Everett Public Service Summer Internship Program - New York and Washington, DC, USA
There is no better teacher than experience. College and graduate students who have participated in the Everett Public Service Internship Program agree the months they spent in "the real world," beyond campus gates, were among the most rewarding of their lives.
A sense of community and camaraderie is fostered among the Interns in our Program. Each internship lasts ten weeks and provides $280 weekly for expenses. Accepted candidates will determine a starting date with their Intern Coordinator*. Everett Interns work on substantive projects, develop professional skills, and gain knowledge about the enormous societal impact of public service. New York City and Washington, D. C. Interns gather to attend exciting weekly events, both educational and social, presenting distinguished leaders and young heroes from the public sector.
* Internships start no earlier than May 26th and no later than June 16th in 2008.
In the summer of 2008, over 180 Everett Interns will use their knowledge and skills in over 60 organizations dedicated to improving the world. During ten weeks, Everett Interns will work diligently with skilled and dedicated mentors to gain first-hand experience on the front lines of public service.
Everett interns are a diverse group of current undergraduate and graduate students. They come from across the nation, attend public and private colleges and universities, major in subjects ranging from engineering to philosophy, and from political science to art history. Interns span the ethnic, racial and political spectrum. What binds them together is their personal commitment to "the repair of the world." Indeed, they exemplify the creed articulated by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve."
http://www.everettinternships.org/about/index.html
Friday, February 29, 2008
PhD in political science--my but we're slow
Professor Sousa pointed out this recent study and discussion of doctoral completion rates among various disciplines. Lee Siegelman at The Monkey Cage (a blog run by faculty at George Washington) sums up:
- At every time point, students in political science, anthropology, and sociology had lower completion rates than their counterparts in psychology, economics, and communications. For example, by the end of Year 7 only about 27% of political science doctoral students had finished up.
- Political science students didn’t just throw in the towel after seven years. In fact, by the end of Year 10, their completion rate had risen to about 45% — still far below the 65 or 66% rate for students in psychology and communications but far above the seven-year cumulative completion rate of 27% in political science.
- On the other side of the coin, the cumulative attrition rate for political science doctoral students by Year 7 was approximately 35%. That was the highest within the social sciences.
- Some simple math establishes that about 38% of the political science doctoral who had entered seven years earlier were still in the program (the other 62% having completed their degree work or dropped out). And almost half of these 38% were still enrolled even after ten years.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Farewell Professor Bonura: Oxford calls
We've just heard in the department that our resident political theorist and specialist on Southeast Asia has been offered a position at Oxford University. Professor Bonura had tendered his resignation this fall so that he could search for a position in the UK to be close to his partner, and only this morning did he return from an interview from Oxford. Professor Bonura will be a member of the Centre for Political Ideologies (CPI) working on a comparative study of political thought.
Wow. We've been melancholy this year about his impending departure but overjoyed by his success. But no surprise, really--UPS: The Oxford of the South Puget Sound.
Congratulations, Professor Bonura!
Wow. We've been melancholy this year about his impending departure but overjoyed by his success. But no surprise, really--UPS: The Oxford of the South Puget Sound.
Congratulations, Professor Bonura!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Torey Holderith '09: US Air Force conference recap
That's Torey on the left wearing the tie.
Professor O'Neil,
Attached is a pair of photos from my time at USAFA. My camera died after three pictures, and so attached are the best two.
The first picture is of my roundtable discussion group. I spent a total of 15 hours or so, discussing and developing ideas with this diverse group on how to "Dismantle Terrorism." Within my group was an Iraqi surgeon, a USNA Midshipmen, two USAFA cadets, a NMMI cadet, a cadet from the Greek Air Force Academy, and students from across the States. The round table leader was Dr. Mary-beth Ulrich, a graduate of USAFA and current professor at the US Army War College. All in all the conference represented students from 15 different countries, and over 60 US colleges. It was a very interesting experience that I strongly encourage students to attend next year. It offers a special opportunity to think about policy formulation and implementation, as well as many new perspectives on current issues from within the government.
Of course no trip to USAFA would be complete without a tour of the distinct chapel on campus, and so the second picture is of the chapel. The chapel is often used as a symbol of USAFA, and is fittingly lined with blue stained glass, making the entire inside glow blue. Somewhat fitting for the Air Force...
The final product of the conference was a 70 page book of policy recommendations on how to defeat terrorism on the Diplomatic, Intelligence, Military, and Economic levels that will be sent throughout DOD, DHS, and while no one is naive enough to think that we really solved any problems the practice in developing and thinking about policy was extraordinary. I would happily provide more information to anyone who desires it. I cannot stress enough how positive of an experience this was for me, and so I urge those interested in pursuing a career within Politics and Government to consider going to this or similar conferences during their undergraduate career.
Respectfully,
Torey Holderith
Class of 2009
Professor O'Neil,
Attached is a pair of photos from my time at USAFA. My camera died after three pictures, and so attached are the best two.
