Internships, Conferences and Volunteer Work

Typically unpaid positions, but not necessarily. If unpaid, political science majors may apply for Farrell Grants (usually up to $1,000) for support during the internship (see Awards & Grants).

Undergraduate Internships and Job Opportunities

The listings below were furnished to the Department of Political Science. We cannot guarantee that all programs are still in operation, or that the information is current and valid.

Obama for America, Chicago headquarters

Obama for America – Chicago Headquarters

Analytics Department Internship Announcement

Obama for America is looking for driven, insightful early-career predictive analysts to intern with the Obama for America Analytics Department. The campaign seeks interns to join the department at headquarters in downtown Chicago, IL. Each intern will work on substantive problems with an experienced team of predictive modelers and other analytics professionals — with the goal of re-electing President Obama.

Preferred candidates will have a background in applied statistical analysis, with substantive experience using predictive analytics software and analyzing data.  The team's products help direct efforts throughout the campaign. The experience gained would be transferable to other disciplines.  The internships are unpaid – no stipend is available.

More information and the application form are available at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/signup/predictive-analytics-intern-application


Posted November 2011

RA Positions in Kellogg School of Management

Research Assistantship Opportunities at the Kellogg School of Management

Duties include: data entry and library searches, to data management and statistical estimations, helping out to setup online surveys or laboratory studies, to summarizing information from sources in languages other than English.

To facilitate matching between prospective RAs and faculty members, we have created an online survey about the skills most sought after by Kellogg faculty members.

If you are interested in a research assistantship at the Kellogg School, please apply online at:

http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/researchcomputing/ra.htm

Posted September 2011

Tammy Duckworth for Congress campaign, Illinois

The Tammy Duckworth for Congress campaign in the 8th Congressional District of Illinois is seeking Finance Interns. Interns will assist with the day-to-day operations of the Finance team.  Responsibilities will include donor research, database management, and long-term research projects. Interns will also have the opportunity to help organize and staff local fundraising events with the candidate and local Democratic leaders. 

Please contact Paul Kohnstamm at (914) 473-2404 or Paul@TammyDuckworth.com for more information. 

Posted September 2011

Tenth Congressional District Democrats, Chicago area

Fall Internship Opportunities for Students

Tenth Dems offering internships that make a difference

Highland Park, IL. – The Tenth Congressional District Democrats (“Tenth Dems”) is accepting applications for its Tenth Dems Fall Internship Program. These prestigious appointments are available to high school juniors and seniors, college students, and graduate or law students with a desire to help the Democratic Party.

The internship offers candidates the opportunity to develop transferable skills to whatever career path they may choose to follow. Several former interns have gone on to internships in Washington, D.C., to college majors in political science or law, or to paid political and nonprofit staff positions locally and nationally.

Internship coordinator Max Boton, himself a former intern, describes his experience: “This internship provides a fun yet challenging environment to work, and it is a great way to meet key political figures from the 10th District and beyond.”

The election season for 2012 has just begun, so there are plenty of opportunities for interns to learn about campaigning and the issues affecting the 10th District. General assignment interns may do research, walk door-to-door with candidates, work in campaign offices, staff events and issue forums, and meet many political figures. Specialized assignments are also available in the areas of research, new media, IT management, and political outreach.

In the past, interns have assisted at Tenth Dems events featuring then state legislator, and now President, Barack Obama, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, former Presidential nominee George McGovern, Governor and Presidential candidate Howard Dean, and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, as well as numerous Illinois state and locally elected officials and candidates.

Fall interns are expected to commit eight hours per week during the school year. Computer skills are desirable. The organization is looking especially for applicants with web administration and/or data management skills.

Internships are unpaid educational volunteer positions. Course credit is available with cooperating high schools and colleges. Acceptance into the internship program is selective and contingent upon an interview. Applicants should submit a brief paragraph explaining why they want this internship, along with a resume of their educational background and activities. Neither need be formal.

The work that interns do is always welcomed and appreciated.  At the Tenth Dems Spring Fundraiser, keynote speaker, U.S. Senator Mark Begich of Alaska noted the presence of the 2011 summer interns. He acknowledged that the event was one of the most well organized functions he had ever attended and he called the turnout of interns at the event “exciting because the future rests not with us but for young people, especially those here.”

Tenth Dems is a grassroots political organization that helps elect Democrats to all levels of political office throughout the Illinois 10th Congressional District. The organization has had more than 2000 volunteers helping Democratic candidates.

For more information on the intern program, or how to apply, email us at info@tenthdems.org or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).

 

Posted September 2011

Illinois State Democrats: Campaign Volunteer

Are you interested in learning how political campaigns are run? If so this is the opportunity for you!  Come help out the Illinois Senate Democrats! We need your help to elect and reelect Democrats into office. Through your work with us, you will learn about all aspects of political campaigns. Enjoy opportunities to network and develop political savvy as you volunteer. We know that without your help we will not be able to achieve the goals of the Democratic Party and secure our majority in the Illinois Senate. 

