Kristen Childs
2017 Graduate Uses her IR and GIS Skills after Graduation
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
David Root
2002 Graduate Administers Multiple Peace Corps Programs in North Macedonia
Quinlyn Mork
Grand Rapids Paralegal Volunteers with Iraqi Refugee Community
Sheila Garcia
American Library Association "Spectrum Scholar"
Courtney Johnston
Entrepreneur Founds Copywriting Business
News
McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad
Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad
Jul 3, 2024
Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award
Sarah D. Pullins is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.
May 3, 2024
GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE
Jackson Tisdale is the recipient of the Grand Valley in DC Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The purpose of this alumni-funded scholarship is to assist students in pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.
Apr 5, 2024
Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award
Feb 19, 2024
Outstanding Student Paper Competition
Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.
Feb 13, 2024
Events
GVSU Votes! Tabling Downtown
September 17, 2024 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
GVSU Votes! tabling to help get students registered to vote, know their plan to vote, and check where they are registered to vote. We want to get the downtown campus engaged and excited! RSVP...
National Voter Reigstration Day
September 17, 2024 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Come get registered to vote at the clocktower! There will be music, popcorn, and yard games. Check your registration status, register to vote if you're not already, and learn about ways to get...
Virtual Gilman Writing Workshop - Brainstorming Content, Outlining and more - Taking Steps Toward a Successful Application
September 17, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Gilman Program Application Is Now Open! You have started on your essays by opening an application account in the IIE Gilman portal - Congratulations! You will want to work closely with...
Constitution Day Reacting to the Past (RTTP) with Professor Eick and Professor Murphy
September 17, 2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A Reacting to the Past Constitution Day role-playing game! It is a continuation of a game from the winter 2024 semester where participants decided on the size of the House of Representatives. This...
Virtual Info Session: Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program Overview
September 18, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Interested in intensive language study abroad? Join us for a live overview of the CLS Program followed by a question and answer session with CLS Program Officers and an alumni ambassador. The CLS...