The first picture is of my roundtable discussion group. I spent a total of 15 hours or so, discussing and developing ideas with this diverse group on how to "Dismantle Terrorism." Within my group was an Iraqi surgeon, a USNA Midshipmen, two USAFA cadets, a NMMI cadet, a cadet from the Greek Air Force Academy, and students from across the States. The round table leader was Dr. Mary-beth Ulrich, a graduate of USAFA and current professor at the US Army War College. All in all the conference represented students from 15 different countries, and over 60 US colleges. It was a very interesting experience that I strongly encourage students to attend next year. It offers a special opportunity to think about policy formulation and implementation, as well as many new perspectives on current issues from within the government.
Of course no trip to USAFA would be complete without a tour of the distinct chapel on campus, and so the second picture is of the chapel. The chapel is often used as a symbol of USAFA, and is fittingly lined with blue stained glass, making the entire inside glow blue. Somewhat fitting for the Air Force...
The final product of the conference was a 70 page book of policy recommendations on how to defeat terrorism on the Diplomatic, Intelligence, Military, and Economic levels that will be sent throughout DOD, DHS, and while no one is naive enough to think that we really solved any problems the practice in developing and thinking about policy was extraordinary. I would happily provide more information to anyone who desires it. I cannot stress enough how positive of an experience this was for me, and so I urge those interested in pursuing a career within Politics and Government to consider going to this or similar conferences during their undergraduate career.
Respectfully,
Torey Holderith
Class of 2009
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Chris Pohlad '07: Talking politics in Budapest
For the past six months I have been living and working in Budapest, Hungary as an analyst for a Pepsi bottling company that sells and distributes in Central Europe. Despite the apparent disconnect between my degree (international relations) and what I find myself doing on a daily basis (business) I can say that my experience has heightened my awareness and knowledge of foreign affairs on many different levels. Whether it be my proximity to Kosovo, who just declared independence from Serbia, or learning the hard way that Hungarians have an unbelievable cynicism for their government (justified for a myriad of reasons) I am very fortunate to be applying my interest in politics in such a dynamic and transformative part of the world.
Before I left for Hungary Patrick O'Neil put me in touch with two politics professors at the University of Economics and Politics called Corvinus University in the heart of Budapest. After meeting with them several times over lunch (they are among the few people in the city whom I can speak to without worrying about the language barrier) they asked if I would be willing to participate in a discussion group with a club quite similar to Puget Sound's very own Political Science Association. I happily agreed and was subsequently invited to speak to roughly 20 students on the state of the U.S. presidential election. Despite being somewhat removed from the excitement of the race I believed I could offer them a practical view of the nominating process, the candidates themselves, and what I think (for what it's worth) the outcome will be come the nominating conventions in August and September.
After preparing several times given the evolution of the race after Super Tuesday and again following the Potomac Primaries, I settled on what I thought was a non-biased and informative outline of topics that would be interesting to them. To summarize I focused on the fundamental differences between the parties, nominating processes (proportional representation vs. a winner take all format), the four leading candidates at the time (McCain, Huckabee, Clinton, and Obama), the demographics that each cater to and why, as well as an attempt to explain the role of superdelegates. This last topic was particularly challenging as I myself recently learned of their significance and given the delicate English I had to use in order to be understood. Once finished I was asked repeatedly about what superdelegates are (imagine trying to understand this concept in a foreign language and with little background on our nominating process) as well as detailed questions on particular candidate's policies ranging from global warming to Putin's Russia. To be sure, many of their questions I could not answer and was left to say "umm, I'm not quite familiar with so and so's stance on China's economic situation." However, I think my inability to adequately field some of their questions was testament to the fact that I was there to offer a "practical" view of how the typical American voter looks at the election.
The most interesting part of the discussion was when I posed a question to the group about divisiveness in Hungarian politics (if you think it's bad in the US...). My question was straightforward, something along the line of "I understand politics is not a particularly popular topic among Hungarian citizens, but could you please offer me an explanation of the differences between the major political parties and are politics so divisive that families have been literally torn apart by the issue?" In retrospect maybe my question was a bit intrusive, if seemingly broad, because no one spoke for roughly a minute. So I moved on having my question answered by the sheer silence of the room. I later came to realize, though this is becoming less and less the case with every generation, that the majority of people are apprehensive to say anything about their beliefs, political or otherwise, possibly due in part to the fact that Hungary has just recently (relatively speaking) come out of a communist regime that prohibited such expressions. These are the types of cultural differences that make living in Central Europe so interesting and unpredictable. Overall, it was a very informative experience for me and I was glad to be able to participate.
I hope all is well with the University and the PG department in particular and look forward to hearing from other students and alumni about your experiences on campus or otherwise. Take care.
Chris Pohlad '07
"I can't find any internships!"
Oh yeah? Well, the department has collected nearly 150 of them.
