Internships, Jobs & Careers

Internships

Why an internship? 

  • Learn through practical experience
  • Invaluable as a means of professional networking and career advancement
  • Make connections between regular classroom work and possible profession
  • Earn college credit
  • Intern in DC via our affiliation with The Washington Center

For Employers

If you are interested in sponsoring an internship, please email us at [email protected] with the following:

  • Position Description
  • Estimated hours
  • Length of Position
  • How to apply
  • Contact information

Placements

  • national, state, and local executive and legislative offices
  • government agencies
  • political campaigns
  • party and interest group organizations,
  • think tanks
  • judicial agencies
  • law firms
  • international business
  • international non-government organizations (NGOs).

Internship Syllabus

For more information
PLS & IR Internship Syllabus
PLS & IR Internship FAQ 

Experience Matters
See examples of GVSU International Relations internships from each student's perspective at the Experience Matters site.

Contacts

Political Science: Dr. Donald Zinman
Phone: (616) 331-8714; Email: [email protected]

International Relations: Dr. Polly Diven
Phone: (616) 331-3282; Email: [email protected]

Jobs, Careers, Grad School & Law School

Jobs & Careers

The International Relations faculty work closely with Career Services and students on internships and career advising. Students are highly encouraged to pursue an internship. Capstone professors help senior students to prepare for careers and graduate school. For more information, consult our career guide and visit with your faculty advisor. 

  • Foreign Service and other government agencies including
  • International Organization Program Officer
  • Legal profession as Lawyer or Judge
  • Lobbyist or Political Analyst
  • Public Policy Researcher
  • International Sales and Marketing
  • Non-Profit or Public Administrator
  • Journalist
  • International Education Specialist

Graduate & Law School

International relations is a suitable major for many graduate programs:

  • Business
  • Communication
  • Criminal justice
  • Education
  • International affairs
  • International relations
  • Law (Pre-law information)
  • Political science
  • Public administration
  • Public Policy

For more information:
Pre-law 
See the graduate school section of our career guide.

Spotlights

Tim Zeeb Spotlight

Tim Zeeb

2002 Graduate Becomes Managing Director at Conway MacKenzie

Aing-On Thammarattananon Spotlight

Aing-On Thammarattananon

Assistant to Political Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in D.C.

Anne Marie Carson Spotlight

Anne Marie Carson

Graduate of the Georgetown Law Class of 2014 and member of the Georgetown Global Law Scholars

Amanda Miralrio Spotlight

Amanda Miralrio

Compliance Office for U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control

Kaylin Klein Spotlight

Kaylin Klein

Kaylin Klein now working for Fidelity Investments

View More Spotlights

News

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Feb 19, 2024

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.

Feb 13, 2024

John T. Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

John T. Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

The John T. Batchelder scholarship is funded by a generous grant from the Batchelder family. The scholarship honors Dr. John Thayer Batchelder who served as a Grand Valley State University professor until his retirement in 1997.

Feb 13, 2024

GV in DC Scholarship

GV in DC Scholarship

The GV in DC Endowed Scholarship helps Grand Valley students study and intern in Washington, D.C.

Feb 13, 2024

PLS/IR Department Hosts Lecture on China by Kaiser Kuo

PLS/IR Department Hosts Lecture on China by Kaiser Kuo

Kuo lectured on what we get right and wrong about China.

Feb 6, 2024

View More News

Events

Adam Sturdivant, Partner at Drew Cooper & Anding

March 26, 2024 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

The Political Science Department invites you to hear from attorney Adam Sturdivent. After graduating from GVSU, Adam began practicing law in Ohio but returned to Grand Rapids in 2008. Come hear about...

This is a work for the mothers: Strategic Maternalism Against the Far Right featuring Lorna Bracewell

April 4, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Recent debates over public school curricula, including “anti-CRT” initiatives and attacks on “gender ideology,” have led to a reinvigoration of maternalist politics in the United...

Kpop Unleashed 2024

April 7, 2024 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

K-Pop Unleashed is K-Pop Group Evolution's annual dance and cultural showcase. This event features performances and discussions from both Grand Valley clubs and other organizations in the Grand...

2024 Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow

April 13, 2024 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

A Traditional Powwow is a gathering and celebration of Native American culture through ceremony, song, dance, feasting, and socializing. Traditional pow wows include dancers, drum groups,...

2024 Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow

April 14, 2024 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

A Traditional Powwow is a gathering and celebration of Native American culture through ceremony, song, dance, feasting, and socializing. Traditional pow wows include dancers, drum groups,...

View More Events



Page last modified September 1, 2021