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

Mario Amaya-Velazquez Spotlight

Mario Amaya-Velazquez

Amaya Appointed to Development Analyst Position with the Obama Foundation

Haley Gerlofs Spotlight

Haley Gerlofs

Refugee Resettlement Worker with Bethany Christian Services, now working for the American Red Cross

Patrick Miller Spotlight

Patrick Miller

Patrick Miller, Special Investigator for Perspecta

Cody Gradwell Spotlight

Cody Gradwell

Peace Corps Mongolia, now Teacher at Orcholon International School, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Shelly Greendyk Spotlight

Shelly Greendyk

2018 Graduate Lands Job with DOD

View More Spotlights

News

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

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Feb 19, 2024

View More News

Events

Unlocking Career & Immigration Pathways as an International Student

February 6, 2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Are you an international student looking to find a job while navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system? Join us for an exclusive event hosted by The Build Fellowship and F1...

GVSU Faculty Fulbright Scholar Panel and Information Session

February 13, 2025 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Are you preparing for an upcoming sabbatical or other form of leave? Intrigued by the idea of a Fulbright Scholar or Fulbright Specialist award and eager to learn more? Join this Fulbright Scholar...

Philippine Culture Night 2025

February 16, 2025 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

This is an in person cultural banquet that will be hosted on February 16th, 2025, 5:00-9:00PM, in the Kirkhof Grand River Room. This event is open to the student body and general public. The program...

Childhood Games across Cultures (APPROVED INT 100/201)

February 25, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Play is a vital part of childhood development, shaping who we are and how we connect with others. What were the games that defined your childhood? How might the childhood games you played reflect the...

Kpop Unleashed 2025

March 30, 2025 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Kpop Group Evolution (KGE) is a Korean culture and dance organization. We use Korean pop music and cultural presentations as a way to learn more about Korean culture. No dance experience is needed...

View More Events



Page last modified September 1, 2021