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/internships
http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/internships
Jobs for Seniors: US PIRG
As a graduating senior you are no doubt trying to decide what you will do next year, or even for the next 5 years. I want to let you know more about opportunities in the public interest field.
www.uspirg.org/jobs
U.S.PIRG is a federation of state-based public interest advocacy groups. This year we are hiring 100 graduating college students to determine where this country is going: to solve our energy problems; to reform the campaign finance system; to safeguard individuals from identity theft; to fight hunger and homelessness; and make an impact on many other public interest issues.
We will be accepting applications for next year's campus organizer and fellowship programs until April 1, 2008. I invite you to apply by sending a cover letter and resumé to cspivey@pirg.org.
For more information I invite you to check out our website.
Sincerely,
Colleen Spivey
U.S. PIRG
U.S. PIRG Recruitment Department
44 Winter St. 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 747-4421 (o)
(202) 997-5461 (c)
(617) 292-8057 (f)
www.uspirg.org/jobs
www.uspirg.org/jobs
U.S.PIRG is a federation of state-based public interest advocacy groups. This year we are hiring 100 graduating college students to determine where this country is going: to solve our energy problems; to reform the campaign finance system; to safeguard individuals from identity theft; to fight hunger and homelessness; and make an impact on many other public interest issues.
We will be accepting applications for next year's campus organizer and fellowship programs until April 1, 2008. I invite you to apply by sending a cover letter and resumé to cspivey@pirg.org.
For more information I invite you to check out our website.
Sincerely,
Colleen Spivey
U.S. PIRG
U.S. PIRG Recruitment Department
44 Winter St. 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 747-4421 (o)
(202) 997-5461 (c)
(617) 292-8057 (f)
www.uspirg.org/jobs
Monday, February 25, 2008
Aspen Institute Minority Fellowships
Aspen Institute - Internships (William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students) - Washington, DC, USA
Nonprofit Sector Research Fund Offers William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
Deadlines:
March 15, 2008 (Summer Internship)
July 15, 2008 (Fall Internship)
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund
(http://www.nonprofitresearch.org/ ), a grantmaking program of the Aspen Institute (http://www.aspeninstitute.org ), offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times a year.
The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of minority groups. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with the fund. Through this program, the fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.
In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes general research and program support for the Fund's grantmaking and outreach efforts.
The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student from an underrepresented community. She or he should have an excellent academic record and also have the following: outstanding research skills; a background in the social sciences or humanities; excellent writing and communication skills; demonstrated financial need; and American citizenship.
The student must be able to intern for 10 to 15 weeks at the Washington, D.C., office of the Aspen Institute. Generally the fall and spring internships will be part-time (10 to 20 hours per week), while summer internships will be full-time. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.
A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient's educational level, financial need, and time commitment.
For the Summer 2008 internship, the application deadline is March 15, 2008. For the Fall 2008 internship, the deadline is July 15, 2008.
Visit the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund for complete program and application information.
RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10011353/nporesearch
Nonprofit Sector Research Fund Offers William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
Deadlines:
March 15, 2008 (Summer Internship)
July 15, 2008 (Fall Internship)
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund
(http://www.nonprofitresearch.org/ ), a grantmaking program of the Aspen Institute (http://www.aspeninstitute.org ), offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times a year.
The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of minority groups. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with the fund. Through this program, the fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.
In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes general research and program support for the Fund's grantmaking and outreach efforts.
The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student from an underrepresented community. She or he should have an excellent academic record and also have the following: outstanding research skills; a background in the social sciences or humanities; excellent writing and communication skills; demonstrated financial need; and American citizenship.
The student must be able to intern for 10 to 15 weeks at the Washington, D.C., office of the Aspen Institute. Generally the fall and spring internships will be part-time (10 to 20 hours per week), while summer internships will be full-time. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.
A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient's educational level, financial need, and time commitment.
For the Summer 2008 internship, the application deadline is March 15, 2008. For the Fall 2008 internship, the deadline is July 15, 2008.
Visit the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund for complete program and application information.
RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10011353/nporesearch
Cuba after Fidel: The UPS connection
From Professor Share:
“There his is no idea or force, including the strong arm of the empire, that can destroy this revolution . . .There will not be a post-Castro era because there won’t be a post-revolutionary era.”
During my various trips to Cuba I was able to meet two younger Cuban leaders who have been mentioned as possible successors for some of Fidel’s many roles in the Cuban government and the Communist Party. Fernando Ramírez de Estenoz visited our campus about a decade ago when he was a diplomat stationed in Washington D.C. When I was last in Cuba leading a Stanford study tour Ramírez spoke to my group when we visited the Foreign Ministry. He strikes me as smart and open-minded. The more likely choice to replace Fidel is Carlos Lage, a 56-year old economist who has been acting more or less as a prime-minister. Lage oversaw the economic reforms in Cuba during the economic free-fall of the 1990s, and is viewed as a proponent of further reforms. I met him in the Cuban residence of a top Spanish diplomat many years ago. He struck me as a brilliant and pragmatic reformer. Descriptions of these and other possible replacements for Fidel can be found at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cuba_next_generation_1
“There his is no idea or force, including the strong arm of the empire, that can destroy this revolution . . .There will not be a post-Castro era because there won’t be a post-revolutionary era.”
