Whether your focus is on American politics, international relations, law and justice, or public policy, your study of how governments function prepares you for a variety of careers in the field. Political science internships help take you there through practical experience and skill development. In your search, you’ll find opportunities to work in universities, law offices, justice system agencies, advocacy groups, consulting firms, international operations, and government agencies, to name a few possibilities. Interns in political science use their analytical and statistical know-how to support the vital operations that keep an organization running. This may entail reviewing articles and compiling information, developing a messaging strategy, creating fact sheets, and managing online communication materials. Working as in-house experts, political science interns may also work with issues-oriented organizations to learn the relevant public policies. Because internships in political science are also exercises in persuasion and governance, they expose students to crucial skills in media and communications as well. Needless to say, many political science internships will lead you to Washington, D.C. and its surrounding suburbs. The nation’s capital hosts legions of municipal, state, and federal agencies that need students with campaign experience; nonprofits that seek interns with strong research and communication skills; and private corporations that need political science consultants.