Click here to see available Internships

Internships offer students an opportunity to explore and gain experience in issue areas or professions of interest. Typically, Political Science students begin experimenting with internships in their junior year, once they have mastered coursework that makes them valuable to preferred employers. Using the knowledge and skills gained through classes in the Political Science major, the Public Policy minor, or the Prelaw minor, students carry out applied work to reinforce concepts learned in class, judge if the career direction is in their best interest after graduation, and build professional networks.

Recent internship placement of Political Science students include:

• The New Jersey Governor’s Office
• Office of the Mayor, City of Trenton
• Assembly/Senate Majority and Minority Offices
• Legislative District Offices
• The Brian Stack Internship in the New Jersey Governor’s Office
• Campus-to-Capitol Mentorship Program
• The Mid-Jersey Chamber of Commerce
• State Public Defenders Office
• Numerous legal offices
• Bloomberg LLC
• River Crossing Strategy Group
• Princeton Public Affairs Group
• Bank of America
• US Department of Justice (Washington Center)
• Fox News (Washington Center)

Political Science students can find internship listings below and through the Career Center. The Washington Center offers a wide variety of internships with important public- and private-sector organizations.

 

INTERNSHIP PROCEDURES

 

POL 399/Internship in Public Affairs

This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate theory with practical work experience in public affairs under the supervision of a field supervisor and a TCNJ faculty coordinator. Work settings include but are not limited to the Governor’s Office, legislative offices, state and local governmental agencies, lobbying firms, trade or union organizations, political campaigns and parties, and non-profit organizations. Working towards academic credit provides the best means of integrating in-class learning and internship employment, although some students may opt to complete an internship alone, without seeking academic credit.

The field supervisor is an important participant in the internship experience. At the end of the term, the field supervisor is expected to confirm the number of hours the student worked as an intern and complete an evaluation form assessing the student’s performance. The student will also complete an academic research project, under the supervision of the Faculty Coordinator, on a public policy and/or public administration topic related to the work of the internship.

Students gain academic credit for their internships by finding an appropriate position, enrolling in POL 399, and working with the Internship Faculty Coordinator (Dr. Sarah Chartock, chartock@tcnj.edu) to research and write a substantial paper on their issue area or job. Specific requirements for academic credit vary and are agreed to by the professor, student, and site supervisor at the beginning of the semester. Students enrolling in the course should have junior or senior status and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Students should normally be enrolled in the political science major or minor, the public policy analysis and management minor, or the law, philosophy, and politics minor, although on occasion the instructor of the internship may allow other students to enroll.

Candidates should find a suitable position that will offer a meaningful opportunity and provide roughly 135 hours of work for the semester (per 1 unit course). The Department mostly approves internships worth a full unit (four credit-hours) yet it may make other arrangements under special circumstances. Students may count no more than 3 units of internship toward a TCNJ degree. Unless the student qualifies for an academic overload, the full unit of POL 399 must be part of the 4.5 unit maximum enrollment load for the semester. If overload approval is needed, please wait to apply for your internship until you have completed the Overload Interest Form and received an email from Dr. Grimm approving your overload.  Here is the link to the Overload Interest Form.

The following procedures maximize student enrichment from an internship taken for academic credit.

1. The Internship Proposal Form should be completed by the student and supervisor of the internship site before the student meets with the POL 399 Internship Coordinator. Students do not need to complete the Records & Registration Internship Enrollment form. Please enter a start date on your paperwork that is at least 1 week after you submit into the HSS proposal portal. YOUR INTERNSHIP HOURS CANNOT START UNTIL YOU RECEIVE APPROVAL FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE.
2. The student meets with Dr. Sarah Chartock, Department Chair and Internship Faculty Coordinator (chartock@tcnj.edu) to discuss their proposal and obtain her signature on the proposal form before the Add/Drop deadline of the semester. (You will be uploading email evidence of approval by the Internship Faculty Coordinator instead of obtaining their signature. Please submit a screenshot or word document.)
3. Student uploads the documents on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Internship Proposal System for approval by the Dean’s Office. You will receive an email from the Dean’s Office when your paperwork is submitted to Records & Registration.