During my various trips to Cuba I was able to meet two younger Cuban leaders who have been mentioned as possible successors for some of Fidel’s many roles in the Cuban government and the Communist Party. Fernando Ramírez de Estenoz visited our campus about a decade ago when he was a diplomat stationed in Washington D.C. When I was last in Cuba leading a Stanford study tour Ramírez spoke to my group when we visited the Foreign Ministry. He strikes me as smart and open-minded. The more likely choice to replace Fidel is Carlos Lage, a 56-year old economist who has been acting more or less as a prime-minister. Lage oversaw the economic reforms in Cuba during the economic free-fall of the 1990s, and is viewed as a proponent of further reforms. I met him in the Cuban residence of a top Spanish diplomat many years ago. He struck me as a brilliant and pragmatic reformer. Descriptions of these and other possible replacements for Fidel can be found at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cuba_next_generation_1
Friday, February 22, 2008
Global Youth Connect: US/Jordan and Iraqi Refugees
We've had an alum do GYC in Africa, so if you have questions let me know--Prof. O'Neil
Global Youth Connect - American Youth Activists (ages 18-30) for Iraqi Refugee Solidarity Initiative - USA / Jordan
We are currently seeking applications from American youth activists (ages 18-30) who are interested in participating in an Iraqi Refugee Solidarity Initiative. Ten U.S. participants will be selected to join in the program activities described below and will work together with Iraqi and Jordanian youth over a period of six months to help address the Iraqi refugee crisis in Jordan. We greatly appreciate your help in getting the word out to people wh! o might be interested in this unique opportunity.
Det ailed program and application information can be found on our website: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate.
Application deadline: March 21, 2008
Program Activities: This joint initiative will bring together 30 youth (ages 18-30) from Iraq, Jordan and the U.S. with the goal of better understanding the root causes of the crisis, placing it within a larger regional and global context, and identifying concrete ways in which they can take steps towards addressing the situation. The initiative will take place over a 6-month period, incorporating a series of distinct yet interconnected elements, including: a peer learning community in Jordan, community engagement and outreach, and an evaluation and reflection retreat.< br>
Peer Learning Community
July 25 - August 18, 2008
The first phase of the initiative will bring together 30 participants from Iraq, Jordan and the U.S. (10 from each country) for three weeks in Amman, Jordan. As part of a peer learning community, participants will engage in dialogue, build skills in conflict transformation and human rights activism, and engage in a joint fieldwork project and action planning.
Community Engagement & Outreach
August 19, 2008 - January 2, 2009
After the initial three-week learning community in Jordan, participants will spend several months organizing creative, follow-up activities in their own communities to address the Iraqi refugee crisis.
Evaluation & Reflection Retreat
January 3-4, 2009
At the end of the program, participants will once again come together to evaluate and reflect on their action efforts, reconnect with o! ther participants and identify next steps. For U.S. participants, this weekend program will take place at a retreat center in upstate New York.
Program Costs: While GYC and its partner organizations in Jordan will help underwrite the costs of this program, U.S. participants will be expected to contribute and/or fundraise $2,500 to help cover the costs of running this program. In addition to this, participants will need to cover their international airfare and some other expenses associated with their participation in the program. Please see detailed information and fundraising guide available on our website for more information: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate.
Global Youth Connect - American Youth Activists (ages 18-30) for Iraqi Refugee Solidarity Initiative - USA / Jordan
We are currently seeking applications from American youth activists (ages 18-30) who are interested in participating in an Iraqi Refugee Solidarity Initiative. Ten U.S. participants will be selected to join in the program activities described below and will work together with Iraqi and Jordanian youth over a period of six months to help address the Iraqi refugee crisis in Jordan. We greatly appreciate your help in getting the word out to people wh! o might be interested in this unique opportunity.
Det ailed program and application information can be found on our website: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate.
Application deadline: March 21, 2008
Program Activities: This joint initiative will bring together 30 youth (ages 18-30) from Iraq, Jordan and the U.S. with the goal of better understanding the root causes of the crisis, placing it within a larger regional and global context, and identifying concrete ways in which they can take steps towards addressing the situation. The initiative will take place over a 6-month period, incorporating a series of distinct yet interconnected elements, including: a peer learning community in Jordan, community engagement and outreach, and an evaluation and reflection retreat.< br>
Peer Learning Community
July 25 - August 18, 2008
The first phase of the initiative will bring together 30 participants from Iraq, Jordan and the U.S. (10 from each country) for three weeks in Amman, Jordan. As part of a peer learning community, participants will engage in dialogue, build skills in conflict transformation and human rights activism, and engage in a joint fieldwork project and action planning.
