Opportunities for All Students
A Hinckley internship is a unique academic opportunity that allows students of all majors to step out of the classroom and gain real-world experience. The Hinckley Institute of Politics places more than 300 students every year in local, state, national, and international internships. Not a political science major? Not a problem click here to view host offices by major.
Many students start by completing a local or election internship during their sophomore or junior years and then embark on a Washington, DC, or international internship during their senior year.
Eligibility
In order to complete a Hinckley internship, you must be an undergraduate matriculated student at the University of Utah. Students who graduate from the University of Utah are also eligible to complete a Hinckley internship during the semester following graduation, but they are still required to register for academic credit for their internship.
For graduate students, the University of Utah’s Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of International Affairs & Global Enterprise (MIAGE) programs have partnered with the Hinckley Institute of Politics to place students in graduate-level internships abroad and in Washington D.C.
Locations
Washington, D.C.
Students are placed with organizations and government offices such as the White House, U.S. Supreme Court, and Congressional offices. The Hinckley Institute provides a scholarship and housing subsidy for Washington, D.C. interns.
International
The Hinckley Institute offers international internships in more than 35 different countries, including Thailand, China, Bolivia, India, Australia, Scotland, and Mexico.
State Legislature
Interns serve as staff aides to legislators, the press, and lobbying organizations during the Utah legislative sessions. Utah State legislative interns are required to complete the Political Science 3900 “Legislative Internship Preparation” course in the fall semester preceding the legislative internship.
Local & Campaigns
The Hinckley Institute of Politics also offers part-time internships with many local government, lobbying, and nonprofit offices such as the Utah Governor’s office, the Utah Attorney General’s Office, and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office. During the summer and fall semesters the Hinckley Institute also offers part to full-time internships on local and statewide election campaigns.
Capital Encounter
Capital Encounter is a one-week program, targeted to students who cannot serve a regular, 15-week internship in Washington. Nine to eleven students travel with Professor Tim Chambless to Washington, D.C. in the Spring Semester of each year. Students who engage in this whirlwind of activity get to meet with Utah’s Congressional Delegation as well as other prominent political leaders and tour sites such as the White House, Library of Congress, and U.S. Capitol Building.
Setting Up your Own Internship
If you want to pursue or have already set up your own internship, you may submit a proposal to the Hinckley Institute to request academic credit and/or institutional support. Click here for more information and speak to the intern manager.
