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POL 383 Working in Politics

This hybrid course is for students who want to work in politics to make Minnesota better for the people and communities they love. Prior to the semester beginning, each student meets with the instructor to secure an internship with a campaign or an advocacy organization based on the student¿s interests and values. Once the student has an internship lined up, they can register for the course. Over the summer, students will intern with the campaign or advocacy organization and earn experience working in politics. In addition, students will attend six class meetings. At the class meetings, students will learn about different types of political jobs, reflect on which types of jobs interest them most, and identify the skills they need to develop to advance on that career path. Each student will complete a weekly campaign journal throughout the semester. At the end of the semester, each student will also produce a political resume and draft cover letter for applying for future jobs in politics.

Special information

Note: Before registering, students need to meet with the instructor for help with securing an internship for a campaign or advocacy organization.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 4, 2022 to present

Learning outcomes

General

  • Students will understand the types of jobs that are necessary roles in successful campaigns and advocacy organizations, including policy, communications, field/organizing, and fundraising.
  • Students will reflect on which types of jobs are best suited for them, given their interests, talents, and values.
  • Students will understand the importance of relationships to political work and begin building relationships through their internship with a campaign or an advocacy organization.
  • Students will learn how to use campaign technology, as appropriate for their internship.
  • Students will learn norms of professional communication within politics. They will apply this knowledge through the creation of job search documents, such as a political resume and draft cover letter.