GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

1. Internship Opportunity with Senator Patty Murray

U.S. Senator Patty Murray DC office is offering legislative and press internships to students who want to learn more about the federal government and who want to be part of a hardworking team dedicated to serving the citizens of Washington state. Internship sessions are generally scheduled on the academic quarter: fall, winter, spring, summer. Internships are unpaid and are available for school credit if approved by your college or university. D.C. interns typically work full time (40 hours per week).

Qualifications: Applicants must be graduate or undergraduate college students who have completed at least one year of college.

Responsibilities: Assisting with research, engaging in written and verbal communication with constituents and federal agencies, assisting at press conferences, attending briefings, and performing a variety of administrative tasks including fielding calls from constituents and greeting visitors.

More information and the application can be found at http://murray.senate.gov/internship

2. Internship Opportunity with Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards

The Office of Congresswomen Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) is seeking qualified interns for the upcoming summer semester to serve in Washington, D.C. The Washington, D.C. intern experience is designed to immerse interns in all areas of a Congressional work environment. Interns are required to exhibit strong written and verbal communication and will be expected to conduct capital tours, research, and assist with administrative duties. In addition, they will respond to constituent letters and requests, attend hearing and briefings, and complete projects in specific issue areas as requested.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a familiarity with the legislative process, have a desire to learn while being a part of a hardworking team, and be dedicated to serving the citizens of Maryland. In addition, press interns will work primarily with the Communications Director. Communication interns typically have strong knowledge of communication or media background. Students or recent graduates with communication or journalism degrees preferred but not required.

Responsibilities: Assisting with research, preparing talking points, remarks, and press releases.

Application Process: Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to veronica.hernandez@mail.house.gov

3. Washington DC Law Firm Internship Opportunity

Brownstein-Hyatt-Farber-Schreck is a DC law firm that is seeking unpaid interns for the fall of 2009. The internship provides an array of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the political system with hands-on experience in a variety of subject areas, including energy, telecom, healthcare, antitrust, financial services and others.

Duties and Responsibilities: Conducting research on potential clients; providing research on federal legislation; delivering documents/letters to Capitol Hill and elsewhere; covering Congressional committee hearings, markups and press conferences and drafting memos on the same; the assembly of presentations; and other writing and minor administrative tasks.

Necessary Skills: Applicant must be proficient in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel. Must be deadline-oriented, attentive to detail and must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. *Applicants with a background or major/minor in government affairs, American politics and public administration are encouraged to apply*

Application Process: Please send cover letter, resume (complete with current GPA and contact information), writing sample, dates/hours of availability and any other inquiries to Jack Jacobson: jjacobson@bhfs.com. Application materials due no later than July 20, 2009.

4. Federal Semester Coordinator Job Opportunity

Department: Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean for Undergraduate Studies

Salary: $40,000-$50,000, commensurate with experience. Position is 12-month, full-time contingent II status. Position comes with an excellent benefits package, including health insurance and sick and annual leave. This is a grant-funded position for a period of one year.

Duties: The Office of Undergraduate Studies (UGST) at the University of Maryland, College Park, administers the innovative undergraduate program of Federal Semester/Federal Service Fellows. UGST seeks a coordinator to provide support to the director responsible for the administrative activities of this program. The coordinator will be responsible for making the office run smoothly and for special event and meeting planning. The coordinator will take the lead in recruiting students to the program and in programming arrangements for students. The duties of this position include coordinating special projects, greeting office visitors, managing the budget, handling telephone inquiries, and otherwise supporting the director in the daily operations of the program and the office. Additional duties include interacting closely with students, administering student workshops and activities, advising students on résumés and cover letters, assisting students in obtaining internships, supporting students during internships, assisting faculty in the evaluation of student work, and encouraging ongoing involvement of alumni. The coordinator will also handle logistical details associated with the director’s schedule and assist in management of graduate assistant staff.

Qualifications: A bachelor's degree is required; two years experience in higher education administration preferred. An advanced degree in public policy or a related discipline, with relevant administrative work or internship experience, may substitute for experience in higher education administration. The position requires the ability to work accurately and cordially with students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the University of Maryland as well as in federal offices and public service organizations and in educational institutions across Maryland. Candidates should have computing skills, including experience with calendar, word processing, spreadsheet and database programs, as well as the ability to manage email lists. A working knowledge of social media and the ability to assist in website enhancement would be welcome. The candidate must be well-organized, extremely motivated, highly reliable, detail-oriented and self-disciplined to follow through on projects and assignments. The candidate must have strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to keep multiple projects and responsibilities up-to-date. An interest in public service and program development would be a plus.

Application Process: Please submit electronic application only as a single MSWord or PDF document (multiple attachments will not be accepted). Include letter of interest, résumé, and the names and contact information for three professional references to fedsemjob@umd.edu. For best consideration submit requested application materials by Friday, July 17, 2009. Applications will be considered immediately until the position is filled. The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

5. Woodrow Wilson Center Brazil Institute Internship Announcement

The Brazil Institute of the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars seeks interns with an interest in, coursework related to, and/or experience working on issues related to Brazil. Interns will gain valuable experience in a variety of projects such as conference organization, library and Internet research, assistance with the preparation of publications, and administrative assignments in support of Center activities. Internships also provide opportunities to attend events within the Wilson Center and around Washington.

