Internships for UNM Students

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to be a Political Science major to participate in the internship program?

No, the internships are open to all majors, unless a particular job description requires a Political Science major.  Job descriptions for most internships do not state a preferred or required major.

2. I wish to count my internship toward my Political Science major or minor.  Can I do so?

Yes, though there are limits on the number of internships you can apply to your major or minor.  Consult Prof. Grigsby for details.

3. Can I take the internship for a grade rather than CR/NC?

No, the internship is offered as CR/NC only.  Most of the work is completed in the field placement under the direction of the field supervisor. Because you are not working in a traditional classroom, traditional methods of grading your work (graded work) are not necessarily appropriate or even possible.  Your written project must be of a C or higher quality, however. For these reasons, your internship credits are graded overall as CR/NC.

4. Can I just volunteer in the community and get internship credit without having a field supervisor?

No.  The field supervisor is critical in your internship. S/he will evaluate your field work, certify that you have completed your necessary hours, and ensure that you have remained focused on the job description attached to your internship.  It is also hoped that your supervisor will serve as a mentor and guide.

5. Can I do my internship over the summer in a city other than Albuquerque?

Yes, but students must make all arrangements for summer internships by meeting with Prof. Grigsby by no later than 3 weeks prior to the end of Spring Semester.

6. Will my internship hours count toward my overall 128 hours for graduation?

Yes, but different degree programs view internship hours differently. You should meet with your academic advisor to ensure that your internship hours fully meet your remaining graduation requirements.

7. When is the paper due to Prof. Grigsby?

By no later than the Friday before Final Exams during the semester in which you are signed up for internship credit.

8. Is it ok to get the call number for the internship from another student; or, is it ok for one student to give the call number of the internship to another student? 

No.  Students should get the call number only from Prof. Grigsby.  This prevents students from registering for an internship without understanding the work required.  A student is risking a "No Credit" grade by signing up for an internship without being fully aware of all that is expected.  By contacting Prof. Grigsby for the call number, you ensure that you have the chance to ask questions, get details, and understand all aspects of the internship process before registering.

9. Is the internship paper a serious academic requirement--just as serious as a paper requirement in a regular class?

Yes.  Interns should turn in work that reflects analysis, research,  and an ability to link practical experiences with scholarly materials. Interns should feel free to express creativity while seeking to meet the highest academic standards.  Interns are expected to work on the paper throughout the semester.  The paper should truly reflect multiple drafts and 192 hours of meaningful field experiences about which to write.  Each intern should be in contact with Prof. Grigsby throughout the semester to discuss the progress of the paper.

10. I've never written a 20-page paper, but I want to do an internship.  Is that possible?

Yes.  However, interns should meet with Prof. Grigsby to determine whether a 291 or a 491 internship is more appropriate, based on individual student experiences.  If you wish to intern, you may be asked to provide a writing sample to demonstrate your ability to complete a 491 internship.  Schedule time to talk in detail about these matters with Prof. Grigsby.  In this way, you can ensure that you go into your internship with the skills you need to be successful.