Community Engagement & Outreach
August 19, 2008 - January 2, 2009
After the initial three-week learning community in Jordan, participants will spend several months organizing creative, follow-up activities in their own communities to address the Iraqi refugee crisis.
Evaluation & Reflection Retreat
January 3-4, 2009
At the end of the program, participants will once again come together to evaluate and reflect on their action efforts, reconnect with o! ther participants and identify next steps. For U.S. participants, this weekend program will take place at a retreat center in upstate New York.
Program Costs: While GYC and its partner organizations in Jordan will help underwrite the costs of this program, U.S. participants will be expected to contribute and/or fundraise $2,500 to help cover the costs of running this program. In addition to this, participants will need to cover their international airfare and some other expenses associated with their participation in the program. Please see detailed information and fundraising guide available on our website for more information: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Professor Weinberger's Forthcoming Book
Congratulations to Professor Weinberger, who has been given a contract by Praeger Publishers for his book Restoring the Balance: War Powers in an Age of Terror. Like many of us, he'll be busy this summer working on the book, which flows out of his teachings on foreign policy, national security, and constitutional law.
Buyer, be fair (trade coffee)
On March 7, 2008, the World Trade Center Tacoma is hosting a breakfast discussion about Fair Trade. Our speakers for the event are Prof. Matt Warning from UPS (Economics) and Mark Viramontes, owner of Origin 23 (formerly Firehouse Coffee on the corner of 6th and Union). The discussion will show the documentary, “Buyer, Be Fair: The Promise of Product Certification” that Prof. Warning consulted on, and was premiered at UPS. In addition to the documentary, our speakers will answer questions and discuss the realities of being involved in fair trade business.
The event is open to the public, and we would welcome students to attend!
The breakfast will be on Friday, March 7 from 8am until 9:30am at the Law Offices of Gordon Thomas Honeywell in the Wells Fargo Building downtown. The address is 1501 Pacific Avenue, Floor 21.
More information is available on our website: www.wtcta.org.
If you wouldn’t mind passing around this information, we would certainly appreciate it!
Best,
Colleen Gause
Communications and Education Coordinator
World Trade Center Tacoma
950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 310
Tacoma, WA 98402
cgause@wtcta.org
Phone: 253.396.1022
UPS Logger * Class of 2006
The event is open to the public, and we would welcome students to attend!
The breakfast will be on Friday, March 7 from 8am until 9:30am at the Law Offices of Gordon Thomas Honeywell in the Wells Fargo Building downtown. The address is 1501 Pacific Avenue, Floor 21.
More information is available on our website: www.wtcta.org.
If you wouldn’t mind passing around this information, we would certainly appreciate it!
Best,
Colleen Gause
Communications and Education Coordinator
World Trade Center Tacoma
950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 310
Tacoma, WA 98402
cgause@wtcta.org
Phone: 253.396.1022
UPS Logger * Class of 2006
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mark Scott '74 on a life inside intelligence
Yesterday PG 250 (our required course in research and writing in the major) was fortunate to host Mark Scott '74, who after graduation spent 28 years working in cryptologic service at the National Security Agency. His comments on work in intelligence and security, on life in DC, and how to be flexible in approach one's future were invaluable. Mr. Scott was kind enough to write up his main points, and I copy them below. Many thanks! If you'd like to contact Mr. Scott, send me (Professor O'Neil) a note.
The following is based on my experiences and represent my opinion.
Careers:
1. Be flexible on the types of careers you pursue. Have a backup plan if your primary doesn’t work out.
2. Make sure there is some sort of relationship between your interests, education and skills and the career field you are interested in. If you have no interest in the job then why apply?
3. What is the trade-off? What are you willing to sacrifice to work in that field (slow advancement, background checks, benefit packages, travel, and work location)?
4. Research the career field and the organization you are thinking of applying to- Who are they? What do they do? What are their benefit packages? What sort of advancement can you expect? Big one: Do you want to invest 10, 20 or 30 years in that field?
5. Always look for opportunities to enhance your education and skills. This will give you better career mobility within and external to your career field. If will be easier to switch careers if you have a broad package of education, skills and experience.
6. Know your limitations.
7. Having a foreign language BEFORE you apply for a job potentially saves that agency/company/organization money and may make you a more attractive hire. If you can’t, be alert for opportunities for company/agency/organizationally sponsored programs. If this isn’t possible, explore other options (company/agency sponsored training, self-financed course(s)).
8. Be prepared to take jobs you find less attractive and less satisfying in order to gain entry to the positions you do want.
Your first task after graduation is to get established in the field, even at entry-level. Once you have this stability, you can move on to address other issues.
As with any decision in your life, consider it carefully, weighing the pros and cons. Do not let yourself get rushed into decisions that will impact your life without careful deliberation.
Where you end up depends on choices you make.
