GVPT students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the university's close proximity to Washington D.C. and Annapolis by completing internship experiences during their time at UMD. Interning is a great way to gain valuable career experience and set yourself up for success upon graduation. Before applying you should review these resources from the BSOS Feller Center for Advising and Career Planning about resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.

Academic Credit for Internships - GVPT Programs

GVPT Internship Program: Students who are accepted to this program can earn 3 upper-level major credits and up to 6 elective credits for an internship. The application provides more information about the program and its requirements. The Spring 2025 Internship Program application is now open and accepting applications through 5pm on Wednesday January 22, 2025. We encourage you to apply early. If the program fills prior to the final deadline, we will review applications for positions on the waitlist.

GVPT Maryland General Assembly Joint Internship Program: GVPT and the Maryland General Assembly offer a joint internship program during the spring semester that gives students the opportunity to serve as legislative interns. Students can earn 3 upper-level major credits and 3 elective credits for the internship. Please note that two separate applications are required for this program. First, you must apply to participate in GVPT's MGA internship program for sponsorship. Then, you apply directly to the MGA. The Spring 2025 GVPT MGA Internship Program Application is now closed. We encourage you to apply early. If the program fills prior to the deadline, we will review applications for positions on a waitlist and you will need to explore other options for sponsorship on your MGA application. Please see the application linked above for more information on how to apply and what you will need to do in order to apply directly to the MGA by their deadline.

 

Academic Credit for Internships - Other programs

Global Fellows: This year-long university-wide program provides an integrated combination of classroom and professional experience designed to provide a deep understanding of global leadership and policy and the ways in which they are developed, influenced and carried out. Students accepted into this program can earn 3 upper-level major credits for their Global Fellows fall seminar.

Federal Fellows: This year-long university-wide program is designed to prepare talented, diverse undergraduate students to excel in professional internships and pursue careers of influence and impact, especially in the public sector. Students accepted into this program can earn 3 upper-level major credits for their Federal Fellows fall seminar.

Maryland Fellows: This year-long university-wide program is designed to prepare talented and diverse undergraduates to excel at their spring internships and pursue careers in public service, especially at the state and local levels. The centerpiece of the program is the Maryland General Assembly as well as other state and local organizations including NGOs and non-profits. Students accepted into this program may earn 3 upper-level major credits for their Maryland Fellows fall seminar, with the exception of the Professional Writing Legislative Internship extension of this program.

BSOS Internship Program: Students accepted to the BSOS Internship program can earn 3-6 elective credits for their internship hours.

 

Notes about internship credit:
  • Students may count a max of 6 experiential learning credits towards their GVPT major requirements. This policy, as well as the courses that count as experiential learning for GVPT, is detailed online here.
  • No internship credit will be granted retroactively.

Finding an Internship

The university offers a wide variety of resources to assist students with finding an internship. These include:

GVPT Undergraduate Blog – Internship opportunities will be posted to the blog. Please subscribe to the blog by entering your email address in the "Follow us by Email" box on the homepage.

BSOS Undergraduate Blog – The BSOS blog contains internship and other opportunities specific to BSOS students.

Feller Center Career Services – The Feller Center offers a number of excellent career and professional development oriented services for GVPT students.

University Career Center – The career center offers numerous resources to help with exploring careers, preparing for interviews, finding an internship or job, and gaining relevant experience. Students can also attend workshops or career fairs.

Other Resources