Policymaking in Harrisburg: Internships and Seminar

There’s No Substitute for Being There . . .

The Harrisburg Semester provides summer internships coupled with a high-powered classroom experience in Pennsylvania’s capital for qualified undergraduate students. From Capitol Hill to major lobbying and public relations firms to non-profit organizations, Harrisburg offers a wide array of outstanding internship opportunities. By participating in this internship program, you build your resume with real life experience while working in state government, a policy advocacy association, a lobbying or public affairs firm, journalism, or a community development organization. View government and policy making first-hand, assemble portfolios of your work, meet valuable contacts who will help you in your careers, test your career choices, hone your professional skills. In addition to earning academic credit while working at an internship, all Harrisburg Semester students enroll in the Harrisburg Semester Seminar (PUBPL 490), a seminar class that meets once a week, includes guest speakers deeply involved in state policy-making, and helps students learn about the political environment and context for decision-making in Harrisburg. We will work with you to find an internship that matches your interests and career goals.

Apply early—some internship sites select their summer interns by mid-March.

What do students say?

"I have made significant friendships, experienced landmark events . . . this summer has been a phenomenal experience. I believe that, because of the Harrisburg Semester Program, I have come light years in my understanding and esteem for the legislative process. As a research intern I performed the same job as research analysts, and through this, my eyes were opened to a completely different aspect of public policy. College courses simply cannot give the complexity of the legislative process justice. I actually saw how the legislature functions behind closed doors.” Nicole Stettler

"I have been able to attend press conferences, write stories, and attend many committee meetings, all of which was new territory for me. Being in Harrisburg, I have decided that I really enjoy state and local politics, and I would like to find a job reporting on local and state politics in the future.” Heather Hottle

For More Information, Contact the Program Coordinator:

• Dr. Carol Nechemias
  Associate Professor of Public Policy and Political Science
• Address: School of Public Affairs, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Penn State Harrisburg., Middletown, PA  17057-4898
• Education: B.A., Washington University (St. Louis); Ph.D., Ohio State University
• Phone: 717-948-6049
  E-mail: c4n@psu.edu
• FAX: 717-948-6320