Faculty Internship Coordinator: Professor Sarah Chartock, chartock@tcnj.edu

 

 

Available Internships

Internship Title	Description	Contact	Deadline
Kean for Congress campaign intern	The Kean for Congress campaign is seeking dedicated and responsible interns to join our team. Internships are unpaid, volunteer positions intended to provide students with true on-the-job experience. The internship experience is designed to give students substantial exposure to practical, campaign-style politics on a local and state level. Full internship description here.	To be considered for an internship, please send resume to J.J. Cahill at jj@tomkean.com.	Until filled.
The Chubby's Project Internship	The Chubby’s Project is a hyperlocal non-profit 501c3 dedicated to food justice and building connections within the Hopewell, NJ community. An intern for the Chubby’s Project will be managing volunteers, facilitating packing, processing produce deliveries, and assisting with social media. This person will collaborate with the Executive Director and volunteers in charge of delivering lunches. Interns will also be asked to assist with fundraising opportunities. Our hope is to create a symbiotic relationship where interns can learn about the realities of non-profit work, while forging connections and serving the Hopewell community. Click here for the full internship description.	Contact Information: John Haney, Executive Director, john@thechubbysproject.org	Until filled.
Brian Stack Memorial Internship	Paid internships offered through the Governor's Office of Constituent Relations. Applicants complete an application form and submit a resume and writing sample. You can apply even if you have applied in earlier semesters and were not selected.	Apply here. Contact Dr. Chartock with questions.	Three rounds of applications in the fall, spring and summer.
Paid Internship Opportunity at New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association	Description: The New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual for a part-time paid internship position ($15.00/hour) during Summer 2024. As an Administrative Assistant intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting our organization's operations by assisting with various administrative tasks. This opportunity is open to both current college students and recent graduates. Responsibilities: *Update and maintain contact lists to ensure accuracy and completeness. *Assist with database management, including data entry and organization. *Provide administrative support to various departments as needed. *Perform other tasks and projects as assigned by supervisors. Requirements: *Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. *Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). *Excellent written and verbal communication skills. *Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. *Familiarity with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems is a plus. *Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant academic program preferred.	This is a part-time position requiring 12-18 hours per week, offering valuable experience in administrative support for an education advocacy nonprofit. Interested applicants should submit their resumes to Will Roddy at wroddy@njcharters.org. Please include "Internship Application" in the subject line.	Until filled
Law Office Of Kelly Anderson Smith Internship	We are seeking an Intern for our Criminal Law Office located at 1670 Whitehorse­ Hamilton Square Road, Suite 10 Lower, Hamilton, New Jersey. The individual should have knowledge of the basic operations ofan office, preferably law, and must be able to work independently. Computer skill sets are required. We are willing to coordinate with an Intern around school hours and our office operational needs. Our internship requires 10 (ten) hours per week. Courtroom appearances/observations under guidance of attorney will be available for motivated individuals. Interns will be afforded the opportunity to network and create critical contacts with Judges, Prosecutors and the Defense Bar from all over the State. Our Law Office offers a great experience to learn skills and knowledge regarding Criminal Law. You will gain experience on how to prepare and organize a file for trial, research case law for Appeals, and interact with clients from intake to testimony prep.	If interested, please send your cover letter and Resume to kas@kasforjustice.com or you may fax to 609-249-4902.	Until filled.
Virtua Health Internship in Government Relations and Health Policy	Virtua Health’s Office of Government Relations is proud to announce its government relations and health policy internship program for students enrolled in a full-time accredited public or private college or university pursuing degrees in political science, government administration, public policy, public health, health care administration, public affairs, or related program. This is a hybrid summer internship program. More information here.	For more information, please contact Casey Haddox at (856) 355-0163 or by email at chaddox@virtua.org.	Until filled.
NJ League of Conservation Voters Internships	NJ League of Conservation Voters - Communications & Digital Intern https://www.njlcv.org/jobs/communications-digital-intern NJ League of Conservation Voters - Events & HR Operational Support Intern https://www.njlcv.org/jobs/events-hr-operational-support-intern NJ League of Conservation Voters - Policy & Organizing Intern https://www.njlcv.org/jobs/policy-organizing-intern NJ League of Conservation Voters - Politics & Elections Intern https://www.njlcv.org/jobs/political-elections-intern	Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and three references (character, academic, or professional) to internships@njlcv.org.	Rolling
