Institute of Political Economy's Internship Program

We are currently accepting application for Fall and Spring semesters.  Get yours in TODAY!

Please see the IPE's Homepage

Overview:
The Institute of Political Economy's (IPE) internship program is designed to help students enrich their education. The Institute provides academic credit for work with the U.S. Congress, the Utah State Legislature, national lobbying groups, political campaigns, and agencies of state and local government. We place between 40-45 students a year. Approximately 15 of these students intern in Washington, DC, 25 serve in Salt Lake City and the remainder stay in Logan and the surrounding area.

Students who serve internships supplement their classroom studies with practical experience, applying what they have learned in their course work. They also gain practical experience that complements future university courses. Internships also help students prepare for prospective employment. In addition to giving students an idea of how the workplace operates, internships provide students with a competitive edge when seeking employment. Obtaining work experience during college often results in more job offers, a higher starting salary, and more frequent promotions.

In order to qualify, students must have attained a junior class standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also have submitted an application along with an unofficial transcript, writing sample and two completed letters of recommendation to the intern coordinator before being considered for an internship. (Applications and faculty evaluation forms can be obtained from the Internship Coordinator in Main 341).

Credit granted ranges from 2 to 12 units, with 12 units being the standard for one semester (11-12 weeks) of full-time work. Nine units is the standard for 45 days of full-time work with the Utah State Legislature (spring semester only). Generally, 12 credits will be awarded for 40 hours per week and 6 credits for 20 hours per week. Academic credit for internships is offered only on a pass/fail basis.

All interns must be approved by the Internship Coordinator and faculty Internship Program Director before enrolling for academic credit. The faculty director serves as their academic supervisor. All students must enroll for academic credit. The credit allotted each internship is established by their academic supervisor.

To receive credit, interns must meet performance standards established by their workplace supervisor. Failure to meet these standards can result in a reduction of credit or a failing grade. Interns must complete additional academic requirements established by their academic supervisor. Requirements may include papers, readings, research, and other assignments. A paper based on their internship experience is mandatory for all interns. The paper should be an analysis of some aspect or issue of the internship. The subject should be discussed and approved by the intern director. The paper should be 12 to 15 double spaced pages in length. As a general matter of policy, students must submit their papers within the first academic quarter after their internship is complete. Students failing to complete a satisfactory paper will receive a failing grade in the internship course.

For more information, contact:

Cindy Nielsen
Old Main 341
(435)797-1597
cindy.nielsen@usu.edu