No. Hinckley Internships are for students of all disciplines.

You can view internships listed by discipline or if you can’t find a good fit on our list, we can help you set up your own.

Yes. Students can register for up to 12 credits, but need to register for at least 3 credits.

Choose WHERE you want to intern:

We recommend you complete a local or national internship before doing a global internship, unless you have lived abroad.

If you are a freshman, or if you have a less competitive GPA, we recommend you start with a Local internship.
Taking the Forum Series Course is another way to increase your competitiveness.

Choose WHEN you want to intern with these considerations in mind:

Application deadlines are at least one semester in advance, so plan ahead. (Some global host offices require applications two semesters in advance).

The most competitive semester for national and global placement is summer.
If you can fit a fall/spring semester internship into your schedule, your chances of securing your dream host office, and qualifying for funding is much stronger.

You can still walk with your intended graduating class, but to do a Hinckley Internship with scholarship funding your official graduation date must be after your internship.

Research and Rank Host Offices of Interest:

Browse our website to view what host offices the Hinckley Institute has to offer.
Make a ranked list of which internship offices are of the most interest to you.
You are welcome to drop by our office for one-on-one guidance. View internships by discipline.

You can only apply to one internship program per semester (Local, National, or Global)

Please do not start more than one application.

Make sure to set up a time to interview with a program manager after you submit your application.

Be Available for Interviews with Host Offices

It is your responsibility to be available and proactive when the requests for interviews arrive.
Be sure to be checking your email and phone messages consistently.

The Hinckley Institute of Politics seeks to send undergraduate students who have a high GPA and demonstrate independence, maturity, and responsibility.
If you have a lower GPA, we recommend starting with a Local internship and/or the Forum Series Course as they can boost your eligibility for a national and global internship later.

Capital Encounter is a one-week intensive opportunity in DC for students unable to complete a full-semester DC internship. Gina Shipley, Managing Director of National Internships and Political Science Associate Professor Dr. James Curry, travel with students to the nation's capital at the culmination of a preparatory spring semester course.