Applied Learning
Internships
The department encourages students to engage in internships because they:
- Serve as one of the most effective ways to make the connections between the theoretical study of politics in the classroom and the active practice of politics in the public square
- Provide a glimpse of what’s involved in real politics and are the most effective way to make those connections
- Contribute to your education in remarkable ways (almost every student who spends a semester in Washington, D.C., for example, returns to campus having grown emotionally and intellectually in ways they never could have imagined)
- Provide a good way to explore possible careers because they provide real experience and recommendations that are often useful in the search for a first job
Internship Options and Information
Luther is part of a consortium of Lutheran Colleges that maintains a semester-long program in Washington, D.C. The main component of the program is a four-day-per-week internship. Because there is no vacation in the middle of the semester and because students work four days each week, employers know they will have a nearly full-time worker for fourteen weeks and, therefore, almost always provide the students with genuine work opportunities. The range of internship possibilities is wide, and the program has an internship coordinator who helps students acquire internships. A limited number of internships require early applications and even security clearances, but most can be attained with relative ease the semester before attending the program.
Students receive six credits of Internship (graded on a Credit/No Credit basis) and two credits of Directed Readings (a letter grade is assigned on the basis of the journal that students keep while doing the internship).
Students may arrange for internships during January Term, fall or spring semester, or the summer. The Career Center is a good place to start your search for internship opportunities, and you are also encouraged to talk with your advisor and/or the department head about potential internship experiences. The number of academic credits you earn from your internship depends on the number of hours you work at your internship (usually, 36 hours of work = one internship credit).
Guidelines for internships:
- Internships are not limited to political science majors, but normally a student must have taken at least two political science classes prior to doing an internship.
- There is not a minimum grade point requirement, but there is no right as a major to do an internship. In other words, if there is concern about the student’s record and likelihood for a successful internship, the faculty members in the department can refuse an application for an internship.
- Students can apply no more than 4 hours of internship credit to the 32 hours required for a major. The only exception to the 4 hour rule is the Washington Semester internship experience. Students can apply up to 8 hours of internship credit to the major.
- Students may work with any member of the department but must have the approval of the department head.
- For all internships, students must complete the required forms prior to starting the internship. Forms are available from the Career Center. The forms require consultation with the internship advisor and the signature of the department head (when not the internship advisor).
- Students must sign up for internship credit before the add/drop date at the beginning of each term.
The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN)
The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is a nonpartisan organization based in Washington D.C. that focuses on preparing college women for leadership roles in public policy. PLEN offers short (3-5 day) seminars on a range of policy areas.
PLEN seminar participants have the opportunity to explore careers in policy and connect with women leaders. PLEN has been offering leadership seminars in Washington D.C. since 1989 and is the only national organization whose sole focus is preparing college women for leadership in the public policy arena. Learn more about PLEN.
Why is PLEN an important part of what Luther offers?
PLEN seminars are highly valuable, and compliment both on-campus learning and the experience of students participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester. Each PLEN program offers students the chance to explore a variety of possible careers, learn what it takes to get there, and connect with women all over the country who have similar interests and ambitions.
How would participation in PLEN seminars benefit students?
At all PLEN seminars, students gain networking opportunities, leadership skills, and public policy knowledge. PLEN’s rich and diverse network of Luther and PLEN alumna, speakers, and other volunteers provide students with life-long career resources and support.
“PLEN creates a platform for incredible women in leadership positions to mentor and empower future female leaders. The seminar I attended taught me essential practical skills and allowed me to build invaluable relationships with experienced professionals. My time with PLEN complimented my Luther experience, and particularly my semester in Washington, perfectly.” —Mareda Smith ’19
