The Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program (POLI 448) serves students interested in public service and public affairs. Students participating in this program have interned for members of Congress, political parties, interest groups, and campaigns. The program has also assisted students with internship placements at local, state, and federal government agencies and with nonprofit organizations. Many students participate in POLI 448 via the Maryland General Assembly Internship Program. Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu), Associate Professor of Political Science, is the Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program coordinator.
This internship program allows students to observe and participate in political processes, policymaking, and/or the management of organizations providing public services. Interns also practice important professional skills. While duties vary by position, they often include legislative and policy research, database management, and communication with constituents or other stakeholders.
To earn the 4 credits associated with POLI 448, students enrolled in the Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program must commit 160 hours to their internship during the spring semester. The weekly hours and schedule are determined by the internship site. Students must also complete the academic work outlined in the POLI 448 syllabus and co-enroll in the 0-credit UMBC Career Center’s Intern Success Practicum.
It is strongly suggested that students considering participation in POLI 448 work with their academic advisor to select a spring semester course schedule that allows for blocks of time to be spent at the internship site during normal business hours.
The Department of Political Science strongly recommends that students take POLI 448 during the spring semester of their Junior or Senior years. Freshmen and Sophomores who demonstrate the necessary academic or career skills are also eligible to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We typically require students to earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher to enroll in POLI 448. Any exceptions will require additional evidence of competency and academic skills.
Students who wish to enroll in POLI 448 must do the following:
1. Email Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu) with your resume, information regarding your interest in the internship program, the type of internship you hope to obtain, and an outline of the skills, qualities or experiences that you would bring to your internship site. This email should also include your GPA and an overview of any relevant college-level coursework.
2. Obtain one faculty recommendation submitted via the POLI 438/448 Faculty Recommendation Form. Students should send this form directly to the faculty member via email.
3. Schedule a meeting with Dr. Mileah Kromer, either in person or via WebEx, to discuss your career interests, placement preferences, and qualifications for participation in the Legal Internship Program.
4. Apply to selected internship sites by their application deadlines. Please note that application deadlines for internship opportunities will vary depending on the internship site. Therefore, we strongly encourage students to begin looking for a spring internship by early October and complete the outlined steps above by late November.
5. If the internship opportunity is not already registered with the UMBC Career Center, students must work with the internship site and Career Center to have their internship cleared and approved.
While some exceptions can be made, we strongly encourage all students interested in taking POLI 448 during the spring semester to have their internship placement secured and approved by Dr. Mileah Kromer and the Career Center by mid-December.
While we make our best efforts to assist and guide students in the process, the Department of Political Science and the Career Center cannot guarantee an internship placement. Ultimately, hiring a student intern rests with the internship site supervisor.
Students are expected to be active participants in finding and securing their internships. Students should utilize the resources offered by the UMBC Career Center to assist with preparing their resumes, cover letters, and other application materials requested by the internship site.