There are numerous opportunities for developing and obtaining skills. Volunteers will gain knowledge of fundraising, event management, information tracking, and political campaigning.

 

All volunteers will also be given the opportunity to help with field work which will entail phone calls to supporters and other aspects of campaign work.

Volunteers will be given the opportunity to learn about crucial elements of political campaigns. Applicants with or without field experience will be considered.  This is an unpaid position however, volunteers are given the opportunity to gain political knowledge that is unattainable in classrooms and textbooks.

Please Contact: Dovile Soblinskas, Intern Coordinator, at 312-630-7700 with Inquiries. In order to sign up for this opportunity, please send your cover letter and resume to dovile@ilsenatedems.org. In your cover letter please indicate the position you are applying for and whether you have access to a laptop.

Posted August 2011

Illinois State Democrats: CMN Intern

Are you interested in learning how political campaigns are run? If so this is the internship for you!  Come help out the Illinois Senate Democrats! We need your help to elect and reelect Democrats into office. Through this internship, you will learn about all aspects of political campaigns. Enjoy opportunities to network and develop political savvy as you work. We know that without your help we will not be able to achieve the goals of the Democratic Party and secure our majority in the Illinois Senate. 

There are numerous opportunities for developing and obtaining skills.

Duties: (not limited to)

 

  • Maintain and Develop Social Media Outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Webpages...)
  • Send out Newsletters and write Press Releases
  • Help create Walk Cards and other forms of publications for candidates

 

All interns will also be given the opportunity to help with field work which will entail phone calls to supporters and other aspects of campaign work.

Interns will be given the opportunity to learn about crucial elements of political campaigns. Applicants with or without field experience will be considered.  This is an unpaid position however, interns are given the opportunity to gain political knowledge that is unattainable in classrooms and textbooks.

Minimum qualifications:

Must be a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or law school OR a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited business or data processing/information technology school. College graduates are also welcomed to apply.

Please Contact: Dovile Soblinskas, Intern Coordinator, at 312-630-7700 with Inquiries. In order to sign up for this opportunity, please send your cover letter and resume to dovile@ilsenatedems.org. In your cover letter please indicate the position you are applying for and whether you have access to a laptop.

Posted August 2011

Illinois State Democrats: Event Planning Intern

Are you interested in learning how political campaigns are run? If so this is the internship for you!  Come help out the Illinois Senate Democrats! We need your help to elect and reelect Democrats into office. Through this internship, you will learn about all aspects of political campaigns. Enjoy opportunities to network and develop political savvy as you work. We know that without your help we will not be able to achieve the goals of the Democratic Party and secure our majority in the Illinois Senate. 

There are numerous opportunities for developing and obtaining skills. Interns will gain knowledge of fundraising, event management, information tracking, and political campaigning.

Duties Include (but not limited to)

  • Assist in planning fundraising events for the Caucus
  • Attending and Assisting with Fundraising Events
  • Tracking and record keeping of contributions
  • Networking

 

All interns will also be given the opportunity to help with field work which will entail phone calls to supporters and other aspects of campaign work.

Interns will be given the opportunity to learn about crucial elements of political campaigns. Applicants with or without field experience will be considered.  This is an unpaid position however, interns are given the opportunity to gain political knowledge that is unattainable in classrooms and textbooks.

Minimum qualifications:

Must be a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or law school OR a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited business or data processing/information technology school. College graduates are also welcomed to apply.

Please Contact: Dovile Soblinskas, Intern Coordinator, at 312-630-7700 with Inquiries. In order to sign up for this opportunity, please send your cover letter and resume to dovile@ilsenatedems.org. In your cover letter please indicate the position you are applying for and whether you have access to a laptop.

Posted August 2011

Illinois State Democrats: Research Intern

Are you interested in learning how political campaigns are run? If so this is the internship for you!  Come help out the Illinois Senate Democrats! We need your help to elect and reelect Democrats into office. Through this internship, you will learn about all aspects of political campaigns. Enjoy opportunities to network and develop political savvy as you work. We know that without your help we will not be able to achieve the goals of the Democratic Party and secure our majority in the Illinois Senate. 

There are numerous opportunities for developing and obtaining skills. Interns will gain knowledge of fundraising, event management, information tracking, and political campaigning.

Duties Include (but not limited to)

  • Conduct opposition research
  • Help maintain and create Wikipedia pages for Candidates
  • Create and present reports as needed
  • Assist with the formation of Press Releases

 

All interns will also be given the opportunity to help with field work which will entail phone calls to supporters and other aspects of campaign work.

Interns will be given the opportunity to learn about crucial elements of political campaigns. Applicants with or without field experience will be considered.  This is an unpaid position however, interns are given the opportunity to gain political knowledge that is unattainable in classrooms and textbooks.

Minimum qualifications:

Must be a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or law school OR a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited business or data processing/information technology school. College graduates are also welcomed to apply.

