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

GVSU uses Handshake for current internship opportunities. Employers looking for interns can create a free account and post a position. 

Don't hesitate to email us at [email protected] with questions or ideas.

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. Laura Schneider
Phone: (616) 331-8988; Email: [email protected]

International Relations: Dr. Heather Tafel
Phone: (616) 331-8511; Email: tafelh@gvsu.edu

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.