TurnUp Civic and Activism Remote Internship	TurnUp Activism is a progressive non-profit organization dedicated to making the world more just, fair, and equitable for all by increasing youth activism and civic engagement to strengthen our democracy. Interns work in remote teams of mission-driven young people from all around the country to help amplify youth civic engagement and participate in activism on many progressive/social justice issues including climate change, racial justice, reproductive rights, ending gun violence, and combating voter suppression.	Click here for more information and to apply.	Rolling.
Covenant House Action & Research Tank PAID summer internships	The Covenant House Action & Research Tank (CHART) at Covenant House New Jersey, an agency that serves youth experiencing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking, is offering 2 paid summer 2024 internships. The links to apply and additional information are below. https://covenanthousenj.atsondemand.com/#/jobDescription/874142/ https://covenanthousenj.atsondemand.com/#/jobDescription/874147/	The links to apply and additional information are below. https://covenanthousenj.atsondemand.com/#/jobDescription/874142/ https://covenanthousenj.atsondemand.com/#/jobDescription/874147/	Until filled
Mercer County Board of Elections PAID Primary and General Election workers	Mercer County Board workers are needed for this year's primary and general elections. You are eligible to serve If you are registered to vote in Mercer County; If you are able to read and write legibly; and if you can lift at least 50 lbs. (the weight of opening a voting machine) without difficulty. Full day shift is $300 and half day shift is $150.	Visit https://www.mercercounty.org/boards-commissions/board-of-elections/board-worker-application for more information and to apply.	Until filled.
New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) Summer internships	The NJ DCR has openings for DCR 2024 Summer Intern, Policy Unit and DCR 2024 Summer Intern, Affirmative Enforcement Unit. Visit this page for details: https://www.njoag.gov/careers/student-internships/#dcr_internships.		As noted in the job announcement.
JOB: The Office of the NJ Governor, Office of Constituent Relations Aide	The Office of the Governor, Office of Constituent Relations (OCR) seeks a detail-oriented and highly motivated candidate to manage constituent cases by responding to requests and resolving issues for residents of the State of New Jersey. As an Aide in OCR, you will work directly with constituents, connecting them to services offered by state government offices, agencies and organizations. You will manage constituent cases and communicate by telephone, written correspondence and in-person meetings. Our office also drafts commendation letters and proclamations under the Governor’s signature. Duties will require you to research, analyze and monitor trending legislative and state activity. Desirable qualities would include tact, confidentiality, cooperation and the ability to work well with diverse groups under stressful conditions. Interaction with courtesy and the ability to maintain a professional behavior is mandatory.	Interested candidate should send their resumes to OCR Director Vinnie Funelas at Vincent.Funelas@nj.gov.	Until filled.
Isles, Inc. Internships	Founded in 1981, Isles, Inc. is a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton, New Jersey. With a mission to foster self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities, Isles develops cost effective, powerful ways to strengthen people and places in challenging urban settings. Internships are available during the summer and academic year in all areas of Isles' Work including: General Administration, Communications, Community Planning and Development, Research, Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Project Management, and Community Engagement. Click here for the full details.	To apply please visit the Isles internship website. Contact Tyquan Benton, Talent Coordinator. at Tbenton@isles.org for more information.	Until filled.
Princeton Public Affairs Group's (PPAG) Spring and Summer Internships	Princeton Public Affairs Group offers a dynamic internship program in the Fall, Spring and Summer. Many higher education institutions offer students internship credits for the Fall and Spring semesters. PPAG will work with your class schedule in order to provide a valuable experience for both you and the firm. As an intern your responsibilities will be, but will not be limited to: attending state legislative committee meetings and voting sessions, assist in coalition building, conduct research projects, write articles for newsletters, and become involved in various ongoing projects.	If interested please email your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Tre Scott at scott@ppag.com and place “Intern” in the subject line of your email.	Until filled.
New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Paid Internships	The NJ League of Conservation Voters is offering three paid internships: Communications/Digital, Policy/Outreach, and Events/Fundraising/Operations. The term of the position is January - June 2024 (26 weeks) with the possibility for extension and 15 hours per week, part-time, $15/hour. Click here for the details and to apply.	See link for application details. Interested candidates need to provide their resume, cover letter, and three references.	Rolling basis until filled.