Qualifications: Strong research and/or administrative skills, detail-oriented, able to work independently and collectively as part of group, currently enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate degree program, recent graduate (within the last year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program. Strong writing skills and language ability in Portuguese are preferred, as is translation experience.

Application Process: Send your resume, a letter describing how you could contribute to our team and what you are looking to gain from the internship, and a 3-5 page writing sample. Clearly state what dates and times you are available to work. All materials should be submitted together by Friday, July 24, 2009 to lap@wilsoncenter.org. For more information about the Brazil Institute of the Latin American Program and the Woodrow Wilson Center, see our website at www.wilsoncenter.org/brazil.

6. Dershowitz Group seeking interns for Fall 2009

The Dershowitz Group (TDG) services a wide range of clients including think tanks, foreign television stations, international humanitarian awards, coalitions of NGO’s and a press association.

Responsibilities: Interns may be asked to develop databases of influencers for relevant policy areas, draft business letters, talking points and FAQ sheets, and prepare client materials. Interns are frequently asked to take ownership of their projects and are given additional responsibilities based upon their professionalism and level of productivity.

Skills: Candidate must be able to demonstrate a knack for research, excellent time management skills and meticulous attention to detail. Candidate must be capable of following instructions in a precise manner, working in a fast-paced professional environment and learning from a constructive work environment. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with senior staff with expertise in foreign policy, media relations, and journalism.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter and a writing sample to Julia Nayfeld at Julia@DershowitzGroup.com.

7. Minor in Second Language Education

The Minor in Second Language Education provides undergraduate students with an introduction to teaching English to non-native speakers. This 18-credit minor provides students with a theoretical background in second language learning, adolescent development, cross-cultural communication, and teaching strategies for non-native speakers. Students also gain experience working with non-native speakers in academic settings. This minor is ideal for students who are interested in the following careers:

· K-12 and college teachers of all subjects

· English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching specialists in K-12 settings

· English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers overseas

· Managers working with non-native speakers in after-school programs, community centers, and businesses of all sizes

· Policymakers and administrators interested in second language education and/or international education

Courses required for the minor can be used to satisfy requirements for the Integrated Masters Certification program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language (TESOL).

Students of all majors are encouraged to participate. No foreign language experience is required.

For more information, please contact the EDCI Teacher Education Advising Office at (301) 405-3120 or edci-adv@umd.edu.

8. Study Abroad Opportunity

Organized by Charles University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prague

Title: "Central Europe between Germany and Russia"

Date: September 5th – 19th 2009

Place: Prague, Czech Republic

Objective:

to provide students a broad understanding on the historical, political, economic, social and cultural development of Central Europe
to analyze Central Europe’s role as an international political and economic player and the relations to its biggest neighbors – Germany and Russia.

Method: the course is based on an interdisciplinary approach and combines different methodologies such as lectures, workshops, round-table discussions, group-work and students` presentations.

Program: visit - http://summer-university.fsv.cuni.cz/

Extras: culture, sport and fun activities which ideally accompany the academic program

Price: 777 EUR/ 1075 USD

Included in price:

Tuition (all lectures, workshops, discussions as mentioned in the program)
Culture and social events (as mentioned in the program)
Reading materials (on-line version will be at your disposal after enrolling)
Housing at the Hall of Residence
2 meals a day (breakfast and lunch)

Application: on-line – http://summer-university.fsv.cuni.cz/

Contact:

Address: Summer University 2009

Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences

Smetanovo nabrezi 6

CZ-110 00 Praha 1

Czech Republic

Tel: (+420) 251 080 250

Fax: (+420) 251 620 294

E-mail: summer.university@fsv.cuni.cz

Skype: summer.university.prague

9. New GVPT Fall 2009 Courses Available

GVPT 418A Seminar in Research Methods: U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making

Restricted to GVPT majors only, all others will be placed on the holdfile. This course will satisfy the quantitative skills requirement for Government and Politics majors.

GVPT460 Problems in State and Local Government.

Prerequisite: GVPT170 and GVPT241. Recommended: GVPT260. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GVPT461 or GVPT462. Urban political process and institutions considered in the light of changing social and economic conditions.

GVPT 479D Seminar in American Politics: Minority Politics

For GVPT majors only. All other majors will be placed on the holdfile.

10. Federal Semester News Flash for BSOS Students

Engage in a Washington internship for credit! Apply now to the innovative Federal Semester Program, 2009-10! For details and information: http://www.federalsemester.umd.edu. Rising juniors and seniors of all majors are welcome. Yearlong program includes workshops on federal careers and professional development; trips to Capitol Hill; help obtaining internships in federal agencies, congressional offices, think tanks, NGOs dealing with federal policy, etc. Places still available in all three concentrations: U.S. Policy in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Homeland Security Policy, and Federal Health Policy. Rolling admissions.

News flash: The Federal Semester program is in the final process of applying for a Federal Grant for next year. If we get it, which is likely, there will be even more opportunities and support available for 2009-10 participants!

The newsletter is sent out on Fridays to all current University of Maryland students who have declared and been accepted into the GVPT major. Only information relevant to academic and extra-curricular opportunities for these students will be sent through the newsletter. The government advising office reserves the right to edit and review all submissions to the GVPT newsletter and deny any submissions at their sole discretion.

If you would like to submit information or announcements, please email ADVISING@gvpt.umd.edu. Only those submissions which are denied or delayed will be contacted further.