Internships

Overview

As a Policy Studies student, you have the opportunity to conduct an internship with a non-profit organization, public agency, or business to gain practical experience during your course of study.  If you are seeking credit for your internship, you will be responsible for completing an academic, policy-related project in addition to fulfilling the functions of your position.  This project should provide clear benefits to your learning, the internship site, and the University of Washington.   Once you’ve completed the following prerequisites: BPOLST 500: Policy Process and BPOLST 502: Statistics for Policy Studies,* you are eligible to register for 2-5 credits of the internship course (BPOLST 520) during a given quarter.  Students may earn up to 10 credits of BPOLST 520 during the Policy Studies program.

Below is an overview of the entire internship process, and all forms and documents referenced may be found in the focus box on the right side of this page.  A printer-friendly version of this information is also contained in the pdf. document: Internship Process Information. 

Exploring and applying for internships

1. It is recommended that you begin exploring and applying for internships 4-6 weeks in advance of the first day of the quarter in which you wish to receive academic credit.
    
2. Notify the Community Relations Manager of your intent to conduct an internship for academic credit. 
    
3. Research internship opportunities with non-profit organizations, public agencies, and businesses through various sources, including: the Community Relations Manager, Coordinates, UWB Career News, HuskyJobs, Idealist, InternMatch, Craigslist, etc.
    
4. Some organizations are not overtly recruiting interns but are open to creating an internship once they understand the skills and expertise you have to offer. The Community Relations Manager is available for consultation on approaching organizations that align with your academic interests.
    
5. Apply for internships and/or explore internship possibilities with respective organizations.

Preparing for your internship

1. While searching and applying for internships, consider who might serve as your Faculty Advisor. Ideally, this person should have expertise related to the sector and/or context of the internship site. First consideration should be given to IAS faculty members, though other UWB faculty members may be approached. 
    
2. Talk to (a) potential Faculty Advisor(s) about serving in this capacity and secure a commitment.
    
3. Once your internship and Faculty Advisor have been secured, notify the Community Relations Manager of this arrangement.
    
4. Work with your Faculty Advisor to complete your Internship Agreement, which outlines the following:
   a) an applicable number of credits, based on the ratio of 3‐5 hours/week : 1 credit during one 10‐week quarter (Ex: 15‐25 hours/week = 5 credits)
   b) a set of learning goals (see Examples: Learning Goals and Academic Products)
   c) an academic project due at the completion of the internship (see Examples: Learning Goals and Academic Products)
    
5. Share a draft of your Internship Agreement with your Site Supervisor and seek input. Be sure to discuss potential confidentiality issues associated with your academic product, and agree on its public nature (options outlined in the Internship Agreement).
    
6. The final version of your Internship Agreement should be signed by you, your Faculty Advisor, and your Site Supervisor. Provide all parties with copies.
    
7. Submit an additional copy of your Internship Agreement to the Community Relations Manager. S/he will then provide your Faculty Advisor’s code so that you may register for 2-5 credits of BPOLST 520.

Conducting your internship

1. Fulfill your assigned duties, work on your academic product, and keep a record of your hours.
    
2. Maintain good communication with both your Site Supervisor and Faculty Advisor regarding job performance, work progress, and any issues that arise.
    
3. Mid-way through your internship, the Community Relations Manager will arrange a meeting with you and your Site Supervisor to learn more about the experience and to explore future opportunities beyond your term of service.

Completing your internship

1. Near the completion of your internship, ask your Site Supervisor to complete an Intern Evaluation and meet with him/her for an in-person review.
    
2. Arrange a meeting with your Faculty Advisor to review your Intern Evaluation and overall internship experience. Submit your academic product.
    
3. Submit an Internship Evaluation to the Community Relations Manager. This confidential form is only accessible to the IAS Graduate staff and helps us determine whether to refer future students to your site. It also informs future internship processes.
    
4. Your Faculty Advisor assigns a grade of CR/NC.

Internship forms reference chart

 * Students who wish to take BPOLST 520 before completing BPOLST 502 may submit a General Purpose petition.