Internship Program
The UCR Internship program offer upper-division students the opportunity to learn from members of the professional community through hands-on experience and training. Students are placed according to interest and availability. Please see the UCR-Internship Program for additional information concerning eligibility requirements, benefits of an internship, and opportunities available.
Eligibility
Prerequisites - upper-division standing, consent of instructor and not on academic probation. It is strongly recommended that students take a general course in American politics or public administration, either before or during their internship.
What is an internship?
An internship is basically a job, usually part-time or temporary, in which a student works as an apprentice to a professional. The term "internship" was originally adopted to connote professional training by experience.
The important element that distinguishes an internship from a short-term job or volunteer work is the intentional "learning agenda" that the intern brings to the experience. It is essential that you discuss your learning goals with your supervisor before the internship.
Be sure you and your supervisor examine the balance between your learning goals and the specific work the organization needs done.
How can you benefit from an internship?
An internship can be a valuable learning experience in several ways. It can enhance your:
- career development as you explore interests and employment opportunities and demonstrate competencies in a work setting,
- intellectual development as you test theories and learn new information,
- sense of civic and social responsibility as you participate in addressing community or societal needs,
- ethical development as your face or observe the dilemmas inherent in making decisions in complex situations,
- personal growth and leadership development as you discover and reinforce skills and interests in new contexts, and
- cross-cultural awareness and appreciation as you work with others in new environment.
Local Internships
In the Department of Political Science we work closely with you to find an internship which fits your educational goals and interest. When you fill out your Program application, you list three internships for which you want to apply. All applications are reviewed by the Internship Coordinator and students are notified by mail what their assignment will be. We will work with you to ensure that the best possible internship placement will occur.
What will I do as an Intern?
What are the keys to success?
Most internships provide a variety of experiences. Interns typically have some substantive responsibilities: e.g., research, writing, planning activities and involvement in other aspects of the work of the organization. Interns also usually must take on some of the general office duties. The key to a good internship is that there be a balance between the two.
Many different factors go into making an internship successful. You'll need strong "student" skills: writing, research, analysis, computer competency. You should be the kind of person who can work well both independently and as part of a group. Most of all, you need to be personally committed to learning as much as possible from the experience.
On-the-job training can complement the education received through coursework. Also, some students find that the internship can give a "real world" experience that stimulates interest in course material and enhances learning. On a more practical level, the experience can improve students' competitiveness in the job market, as well as help them clarify their academic and professional objectives.
Washington Internships
The UC Riverside, Washington Center Program provides undergraduate students with a multi-dimensional educational experience in Washington, D.C. Students undertake educational and academic pursuits as well as participate in culture and social activities.
For more information visit:
www.ucdc.ucr.edu and www.ucdc.edu
Or contact:
Trina Elerts
Program Coordinator
Office of the Vice Provost for
Undergraduate Academic Programs
1657 Statistics/Computer Building
e-mail: Trina.Elerts@ucr.edu