GRADUATE STUDIES OPTIONS
Programs which build on your Government and Politics Undergraduate Degree include (these subjects were taken from actual programs offered in the U.S.):
Topical Programs
Conflict Resolution
Diplomacy
Foreign Service
Government
Intelligence Studies
Strategic Intelligence
International Business
International Development Policy
International Policy Studies
International Politics
International Relations
International Studies
International Trade Management
National Security Studies
Public Administration
Public Affairs
Public Policy
Policy Management
Security Policy
Security Studies
Statecraft and National Security Affairs
This short list of topical areas covers those interested in international careers, Non-governmental organization careers, U.S. National Security,
Government (Federal, State, Local), Business and industry and so on.
A less expensive option is to look for post-graduate “Certificate” programs in the above. You can use these to build on if you choose to pursue a Masters Degree later.
Area Studies programs are broken down into two types- Country and Regional. An example of the former would be a program in China Studies. With this, naturally, you should consider including a Chinese language course. Regional Studies would include East European Studies or Southeast Asian Studies for example. There are many of these programs available, look for ones that provide solid background in a country’s or region’s culture, history, politics etc. Avoid those which are nothing more than a pulpit for current
political issues.
Other Skill Enhancements
• Certificate programs in information science, information technology, computer science, gaining certification in one of these areas (example NOVELL certification in computer systems administration).
• Practical experience in a skill area of use in your career field of interest through volunteerism, internships and
Fellowships
DON’Ts
• Avoid coursework in narrow niche subjects of no practical use in the real world. They may be interesting to you but will have no value in applying for a job unless that job has a direct link to that niche course. 18th Century French Literature will not be of much use to someone
pursuing a business or humanitarian career in Asia for Africa.
• Do not pad your resume. It can be rejected if detected.
• Don’t make unreasonable demands or expectations during the hiring process. That is a turn-off to interviewers.
• Avoid inappropriate dress. Some agencies/companies have cultures which unofficially dictate a certain dress code. Its not a requirement but it is expected. It could damage advancement potential. Understanding the corporate culture is key identifying the work norm in an office in terms of dress and language. Some companies/agencies are fairly laid back; others may be rather stiff and formal.
• In an interview, do not appear hesitant, display lack of confidence in yourself or apologetic or show disinterest in the work as a career. Answer questions clearly and accurately.
A CAREER IN INTELLIGENCE
If you are interested in a career in Intelligence, craft your educational goals accordingly and ask yourself some important questions:
• Are you willing to undergo an extensive background check?
• Are you willing to subject yourself to periodic re-investigations and polygraph examinations?
If not, consider another career field. These are the price for a clearance, for access, for the job.
• Can I be impartial?
If not, do consider another field. Intelligence must be based on facts, not colored by political naiveté, ideology or personal feelings.
EDUCATION
Consider an Area Studies minor and learn a foreign language (preferably one in which linguists are in short supply). Apply for an internship at a Government agency or with a non-profit think tank that examines intelligence issues. The latter will provide some practical experience for your resume.
THE MILITARY ANGLE
If you are planning to join the military (Active, Reserve, National Guard), consider the Intelligence field. When your enlistment is up, you will have added specialized training and practical experience to your resume, not to mention a security clearance. All of this is marketable when seeking employment across most elements of the Government as well as private industry. And the education benefits can help you pursue graduate studies.
WHAT CAN THIS DO IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR?
Any company which has a need for personnel having a security clearance will view you more favorably if you have one and it is still active. Such a candidate would save that company thousands of dollars in clearance costs. These companies range from manufacturers (Boeing, Rockwell etc) to “think tanks” producing studies and assessments, training and contract staffing.
Ike likes CPS
A while back I got an email from an alum wondering if any standing presidents had been on the Puget Sound campus in previous years. JFK was at Cheney Field in 1963 as part of a joint convocation of UPS and PLU, but I don't believe he came to our school. One well known presidential visit, however, was Eisenhower, who spoke at CPS (as we were back then) in 1958. Here's an excerpt from his speech:
In expressing my appreciation to the College of Puget Sound for their great courtesy in allowing us to use this hall, I want to tell you that last evening I spent a great deal of time with two of your alumni, and I learned about your undefeated football team. So I guess it's in order for me to extend felicitations.
...To act wisely and effectively, at this most important time in the history of American education, our people must be alerted, even aroused, to the problems before us. I sometimes wonder whether we really realize how extraordinarily complicated our lives have become-even within the life that has been lived by the youngest of those here present-with radar, the jet airplane, with every kind of terrible bomb that the world can build. We have come to a time when this understanding must be pushed faster. Man's scientific genius seems to have out-raced his own intelligence and judgment in handling the products of his own inventiveness. This is a gap which we must overcome.
Read the whole thing here.
In expressing my appreciation to the College of Puget Sound for their great courtesy in allowing us to use this hall, I want to tell you that last evening I spent a great deal of time with two of your alumni, and I learned about your undefeated football team. So I guess it's in order for me to extend felicitations.
