Internship Success Stories
From Washington D.C. to the Capitol in St. Paul to community and political groups that fill the space in between, political science students gain practical experiences that contribute to their success after graduation. We hope these stories inspire you as you begin your own internship search.
For questions about our internship program or if you have your own success story to share, please contact Internship Director Paul Soper at psoper@umn.edu.
![Headshot of Sunderland Shands](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Sunderland%20Shands.png?h=2d235432&itok=qP1RXHKP)
This summer Sunderland Shands was the Law Clerk Intern at the Minnesota First Judicial District, chambered in Hastings, MN. During her internship, she gained a clearer understanding of the court system and what happens behind the scenes.
Learn more about Sunderland's experience as a Law Clerk Intern and student in POL 3080.
![Kestlyn Willert standing in front of White House](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Kestlyn_Willert.png?itok=MT_6ik0A)
During her summer internship with AAFI, Willert gained skills and perspective that can be applied to a wide range of future endeavors.
Learn more about Kestlyn's experiences with AAFI and in POL 3080.
![Portrait of Yusra Hassan](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Yusra%20Hassan_0.jpg?h=a328976e&itok=-2lScgDS)
During the spring 2023 semester, Yusra Hassan paired her internship at the education policy nonprofit with POL 3080 to learn more about public policy.
Learn more about Hassan's experiences at EdAllies and in POL 3080.
![Nadia Joseph headshot from Governor's Office](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/GO_Headshot.jpg?h=0d27ee61&itok=GdRb9lXA)
Interning in the Governor's Office was made possible for Nadia Joseph by taking POL 3080. During her internship, she learned what it takes to pass legislation, saw how her work benefits Minnesota, and had the opportunity to celebrate bill signings.
Learn about Joseph's experiences in the Governor's Office and POL 3080.
![Ethan Buss](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/Ethan%20Buss%20870x580.png?h=2d235432&itok=_IMGM23S)
In his internship with MVTA, Ethan Buss gained a fundamental understanding of the political side of transportation. Pairing his internship with POL 3080 helped Buss regularly reflect on his work and how it will position him for future opportunities.
![Margaux Granath holding small whiteboard and small bald eagle figure](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/margaux_granath_0.png?h=b50879a2&itok=QGJvotYW)
Learn about the hands-on experience about the First Amendment Margaux Granath gained as a summer intern with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
![Nora Ptacek](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/unsorted/images/nora_ptacek_internship.jpg?h=c080f054&itok=5EsUzlO5)
Learn about Nora Ptacek's internship experience with Senator Tina Smith and what she learned about the inner workings of government.
![Cassidy Drummond](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/unsorted/images/cassidy_drummond_internship.jpg?h=c4482f5d&itok=4CKu6lYd)
Learn about Cassidy Drummond's experience as a Youth Coordinated Campaign Intern, for which she was able to interact with young voters.
![Greg Taushani](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/unsorted/images/greg_taushani_internship.jpg?h=ae1281eb&itok=RnPvxiZL)
Learn about Greg Taushani's Field Internship with DFL Party and how conducted outreach and maintained contact with voters.
![Steven Vogel](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/teaser_image/public/unsorted/images/steven_vogel_internship_photo_smaller.jpg?h=28d6b873&itok=sBeccO24)
Learn more about Steven Vogel's experience interning with Nora Slawik as the campaign manager on her mayoral re-election campaign.