Check out where our Political Science students are interning this semester.

Intern Christian Camden

Intern Matthew Harrison

Barrett Boatner  –

I am completing my internship at the Indiana Statehouse for the House of Representatives Republican Caucus. In class we’ve discussed functions of the legislative arm of the Indiana government and have reviewed strategies associated with promoting favored policy.

So far I’ve had a front row seat to legislative process, collaboration, drafting, and communication among representatives, staff members, and the media. I’ve witnessed moments of compromise, triumph, and miscalculation… all of which are results of applied (or lack thereof) political strategy. Being here has allowed me to gain an understanding of how fast things move within the legislature and how important considerate decision making really is when it comes to creating competent legislation.

For those looking for an internship, I strongly advise them to try and put yourself out there. If an internship seems too big or challenging for you, don’t have shame in throwing in an application or resume. At least getting your foot into an interview can be a game changer for you.

 

Marlon Cabrera

Hi everyone! My name is Marlon Cabrera I am currently a junior majoring in political science, and also minoring in public policy and legal studies. For this school year’s spring semester I am completing an internship at the district office of Congressman André Carson of the 7th Congressional District of Indiana which is part of the U.S. House of Representatives. I have always had a strong interest in in politics and I this internship has allowed to get involved in the field. It has also been very rewarding experience because it has provided me with plenty of real work experience.

In this internship there are plenty of connections that I have made between the work that I am doing and the work that I had previously done in my classes. The first thing I can say for sure is that the amount of time I spent practicing writing in my classes was very vital to making sure I had the skills needed to succeed. My position relies on me writing extensively because often times I draft letters, start casework, and do various other things that rely on me having strong writing skills. Another skill that my classes gave me was the ability to help people with their issues as my position also relies on me talking to constituents and helping them with their problems. I can truly say that the work I am doing has expanded my understanding of political science because before this internship I had always been on the sidelines in politics and being a spectator. Now I find myself being actually involved in politics and seeing first hand what it takes to run a congressional office.

I also have advice to any students out there looking for internships and not just in politics but in any field. I believe the most important thing a person can have is initiative and instead of waiting for opportunities to come to them, they make things happen by actively searching. If there is ever a place you want to intern at do not be afraid to just ask a person in the company or organization as often times they will direct you in the right direction and you also get a contact from within. My other piece of advice would also be to build up your connections as a lot of opportunities that could arise come from the connections you built previously.

Christian Camden

I am currently completing my internship with the Senate Democrats within Indiana’s state legislature. It has been a valuable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I have learned many enticing and intriguing things thus far, and I look forward to an inevitable increase in such proceedings. In terms of connecting the internship to my classes, I have applied the theories and concepts I learned in my political science courses to real-world political processes. Through these ventures, I have acquired a deeper understanding of the legislative process and how laws come to be. My legislative acumen has significantly developed and flourished from the base material taught in Political Science courses at IUPUI.

As for recommendations for students looking for an internship, I suggest reaching out to your professors or academic advisors for guidance and networking opportunities. My employment site has prominent advertisements, more than most, but the best internships will come the harder you look to find them. It’s also important to do your research and find a position with an organization that aligns with your interests and career goals. Last but not least, be proactive and take the initiative in your responsibilities and tasks if a recruiter accepts you. This dedication demonstrates your commitment to the position and allows you to gain a more well-rounded and hands-on experience. You’ll only experience success to the degree your ambitions and proactivity will take you.

Olivia Haggerty

I work at the Catalyst Lobbying Firm which is located on North Capitol Avenue. I think that this internship connects back to this class as attire and attitude is important. I have realized that a lot of this internship is getting along with others and presenting yourself in a good light. In this internship, I have attended legislative committees. I think that hearing legislatures work on policies has helped me understand the importance of political science.

If you are currently looking for an internship, I would recommend looking on handshake and LinkedIN. Then applying to a lot of internships around 9 or 10. I think that it’s important to apply to a lot of internships in order to have a better chance of getting an internship that you are happy with. I do not have any photos of myself at the internship, but I would prefer not being added to the blog.

The internship I am participating in is located at the Indiana Statehouse. To be honest, I cant say that there are many connections between this internship and my classes. I am not majoring in anything related to politics, I am just there to boost my skills and make connections. I can say that I am learning very quickly from this internship.

Matthew Harrison

Coming into this internship, I didn’t know much about politics or how government works, and that sort of intimidated me because I knew 95% of the interns would be political science, law, or public policy majors etc. I have been learning quickly and I now have a basic understanding of how things work which motivates me to want to learn more.

