Internships, Jobs & Careers

Internships

Why an internship? 

  • Learn through practical experience
  • Invaluable as a means of professional networking and career advancement
  • Make connections between regular classroom work and possible profession
  • Earn college credit
  • Intern in DC via our affiliation with The Washington Center

For Employers

If you are interested in sponsoring an internship, please email us at [email protected] with the following:

  • Position Description
  • Estimated hours
  • Length of Position
  • How to apply
  • Contact information

Placements

  • national, state, and local executive and legislative offices
  • government agencies
  • political campaigns
  • party and interest group organizations,
  • think tanks
  • judicial agencies
  • law firms
  • international business
  • international non-government organizations (NGOs).

Internship Syllabus

For more information
PLS & IR Internship Syllabus
PLS & IR Internship FAQ 

Experience Matters
See examples of GVSU International Relations internships from each student's perspective at the Experience Matters site.

Contacts

Political Science: Dr. Donald Zinman
Phone: (616) 331-8714; Email: [email protected]

International Relations: Dr. Polly Diven
Phone: (616) 331-3282; Email: [email protected]

Jobs, Careers, Grad School & Law School

Jobs & Careers

The International Relations faculty work closely with Career Services and students on internships and career advising. Students are highly encouraged to pursue an internship. Capstone professors help senior students to prepare for careers and graduate school. For more information, consult our career guide and visit with your faculty advisor. 

  • Foreign Service and other government agencies including
  • International Organization Program Officer
  • Legal profession as Lawyer or Judge
  • Lobbyist or Political Analyst
  • Public Policy Researcher
  • International Sales and Marketing
  • Non-Profit or Public Administrator
  • Journalist
  • International Education Specialist

Graduate & Law School

International relations is a suitable major for many graduate programs:

  • Business
  • Communication
  • Criminal justice
  • Education
  • International affairs
  • International relations
  • Law (Pre-law information)
  • Political science
  • Public administration
  • Public Policy

For more information:
Pre-law 
See the graduate school section of our career guide.

Spotlights

Kristina Bray Spotlight

Kristina Bray

2013 Graduate Working as Customs Compliance Officer

Emily Brown Spotlight

Emily Brown

West Africa PEPFAR Advisor/Coordinator, International Business and Technical Consultants, Inc. Formerly employed at US State Department and US Agency for International Development

Steven Richardson Spotlight

Steven Richardson

Travel Assistance Coordinator for Youth For Understanding

Jasmine Caldwell Spotlight

Jasmine Caldwell

Social Security Administration, Chicago

Anne Marie Carson Spotlight

Anne Marie Carson

Graduate of the Georgetown Law, Co-Chair of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions at Miller Johnson in Grand Rapids

View More Spotlights

News

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.

Feb 26, 2025

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR Alum Jessica Geisler is starting her JD studies this fall at Wayne Law.

Sep 18, 2024

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Jul 3, 2024

Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Sarah D. Pullins is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.

May 3, 2024

GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE

GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE

Jackson Tisdale is the recipient of the Grand Valley in DC Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The purpose of this alumni-funded scholarship is to assist students in pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Apr 5, 2024

View More News

Events

Build Feminist Futures Symposium 2025

March 13, 2025 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This Two day Symposium will feature Keynote Speaker Jocelyn Olcott, "The World will not be the same" with dinner to follow. Fridays speakers include: Dr. Jallicia Jolly “Black Feminist...

Build Feminist Futures Symposium 2025

March 14, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

This Two day Symposium will feature Keynote Speaker Jocelyn Olcott, "The World will not be the same" with dinner to follow. Fridays speakers include: Dr. Jallicia Jolly “Black Feminist...

Asian Night Market

March 14, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested in trying different types of Asian street-style food? Come out to our Asian Night Market event! Everyone is welcome to try something new! .*Main items are priced individually by...

Celebrate the Festival of Colors � Holi 2025!

March 15, 2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Holi, the vibrant festival of colors! Experience the joy and excitement as we come together to celebrate this ancient Indian tradition with music,...

(Virtual) Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session (with IIE Fulbright program presenters)

March 19, 2025 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Interested in teaching English abroad as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA)? Curious about the Fulbright Study/Research (S/R) grants for US students seeking support for independent research...

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Page last modified September 1, 2021