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.

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.

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.

Careers4Terps – UMD’s online search tool for jobs and internships posted by employers specifically seeking UMD students and alumni. 

Other Resources

 

Academic Credit for Internships

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 Fall 2023 GVPT Internship Program is now accepting applications. All applications are due Monday, August 21 at 11:59 PM. Space is limited. GVPT encourages you to apply early. 

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. The Spring 2023 MGA Internship Application is closed. Information about the Spring 2024 application cycle will be available in September 2023. 

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.

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, including internship seminar courses, mock trial, and independent study.
  • Internships for political campaigns are not eligible for credit under the GVPT Internship Program.
  • No internship credit will be granted retroactively.