My greatest advice to students looking for internships is to not be intimidated by an opportunity that seems out of your comfort zone or area of study. I’m a geography major currently working in politics with no political background knowledge. You just have to be willing to learn and do your job well and you will stand out. Make sure to really prepare for your interviews as well, as those go a long way to make yourself stand out as a top-notch candidate.

 Lal Len

For my spring internship this year I am working at the Indiana Statehouse and to be more exact, the Indiana Senate Minority Caucus. The one big connection with this internship I can make with the previous work I have done from my classes is putting my technology experiences at use from my Analyzing Politics class I took last spring. The work I have completed in this internship so far has enhanced my understanding of political science by really letting me understand the flow of the government system and how every piece of a puzzle has its connections. A lot of my political science courses I’ve taken are normally international relations side related, but I still get the understanding of the meaning of my major. The one advice I have for students looking for internships is to start networking because knowing people can really help you down the road. I used to be really shy and get scared to go out there in the real world and start talking to adults, but connecting and networking with them has gotten me this far and has given me the ability to really start taking steps towards my future.

Bavleen Seerha

I am completing my internship at the Indiana Statehouse. I am a legislative intern for the House Republicans, and the connections I can make between this job and my classes is the realization that the political world is all connected. This week I had met with another opportunity for an internship with the campaign side of the political world, which is how the politicians I work for at the moment retain their positions. They knock on doors and go to voters personally because no one can take their position for granted anymore. It is essential to connect with the people to win future elections. I would do that internship too if I did not have to go to India for the summer.

My classes and working here has shown me the big web that is politics and how messy is can truly get. I also now have it confirmed that most of the general population does not pay attention to politics or know who is actually in charge of the aspect they wish to complain about. The work I have completed in this internship has enhanced my ability to understand people and their basic knowledge of the political world. It is made me understand to not be so adamant in one’s beliefs and that everyone is just trying to learn and figure their values out. I enjoy hearing from constituent callers and being there for them as they explain their problems.

The advice I have for other students looking for internships is to not be shy during the interview process. Just be yourself, and do not take it too seriously. I did not think I was going to get this one but just being open and talkative can get you through the door. It is important to remember to not worry about your past experience. It makes sense if it is not relevant to a political or legal job because you are just starting out. If your experience does not help you get the job, your personality combined with your academic record can.

Elijah Strode

I am completing my internship at the Indiana State Senate. One connection between my internship and what I have learned in this class is how to network. Networking is a very important part of furthering your career, and it is something we have learned about in detail in this class. My internship has helped me further my understanding of political science by giving me an up close look at what the political and lawmaking process is like. Hearing the conversations between my Senators and lobbyists and other Senators has given me valuable experience.

One piece of advice I have for other people looking for an internship is ask your friends what internships they have done. If you know someone who has already done an internship you are interested in, they can recommend you to the people hiring for the internship. This can make the difference between landing an internship and not getting it.

Terry Tripp

In my internship, I am completing a variety of tasks; however, they primarily focus on researching policies and writing said policies. The research focuses on where or if they have been implemented, what has happen in states where they have been implemented, the various impacts (fiscal, environmental, how they affect constituents, etc). The writing tends to be a summary of their impacts, condensing these in such a way that it is palatable and easy to read and understand for Senators. This also includes drafting summaries of bills, and condensing them in such a way that it is neither time consuming nor difficult for the senator to read and understand.

Most of what I learned in class was theoretical knowledge about political science or the functioning of government. The skills of researching and writing about what we have researched however was beneficial and useful for completing the internship. While classes have largely focused on a theoretical understanding of political science the internship has helped me to understand on a practical basis; for example the day to day functioning, the power of non-elected actors, and other such things.

There are two primary pieces of advice that I have for interns or perspective interns. The first is to not just do your job, but also experience the statehouse; most days of the week there are things going on outside of your legislative chamber, or office. Speak to the groups that are present, read the papers they give out, speak with lobbyist, ask people who they represent. If you feel comfortable being in large groups, speak to protesters and ask them what their purpose or goal is; they’re here because they want you to know how they feel after all. The next is to watch what you say; both in your office and out of it. When not in your office or an area belonging to your caucus, don’t discuss things going on with your caucus or other such business. Even when you are in an area belonging to your party, don’t advertise the things that the member you are assigned to is working on, both because you never know who from outside your party could be listening, and because members often have disagreements with one another. When in the office, remember that it is a professional environment and people are here to work. Even if you think that you are having a casual conversation with another intern, the staff and members can probably still hear you.

 

 

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