Student Experience

The internship opportunities through Calvin's politics and economics department provide majors with excellent paths to learn through practical experience. As an intern, you might work in a variety of national, state, and local executive and legislative offices, businesses, governmental and non-governmental agencies, political campaigns, party and interest group organizations, think tanks, advocacy groups, and law-related organizations (e.g., courts, law firms). Students interested in international relations may also consider internships in international business or non-government organizations (NGOs). Internships may take place anywhere and throughout the calendar year.

Finding an internship

While the department will help prospective interns find a suitable organization, students themselves are ultimately responsible for identifying and contacting a sponsoring organization.

Students should consult the following resources:

• Calvin’s Career Center
• Calvin's Semester in Washington D.C. Program
• The department Internship Coordinator is Kylie Boss

Internship Credit 

Students can gain credits for their internship experience. Register for an internship seminar course and pay tuition based on the number of credits. Contact the internship coordinator to register for POLS 380 at the beginning of the semester you'll be completing your credit internship; retroactive internship credit is not granted.

Students may apply up to 4 SH of internship credit to the Political Science or PPE major, or up to 2 SH of internship credit to the International Relations major. Calvin University will apply up to 12 SH of internship credit toward the 124-SH graduation requirement.

Students should discuss with their faculty advisor how much internship credit to request.

Credit internships normally count as electives. Some academic departments allow a second internship for credit towards graduation (not another elective). 

In addition to POLS 380, the departments also offer a POLS 383 course during the fall, spring, and summer terms. This 1-credit internship course is pass/fail. Internships must be approved by your academic advisor prior to enrolling in the course. Contact the Career Center if you have questions about taking the 383 internship course.

If you are not eligible for an internship course, you can still complete a non-credit internship to gain professional experience. If you are unsure what is best for you, contact your career coach for assistance.

Henry Semester in Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C. you'll gain a real-world perspective on the ideas you've learned in the classroom at Calvin. Whatever your major, you can work with Career Development to find a place to gain valuable experience in your field of study. Participate in one of four tracks: Politics and Policy, Pre-Law, Social Work, or Journalism and Strategic Communication

In addition to the Henry Semester in D.C., there are many other programs to experience politics and economics in context around the world.

Check out all off campus programs »

The McGregor Fellows Program offers summer research positions with Calvin faculty members. 

Also worth considering are NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and the American Economic Association Summer Training Program. 

Don't forget to explore student publishing opportunities at AEA as well.

The Henry Institute is dedicated to motivating and training future scholars and practitioners who will continue the exploration and practice of integrating faith and public life. Undergraduate fellowships provide opportunities for current students at Calvin University to work with the Institute and university faculty. Undergraduate fellows benefit from working on scholarly research and receiving mentoring from various professors, as the Institute provides grants to fund research projects involving the interplay between religion and public life. Opportunities for additional involvement in the programs and projects of the Institute are also provided to students, as they participate in various administrative duties and Henry Institute events.

More about the Civitas Lab 

The Politics and Economics Department’s Student Planning Council (SPC) is responsible for building camaraderie and representing politics and economics students in determining how the department can best serve their hopes for developing a strong undergraduate program. Comprised of six students and a faculty mentor, this group plans social events (for example, ice cream socials, end-of-year picnics) that offer opportunities for majors and minors to meet. Additionally, this group of students will be the point persons for departmental candidate interviews, disseminating departmental information, discussion of curriculum development, and any other program improvements that will serve to strengthen the department of politics and economics.

Other student organizations that many department majors and minors join are Student Senate, Calvin Democrats, Calvin Republicans, PDAC, and Model United Nations.

Check out all Calvin's student organizations.