Political Science Internship

Applications for the 2024-25 Academic Session are now closed.

Deadline to apply: April 1st, 2024. 

Apply for internship

What is the Internship Program?

  • The UTM political science internship program is a new program, beginning in 2021 – 22 for students to get real-world experience in a workplace while earning POL credits.

Why should I participate?

  • Students who participate will gain experience in a professional setting, where they will learn about everyday work in the areas of law, policy, government and civil society.

  • Students will build relationships with their employers and classmates, and have the opportunity to think about jobs they may want to pursue in the future.

Who is it for?

  • The internship is for POL majors and specialists in their 4th year, who have completed 6.0 credits in POL.

What are the requirements? How much will I work every week?

  • Student interns are expected to complete 150 hours of time at their placement each year (or about 1 day each week.).

Do I have to find my own placement?

  • The Political Science department, in partnership with the Experiential Education Unit, will place students based on their interests.

What kind of placements will there be?

  • Placements will range from city agencies (like parks departments) in municipalities in the GTA, community- based organizations serving different demographics (youth, newcomers, etc.), with more being added at this time.

I have an idea for a placement, can I use that?

  • If you have an idea for a placement (not your current job), let us know and we will work with you to see if it meets our guidelines.

Is this paid?

  • Internships are not paid. In some cases, there are honoraria available, but these are not guaranteed and we will not place students based on these.

  • There may also be money available via the Experiential Learning Bursaries program, which you can apply for to support travel, or other placement-related expenses.

Is this a class? How does that work? Do I have to write a paper?

  • You will be enrolled in POL405Y5, which meets in- person four times in Fall and Winter terms. In between, you will have assignments (reading and writing) to submit virtually.

  • Assignments will include reflections on your experience, revising your resume, and work on professional documents such as cover letters, emails, and memos.

How do I apply? What do I need for the application?

  • Find the application here. You will need to fill out a form, and provide us with your unofficial transcript.

  • The application will probably take you a few hours to complete.

  • The application period starts in March. If your application goes to the second round, you will have a short (zoom) interview with Prof. Naomi Adiv.

How many students will you take? When will I find out if I got in? When will I find out my placement?

  • We will accept between 12 – 15 students.

  • We will contact students who have been accepted within one week of the departmental interview (early May) and you will receive notice of your placement match by late June/early July.

  • If you are satisfied with the potential match, you will interview with the site supervisor, and if both parties agree the fit is appropriate, you will be confirmed in your placement.

Can I do this without a car?

  • Yes. To the extent possible, we will take your transit needs into account when we set up placements.

  • Please make note of this on the application- it will not affect your chances of being accepted.

What if there is still COVID? Can I do this virtually?

  • We will work to make placements as COVID-proof as possible, with the intention that they will go ahead in the fall, even if virtually

I am not a Canadian citizen, does this affect my ability to participate?

  • International students may participate.

  • However, it strongly advised that you first consult an advisor in the International Education Centre to ensure that no supplementary documentation is required, alongside your study permit.

Can I do an internship in a different country?

  • Please get in touch with us if you have this specific need. We will attempt to accommodate it as much as possible

Where do I send my questions to?