Please Contact: Dovile Soblinskas, Intern Coordinator, at 312-630-7700 with Inquiries. In order to sign up for this opportunity, please send your cover letter and resume to dovile@ilsenatedems.org. In your cover letter please indicate the position you are applying for and whether you have access to a laptop.

Posted August 2011

Mercury LLC

NATIONAL, BIPARTISAN PUBLIC STRATEGY FIRM WITH BLUE CHIP CLIENT ROSTER SEEKS PUBLIC AFFAIRS INTERN High stakes public strategy firm specializing in campaign management, public opinion research, state and federal government relations, grassroots coalition building, advocacy advertising and crisis management is seeking candidates for a public affairs intern position in the Chicago area.

Candidates for the position should be able to work under deadlines, have good time management skills, and possess excellent analytical abilities.

Requirements:

* Must be able to read market research

* Must be willing to work for Conservative/Republican clients

* Must have good written and oral communications skills

* Must have an excellent eye for detail and proofreading skills

* Good command of PowerPoint and Excel

* Some knowledge of international politics recommended If you are interested please e-mail Joe Swee at jswee@mercuryllc.com with a copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter.

Posted August 2011

Greenpeace, Washington D.C.

The Greenpeace Semester is a great opportunity to receive hands-on training that will give you the skills you need to become an environmental leader.

We are now accepting applications for the fall semester in Washington, DC!

Spend a semester away from campus and dive into the most pressing environmental issues of our time, learn the fundamentals of organizing and campaigning from experts in the field, and receive training in creative direct action.

Take your passion and concern for the environment, receive rigorous and dynamic training to solve real-world problems, and emerge with a life-changing experience and skills you can apply immediately in your community or down your career path.

Many students receive course credit for the semester through their university, and program staff will work with you to obtain credit.  

Historically, two-thirds of Greenpeace Semester students have been early applicants.  Don’t wait, apply for the Greenpeace Semester today!  

For more information on dates and locations, check out the Greenpeace Semester website.

Contact us if you have any questions at usa-semester@greenpeace.org.

posted May 2011

Sarah's Circle, Chicago

Sarah's Circle, a refuge for women who are homeless or in need of a safe space, is seeking summer interns to supervise our day-to-day, life sustaining services such as computer and phone use, clothing closet, meals, donations and more. In addition, interns will have the opportunity to design and host creative projects, tutor in areas of expertise, engage with clients, and have a meaningful impact on a daily basis. Interns will learn about nonprofit programming and management, public service agencies in Chicago, as well as the psychological, physical and social issues facing homeless women today. Since interns help monitor daily services, each volunteer works a four hour shift on the same weekday throughout the summer.   

For over 30 years, Sarah's Circle has helped thousands of homeless women rebuild their lives through clinical services, case management, housing assistance, workshops, and basic life necessities like food and clothing: www.sarahs-circle.org. If interested in joining our team as an intern this summer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Leslie Paluch at lpaluch@sarahs-circle.org. Thank you!

Posted April 2011

The City of Chicago Mayor's Office Internship Program Information about public service internship opportunities is available at:

http://www.politicsandgovernment.ilstu.edu/current/internships.shtml

Posted February 2009

Conferences

Conferences, Papers, and Writing Opportunities

The listings below were furnished to the Department of Political Science. We cannot guarantee that all programs are still in operation, or that the information is current and valid.

   

Volunteer Work

The listings below were furnished to the Department of Political Science. We cannot guarantee that all programs are still in operation, or that the information is current and valid.

GoEco,

Tel Aviv, Israel

Exciting Green Volunteer Opportunities for Students & Staff

GoEco specializes in volunteer programs in Israel and abroad in cooperation with other leading global organizations. GoEco offers participants the opportunity to contribute and experience firsthand Israel’s most important ecological and social issues. Projects include: accommodation, professional guidance and orientation in Tel Aviv. More recently GoEco has widened its services to send volunteers to projects across the world.


Further information can be found at goeco.org

Posted October 2010

McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum,
Chicago, IL
Does it bother you that Americans know more about the Simpsons than they do about the 1st Amendment?

If so - and you want to DO something about it - volunteer your efforts at the new Freedom Museum

Through interactive exhibits and innovative programming, The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum inspires visitors of all ages to contemplate, debate, and act on issues involving America's freedoms.

We are currently seeking volunteers who will serve as Freedom Ambassadors. These individuals will interpret museum collections and exhibits, engage and facilitate dialogues on subjects pertinent to the museum story, and encourage visitors to exercise and protect their rights.

This rewarding, resume-building volunteer opportunity is ideal for:

  • future classroom educators
  • students of history, political science, law, and sociology
  • anyone with an interest in our constitutional freedoms

We are especially excited to meet potential volunteers who would like to work with student groups in a non-structured experience that promotes collaborative and free-choice learning. Our training program begins soon!

Visit us at www.FreedomMuseum.US.

For more information, email us at volunteer@FreedomMuseum.US or call 312.222.4210.

Posted February 2009

 

Summer Opportunities