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How can one find good political science/policy internships as a high school student?
I’ve been wanting to do an internship related to policy for a while, but it’s been hard to find internships for high school students. Any tips?
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Joseph’s Answer
It's going to be hard to find organizations that have a need for high school students at that level, because policy is inherently interesting and so you'll be competing with college students and even graduate students. You can give yourself a little boost by looking for part-time school year internships so you're competing with fewer people. You can also go and talk to people in these organizations to try and drum something up outside of the formal program. It helps to be willing to accept that you will need to do grunt work and also may need to volunteer at a different office or within the larger organization and build a reputation before getting something more prestigious. Finally, it might be useful to look at less well-known organizations that have internal policy-making functions, like local non-profits, where you'll again need to ask outside of a formal channel but you'll also be competing with fewer people.
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Jerry’s Answer
First, one would have to decide which do you wish to do: politics or policy.
If it's politics, simply get in touch with the local political party of your choice. You may have to do some work deciding which party you're comfortable with. Follow the news and do some additional research and you should be able to figure such a thing out. It can even be fun measuring your own thoughts with what your find out about the political parties.That accomplished, you should have little problem volunteering for the local organization. Do a search on where to go. Take a look at the current political issues in your area, statewide and national as they may ask you a few questions. Dress appropriately. Mind your manners and appear eager. They will probably start you with simple tasks that are simple admin that most people do not wish to do. Do them. Prove yourself. You will then be given more responsibility. They need all the help they can get doing the grunt work. And since you're in school, the hours/days will be easier for you to fit in.
Policy (public administration) may be a little more difficult because of the hours/days may (or in all probability will conflict with your school hours. It's easier if your school has an internship program that allows you to adjust your academic schedule to your internship demands. If that can be managed, then you must decide what interests you and then you'll have to find out does such and such a department (city probably) offer an internship. Back to the research to figure all this out.
In all probability your best chance is doing political work with a political party. Save the public administration for when you go to university. And choose the institution of higher learning carefully. Make sure they have an internship program in place that is part of your major.
All the best.
If it's politics, simply get in touch with the local political party of your choice. You may have to do some work deciding which party you're comfortable with. Follow the news and do some additional research and you should be able to figure such a thing out. It can even be fun measuring your own thoughts with what your find out about the political parties.That accomplished, you should have little problem volunteering for the local organization. Do a search on where to go. Take a look at the current political issues in your area, statewide and national as they may ask you a few questions. Dress appropriately. Mind your manners and appear eager. They will probably start you with simple tasks that are simple admin that most people do not wish to do. Do them. Prove yourself. You will then be given more responsibility. They need all the help they can get doing the grunt work. And since you're in school, the hours/days will be easier for you to fit in.
Policy (public administration) may be a little more difficult because of the hours/days may (or in all probability will conflict with your school hours. It's easier if your school has an internship program that allows you to adjust your academic schedule to your internship demands. If that can be managed, then you must decide what interests you and then you'll have to find out does such and such a department (city probably) offer an internship. Back to the research to figure all this out.
In all probability your best chance is doing political work with a political party. Save the public administration for when you go to university. And choose the institution of higher learning carefully. Make sure they have an internship program in place that is part of your major.
All the best.
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Gabbie, I think that a good way to get internship experience as a high school student within politics and policy is to reach out to your local government offices. Most municipalities and mayoral offices offer internships that can provide some insight into politics and policies. For a more policy-oriented internship experience, you could also try to reach out to political or non-profit organizations. Good luck with your search!