...To act wisely and effectively, at this most important time in the history of American education, our people must be alerted, even aroused, to the problems before us. I sometimes wonder whether we really realize how extraordinarily complicated our lives have become-even within the life that has been lived by the youngest of those here present-with radar, the jet airplane, with every kind of terrible bomb that the world can build. We have come to a time when this understanding must be pushed faster. Man's scientific genius seems to have out-raced his own intelligence and judgment in handling the products of his own inventiveness. This is a gap which we must overcome.
Read the whole thing here.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
International Forum for Democratic Studies Internship, DC
NOTE: We have a contact at NED. This is a great internship opportunity. Talk to Professor Weinberger if you are interested.
International Forum for Democratic Studies - Internship - Washington, DC, USA
Description:
The International Forum for Democratic Studies, the research arm of the National Endowment for Democracy, is a leading center for analysis of the theory and practice of democratic development worldwide. It is also a clearinghouse for information on the varied activities and experiences of groups and institutions working to achieve and maintain democracy around the world.
The International Forum is seeking advanced undergraduate or graduate students for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Forum internships, which are unpaid, provide students an excellent opportunity to improve their knowledge of democratization and international affairs and to develop and improve their research, writing, and computer skills.
Interns work with Forum staff to monitor important developments in the democratizing world and help plan and administer a busy research and conferences program.
Responsibilities:
. writing and editing features for the quarterly electronic newsletter of the Comparative Democratization section of the American Political Science Association
. conducting research and preparing brief reports and bibliographic essays on such issues as civil society and democracy, political finance and elections, political party reform, Islam and democracy, the democratic response to terrorism, social policy, and other topics, as needed
. helping develop the Network of Democracy Research Institutes through Internet research and writing
. writing and editing features for the research network's electronic newsletter and Web site
. assisting with administrative planning of Forum meetings and conferences
. other related tasks, as needed
Qualifications:
Although there is no required academic major, most Forum interns have majored in political science, international relations, or contemporary history. Applicants should have a strong interest in international affairs, U.S. foreign policy, and democracy as well as excellent research, writing, and computer skills. Students with foreign-language skills are particularly encouraged to apply.
To Apply for a Forum Internship:
Please send a cover letter, resume, two references, and brief writing sample to the contact below.
Intern Coordinator
International Forum for Democratic Studies
National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20004
forum@ned.org
Deadline for Spring 2008: November 15
Deadline for Summer 2008: March 15
Deadline for Fall 2008: July 15
International Forum for Democratic Studies - Internship - Washington, DC, USA
Description:
The International Forum for Democratic Studies, the research arm of the National Endowment for Democracy, is a leading center for analysis of the theory and practice of democratic development worldwide. It is also a clearinghouse for information on the varied activities and experiences of groups and institutions working to achieve and maintain democracy around the world.
The International Forum is seeking advanced undergraduate or graduate students for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Forum internships, which are unpaid, provide students an excellent opportunity to improve their knowledge of democratization and international affairs and to develop and improve their research, writing, and computer skills.
Interns work with Forum staff to monitor important developments in the democratizing world and help plan and administer a busy research and conferences program.
Responsibilities:
. writing and editing features for the quarterly electronic newsletter of the Comparative Democratization section of the American Political Science Association
. conducting research and preparing brief reports and bibliographic essays on such issues as civil society and democracy, political finance and elections, political party reform, Islam and democracy, the democratic response to terrorism, social policy, and other topics, as needed
. helping develop the Network of Democracy Research Institutes through Internet research and writing
. writing and editing features for the research network's electronic newsletter and Web site
. assisting with administrative planning of Forum meetings and conferences
. other related tasks, as needed
Qualifications:
Although there is no required academic major, most Forum interns have majored in political science, international relations, or contemporary history. Applicants should have a strong interest in international affairs, U.S. foreign policy, and democracy as well as excellent research, writing, and computer skills. Students with foreign-language skills are particularly encouraged to apply.
To Apply for a Forum Internship:
Please send a cover letter, resume, two references, and brief writing sample to the contact below.
Intern Coordinator
International Forum for Democratic Studies
National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20004
forum@ned.org
Deadline for Spring 2008: November 15
Deadline for Summer 2008: March 15
Deadline for Fall 2008: July 15
Chicago and Twin Cities alums: Professor Sousa Talk
Our own Professor Sousa will be doing the alum tour in Chicago and the Twin Cities:
“We Can Rearrange the World”: Democracy and Presidential Nominations from Chicago ‘68 to the Choices of ‘08
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
St. Paul Hotel
James J. Hill Room
350 Market Street, St. Paul, MN
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Skyline Room, 16th Floor
401 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
Professor Sousa notes that "the quote in the title is taken from a Crosby Stills Nash and Young song, Chicago, which was essentially a call to young people to travel to Chicago at the time of the convention to 'rearrange the world.' Things certainly did get rearranged."