Law Office Of Kelly Anderson Smith Internship	We are seeking an Intern for our Criminal Law Office located at 1670 Whitehorse- Hamilton Square Road, Suite 10 Lower, Hamilton, New Jersey. The individual should have knowledge of the basic operations of an office, preferably law, and must be able to work independently. Computer skill sets are required. We are willing to coordinate with an Intern around school hours and our office operational needs. Courtroom appearances/observations under guidance of attorney will be available for motivated individuals. Interns will be afforded the opportunity to network and create critical contacts with Judges, Prosecutors and the Defense Bar from all over the State. Our Law Office offers a great experience to learn skills and knowledge regarding Criminal Law. You will gain experience on how to prepare and organize a file for trial, research case law for Appeals, and interact with clients from intake to testimony prep.	If interested, please send your cover letter and Resume to kas@kasforjustice.com or you may fax to 609-249-4902.	Until filled.
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Internships	The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in an unpaid internship during their Fall or Spring semesters or during their Summer break. If accepted into the program, students will be assigned to one of the Division's Boards, supporting Units or Offices. This is a great opportunity for students to work with professionals in the field of Public Administration. Although this is an UNPAID internship program, it will still teach you a great deal and will be a great experience for any student who hopes to one day work in Public Administration. This particular division has many boards that can trigger any student's interests. This internship can earn you credit for school and will look great on your resume.	Click here for details and application information.	Fall Session (September to December): Application Deadline: July 11
Fund for Public Interest Summer Campaign Job Opportunities	Want to spend your summer building skills that will help you launch your career, while working on urgent issues you care about like protecting the environment and our public health, and making good money? The Fund for the Public Interest is seeking hard-working individuals with a passion for social change to fill citizen outreach and Field Manager positions across the country this summer. With offices in selected cities across the country this summer, we are hiring full-time staff, with leadership opportunities available, to work on issues like stopping plastic pollution and getting pesticides out of our food supply.	To apply online, visit: www.summerjobsthatmatter.org or call directly at (737) 301-1861. They are also hiring for career positions for college graduates. To apply online, visit www.fundjobs.org.	Until filled.
Hoboken Strategy Group paid Internship	The Hoboken Strategy Group is looking for a highly motivated, self starter interested in joining their team and supporting their work on behalf of a dynamic client base across various industries. Applicants with a background or interest in legislative research, policy, writing, public relations, communications, advocacy, and social and digital are invited to apply.	Send resume and cover letter to casey@hobokenstrategy.com.	Until filled.
Stateside Affairs Public Relations & Digital Marketing Intern	Stateside Affairs is seeking qualified candidates for an internship opportunity as public relations & digital marketers. Part and full time positions with a minimum commitment of 20 hours/week in Monmouth County, NJ. Applicants will have the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts while earning college credit. The intern will work directly with the diverse Stateside Affairs team across a wide variety of nonprofit and private sector clients. This position is currently unpaid but available for school credit. A small stipend may become available depending on travel and future funding decisions. We request a minimum commitment of 20 hours a week but scheduling is flexible and some work can be done remotely. What We’re Looking For: Creativity, accountability, and attention to detail. Familiarity with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. Writing experience, especially across different mediums.Specific Responsibilities: Assist in creating and executing strategic plans for all social media channels. Writing content and creating graphics for all social media channels. Assist in writing, editing and distributing media advisories, press releases, and other articles for clients and Stateside Affairs. Manage and monitor client websites up-to-date Create media lists. Design flyers, evites, and other marketing collateral. Assist in planning, writing copy, and scheduling email marketing campaigns while also helping develop new email marketing strategies. Assist in the production of virtual events. Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and venues for marketing and communications. Assist with photography and video editing.	Send us an email explaining your background, experience and why you are interested in our internship position. Send a resume to Laura@statesideaffairs.com along with your cover letter and writing samples. For more information about Stateside Affairs, visit www.statesidesideaffairs.com. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.	Rolling basis.
Our Revolution Trenton Mercer Campaign & General Internships	Our Revolution Trenton Mercer, is seeking bright, energetic individuals to work for our local progressive campaigns. These will most often be ORTM-endorsed candidates, usually Democratic- in some cases, they may be independent or nonpartisan. Internships are unpaid, as we are a fully volunteer organization. More information on the Campaign Internship here. More information on the General Internship here.	Any interested candidate should send a resume and letter of interest to ORTM Chair, Joe Marchica at ORTrentonMercer@gmail.com. Email subject should include "ORTM Campaign Internship".	Rolling basis.
