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

Claudia Hasbun Spotlight

Claudia Hasbun

Global Law Scholar at Georgetown University Law School Secures Position with London Law Firm

Elena Szost Spotlight

Elena Szost

Economic Development Consultant

Jordan Crandell Spotlight

Jordan Crandell

2014 IR graduate is teaching in Vietnam

Cody Gradwell Spotlight

Cody Gradwell

2015 Graduate Working in the Peace Corps and Teaching World History in Mongolia

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell Spotlight

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell

2006 Graduate Technical Expert at the Social Security Administration in Chicago

View More Spotlights

News

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

Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award

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

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

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

View More News

Events

Virtual Info Session: Gilman International Scholarship and other undergraduate fellowships that help with costs of study abroad - Interested in applying? Join me to learn more!

August 6, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join me to learn more about the Gilman International Scholarship and other fellowships (external, competitive, high-impact opportunities) that help to defray the cost of undergraduate study abroad! The...

View More Events



Page last modified September 1, 2021