Anne Marie Carson
Graduate of the Georgetown Law, Co-Chair of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions at Miller Johnson in Grand Rapids
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
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, 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
Elena Szost
Program Manager, Chemonics International
Austin Saycocie
Graduate of Johns Hopkins School of International Studies, US Foreign Service, now posted to Laos
Karissa Kresge
Executive Policy Analyst for the Public Health Administration at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Amy Bush
Senior Program Assistant for the Committee on Human Rights
News
Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar
Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.
Dec 3, 2025
Ozinga Starting Law School at Case Western
IR alum Kyla Ozinga is starting law school at Case Western
Sep 16, 2025
IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School
PLS, IR and Human Rights alum Taylor Bessinger is attending the University of Illinois College of Law
Sep 12, 2025
Diven Honored with Award
Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.
Jun 23, 2025
Events
DEM 101: Election Issues Panel with GVSU Political Science Department (INT 100 Approved)
October 14, 2026 6:00 PM
Hear from GVSU political science faculty as they discuss key issues shaping today's elections. Gain nonpartisan insights, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the topics influencing...
Make a Difference Day
October 17, 2026 8:00 AM
Make A Difference Day is an annual day of service where students are transported to local community non-profits to participate in service activities. Service activities range from cleaning up the properties...
Fellowships Information Session: Planning to apply for the Gilman? Exploring Fulbright? Interested in the NSF Goldwater for students planning on graduate research in STEM? Curious about fellowship opportunities generally?
October 21, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Welcome! Join us to explore the world of nationally competitive fellowships.Planning to apply for the Gilman to help defray the cost of GVSU undergraduate study abroad? Exploring Fulbright or another...
Michigan Sociological Association's fall conference
October 24, 2026 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Michigan Sociological Association is excited to announce its upcoming fall conference, taking place on October 23rd and 24th at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. This annual...
Vote in Kirkhof
October 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cast your ballot right on campus with the Allendale Township Satellite Clerk's Office in the Kirkhof Center. Eligible voters can register to vote, update their voter registration, request an absentee...