NJPIRG internships and paid jobs	NJPIRG is a statewide student-run org started 50 years ago in 1972 to make social change. We work on issues like fighting climate change, protecting public health, fighting hunger, and promoting democracy. To turn out the votes, we are hiring part time jobs to work the polls and encourage their peers to cast their votes, and we’re also hiring students for full time paid leadership positions on campus.	Click this link to learn more.	Rolling basis
The Fund for the Public Interest paid Canvasser and Field Manager positions	The Fund for the Public Interest is a national non-profit organization that runs campaigns for America's leading environmental and social change organizations like Environment America and US PIRG. This summer we will be working with Environment New Jersey to protect the Ocean. Responsibilities: Help the directors launch the campaign and build a team of staff; Build membership and raise money for environmental and social change groups; Educate and engage citizens on pressing issues;-Recruit, train, and manage a team of staff in the office and in the field; Meet with directors each week to evaluate progress and provide input on hiring decisions, goals, and priorities. Apply HERE!	To apply online or learn more, visit: www.summerjobsthatmatter.org.	Until filled
Internship with Environment New Jersey	Intern with Environment New Jersey! We’re looking for students who care deeply about the environment and are ready to make a difference now. As an intern you’ll learn how to analyze environmental problems, push for smart solutions, and build the public support it takes to win. You’ll work side-by-side with one of our advocates, learning the ropes. And you'll attend briefings and trainings to learn even more about environmental issues and gain organizing skills.	Apply today here: https://jobs.environmentamerica.org/internship.html or email Hayley Berliner, Clean Energy Advocate with Environment New Jersey at hberliner@environmentnewjersey.org with any questions.	Until filled
Middlesex County Democratic Organization internships	Interns will have a hands-on, front row view of the democratic process, being able to aid in organizing party conventions, meetings, and local elections. As an intern, you will get the opportunity to work on and with political campaigns, organize volunteers, and interface with the public. We at MCDO strive to cultivate a real-world job experience for interns and continuously aid our current and former interns in resume building, interview prep, and professional advancement based on career goals. The office is located at 266 Fernwood Ave in Edison, NJ.	Click here to apply. For more information contact Jennifer Johnson, Operations Director, at jjohnson@mcdonj.org.	Until filled
New Jersey Republican State Committee Internship	The NJGOP is looking for dedicated and responsible interns with an interest in politics and campaigns to join our intern team. As an intern with the NJGOP you will: Explore every aspect of campaigning including communications, data analysis, political operations and fundraising; Assist staff with building and organizing major events and fundraisers around the state; Work with staff on comprehensive research projects; Gain a first-hand experience in New Jersey politics. Applicants must be 18 years old and registered to vote, possess a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, demonstrate good judgement and attention to detail, and have the ability to work independently and with a team.	Hours are flexible but require 15 hours each week. All internships are unpaid but can offer college credit upon request. Our internship program provides the opportunity to build political relationships across the state and the ability to grow as a political operative in a fun and exciting environment! To apply for an internship with NJGOP and join our intern team, please submit your resume and a brief writing sample to Tyler@NJGOP.org.	Until filled
FleishmannHillard Internships	FleishmanHillard is a global communications firm that specializes in public relations, public affairs, marketing communication, social media, and creative content. Their Graduate Development Program is a step above their internship program and is designed to help launch post-college professional careers. Occasionally, qualified undergraduates will be accepted in the the program, normally for summer internships.	If interested, please visit their website for more information.	Rolling Basis Summer Session: June-August Fall Session: September-January Spring Session: February-May
Helsinki Commission Internship	The Helsinki Commission advances national security and national interests by promoting human rights, military security, and economic cooperation between 57 countries. Interns will assist staff with various administrative duties and attend and report on Congressional hearings. More information at www.csce.gov.	Send a cover letter ans resume to: csce.internship@mail.house.gov	Rolling basis (positions may be impacted by Covid-19)
MBI-Gluckshaw (MBI) Internship	MBI-Gluckshaw (MBI), one of NJ's largest government relations firms, offers a robust internship program during the Fall and Spring semesters. Intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to: Attending legislative committee hearings and voting sessions; conducting legislative research and monitoring; participating in meetings with clients and/or legislators; preparing policy memos, reports, legislative testimonies, and/or presentations; researching potential new clients and issues; and working on client issues as needed. Interns need to work a minimum or 15 hours a week, with flexibility for remote work. More information about MBI available here.	Please email your resume, cover letter, a writing sample, and a schedule to Kayvon Paul at kpaul@mbi-gs.com	Rolling basis