips include both the public and private sectors:

• AFL-CIO Labor Council (Cincinnati, OH)
• World Trade Center

Public Service and not-for-profit organizations include:

• National Federation for the Blind (Columbus, Ohio)
• Cleveland Council on World Affairs
• The Cleveland Clinic

Law:

• Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Company, Attorneys at Law
• Christian Mediation & Legal Consulting Services
• Elk & Elk, Attorneys at Law
• Farano, Wallace & Doherty
• Steven E. Wolken, Attorney at Law
• Reminger & Reminger
• UAW-Daimler Chrysler Legal Services Plan
• UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan
• UAW-GM Legal Services Plan

Political internships are often available:

• Campaign Committee for Cleveland City Council
• Campaign Committee for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
• Campaign Committee for Ohio Supreme Court
• Cuyahoga County Republican Party Office
• Washington Center (Washington, DC)

Advocacy and special interest groups:

• Cuyahoga Clean Air Conservancy

Hint: Internship opportunities are also available through the university's Career Center or the Grasselli Library.