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. Laura Schneider
Phone: (616) 331-8158; 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

Cody Gradwell Spotlight

Cody Gradwell

Peace Corps Mongolia, now Teacher at Orcholon International School, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell Spotlight

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell

2006 Graduate Technical Expert at the Social Security Administration in Chicago

Karissa Kresge Spotlight

Karissa Kresge

2013 IR Grad Works for UNICEF USA

David Johnson Spotlight

David Johnson

Graduate of Georgetown Law School, General Counsel and Strategic Advisor at The Giving Block, Miami, FL

Jasmine Caldwell Spotlight

Jasmine Caldwell

Social Security Administration, Chicago

View More Spotlights

News

Outstanding Paper Award

Outstanding Paper Award

Nancy Boyd wins the PLS/IR Outstanding Paper Award.

Apr 16, 2025

Excellence in a Discipline Award

Excellence in a Discipline Award

The GVSU Political Science Department and the International Relations program congratulate Carly Stengel (IR) and Isabella Grunwaldt (PLS), winners of the Excellence-in-a-Discipline awards for their respective majors.

Apr 15, 2025

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

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

Feb 26, 2025

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR Alum Jessica Geisler is starting her JD studies this fall at Wayne Law.

Sep 18, 2024

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Jul 3, 2024

View More News

Events

There are no upcoming Events at this time

View More Events



Page last modified March 28, 2025