“We Can Rearrange the World”: Democracy and Presidential Nominations from Chicago ‘68 to the Choices of ‘08
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
St. Paul Hotel
James J. Hill Room
350 Market Street, St. Paul, MN
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Skyline Room, 16th Floor
401 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
Professor Sousa notes that "the quote in the title is taken from a Crosby Stills Nash and Young song, Chicago, which was essentially a call to young people to travel to Chicago at the time of the convention to 'rearrange the world.' Things certainly did get rearranged."
Illinois State Student Conference
CALL FOR PAPERS:
The Sixteenth Annual
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE FOR STUDENTS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Conference website (and paper submission page):
http://www.politicsandgovernment.ilstu.edu/current/conferences/
Bone Student Center
Normal, Illinois
April 4, 2008
Draft paper deadline: February 17, 2008
Final Papers due: March 17, 2008
All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit papers for the sixteenth annual
Illinois Conference for Students of Political Science. We welcome papers on any topic related to
government and/or politics. All subfields and political perspectives are welcome.
Panelists at the previous conferences included 750 students attending
100 colleges and universities.
If you are interested in participating in this exciting event, please complete the online proposal
submission form or submit a cover letter, containing your contact information (including email address), your school, and the name of the faculty member with whom you are working, and a draft copy of your paper (or the actual paper) by February 17, 2008 to:
Dr. Gary Klass and Dr. George Kiser
4600 Department of Politics and Government
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4600.
Conference website (and submission page):
http://www.politicsandgovernment.ilstu.edu/current/conferences/
If you would like to serve as a discussant on a panel, please send a letter stating your interest and main areas of scholarly knowledge. E-mail submissions are welcome. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email: gmklass@Iilstu.edu or call us at (309) 438-8638.
The Sixteenth Annual
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE FOR STUDENTS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Conference website (and paper submission page):
http://www.politicsandgovernme
Bone Student Center
Normal, Illinois
April 4, 2008
Draft paper deadline: February 17, 2008
Final Papers due: March 17, 2008
All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit papers for the sixteenth annual
Illinois Conference for Students of Political Science. We welcome papers on any topic related to
government and/or politics. All subfields and political perspectives are welcome.
Panelists at the previous conferences included 750 students attending
100 colleges and universities.
If you are interested in participating in this exciting event, please complete the online proposal
submission form or submit a cover letter, containing your contact information (including email address), your school, and the name of the faculty member with whom you are working, and a draft copy of your paper (or the actual paper) by February 17, 2008 to:
Dr. Gary Klass and Dr. George Kiser
4600 Department of Politics and Government
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4600.
Conference website (and submission page):
http://www.politicsandgovernme
If you would like to serve as a discussant on a panel, please send a letter stating your interest and main areas of scholarly knowledge. E-mail submissions are welcome. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email: gmklass@Iilstu.edu or call us at (309) 438-8638.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Old Heidelberg
From Exit 133 ('96 PG alum Derek Young), news that the remnant letters on the old Heidelberg brewery downtown have been removed in advance of the building's demolition. Tacomans remember well this brewery from its heyday (1900-1979), and older alums likely drank a Heidelberg or two, perhaps from their keg-shaped stubby bottles? Another piece of Tacoma history fades away.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Fuel in the family
This came to me by way of Professor Sherman, since it's his father-in-law, Jeffrey Martin, who is one of the main scientists behind this project at Los Alamos. From the New York Times:
Scientists there say they have developed a way to produce truly carbon-neutral fuel and useful organic chemicals at large scale using water and carbon dioxide removed from the air as raw materials....One selling point with Los Alamos’s “Green Freedom” concept, and similar ones, is that reusing the carbon atoms in the captured CO2 molecules as a fuel ingredient avoids the need to find huge repositories for the greenhouse gas. The lab’s researchers, led by F. Jeffrey Martin, say their system could process vast volumes of air using existing giant structures like the cooling towers at nuclear power plants. No need to chop down rain forests or compete with food crops to grow carbon-grabbing fuel crops like corn or switchgrass.
Read the whole thing here. There's a second department connection; this work is being closely studied by the Air Force with the participation of Assistant Secretary Kevin Billings '77. Small world.
Scientists there say they have developed a way to produce truly carbon-neutral fuel and useful organic chemicals at large scale using water and carbon dioxide removed from the air as raw materials....One selling point with Los Alamos’s “Green Freedom” concept, and similar ones, is that reusing the carbon atoms in the captured CO2 molecules as a fuel ingredient avoids the need to find huge repositories for the greenhouse gas. The lab’s researchers, led by F. Jeffrey Martin, say their system could process vast volumes of air using existing giant structures like the cooling towers at nuclear power plants. No need to chop down rain forests or compete with food crops to grow carbon-grabbing fuel crops like corn or switchgrass.
Read the whole thing here. There's a second department connection; this work is being closely studied by the Air Force with the participation of Assistant Secretary Kevin Billings '77. Small world.
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