Harrisburg Semester: Policy Making in Harrisburg

Internships and Seminars

Institute for Public AffairsTemple University

The Pennsylvania Capital Semestergovernment affairs, policymaking, program implementation, media relations, economic development and more in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

1What is the Capital Semester Program in Harrisburg?Includes internship, internship seminar including policy analysis, and state government and politics courseModeled on idea of study abroadtotal immersion in state institutions and the world of state politics, policymaking, media relations and policy implementationInternship placements in executive branch agencies, the state legislature, media outlets, and government-related private and non-profit employersUniversity-wide program for undergraduates of any majorFall academic term only

2Why do an internship?High value of experiential learningSuccessful transition from academia to world of workGain marketable skill set Build resume & portfolioDevelop self-confidence, refine career goalsInternships are a key path to government related employment

Pennsylvania Capital Semester students meet with Governor Rendell3What Majors and areas of interest are covered by The Pennsylvania Capital Semester?Political ScienceCommunicationsCriminal JusticeJournalismEconomic Development Information Systems TechnologyGeography-GISLiberal ArtsPublic PolicyHistoryLobbying and Public AdvocacyLocal GovernmentPlanningFinance & EconomicsEnvironmentAnd MORE !

Just ask! The possibilities in government and related areas are nearly endless.

Internship PlacementsState legislatureState executive agencies/departmentsEconomic development organizationsLobbying firms and associationsNon-profitsIssue advocacy organizationsMedia and media relations offices/firmsPLUS all the advantages of a guided searchTemple makes the initial contacts and sets up interviews

Apply EARLY for best choice and a good fit!

5Paid or Unpaid Internships?Some internships are paid; some are notThe state executive branch has recently suspended paid internships due to the economic crisis and resulting revenue shortfalls.For students taking unpaid internships, remember, the experience gained is invaluable, and you are earning course credit!

What Will I Be Doing?Depending on placement, interns will work on specific legislation, legislative analysis, constituent service, policy research, organizing meetings, public relations, grassroots campaigns, special events, press releases, writing newsletters, economic development projects, writing news stories, reporting on legislative hearings, lobbying, advocacy for particular policies/groups, information systems or web design & maintenance.

Regardless of internship placement, everyone will have opportunities to meet some movers and shakers, lunch at Harrisburg hot spots, tour the State Capitol and to experience, first-hand, the Harrisburg political scene.

7Beyond the Job . . . Your internship may involve activities outside the normal work day (fundraisers, receptions, special events)You might sit in on legislative sessions, committee hearings, political events and news conferences - even if its not part of your job. (We will help make arrangements with your placement supervisor)

8Academic Requirements for Admission to the ProgramJunior or senior by the beginning of your internship semester

A minimum GPA of 3.0

Completed PS 1101, The American Political System, by the beginning of your internship semester, or an equivalent course

Pennsylvania Capital Semester student, Daniel Goldstein9Academic Requirements for Admission to the ProgramTalk to your academic advisor about how the program coursework and internship credits fit into the graduation requirements for your majorFor example, Political Science majors may count 6 credits of internship experience toward the major, the rest (if any) count toward graduation Internship credits and how they are counted toward majors vary by department and collegeTALK TO YOUR ADVISORTALK TO THE IPA

Additional Requirements to Aid the Internship Placement Process (to be shared with prospective placements)An Updated ResumeIf you need resume help, contact Temples Career Center www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/careercenter/ . We strongly urge you to have your resume critiqued by professionals. PROOFREAD.

A Writing Sample of 3-10 pages to be shared with prospective placements. Choose something submitted for another class that shows your skill as a writer. PROOFREAD.

Two Recommendations letters, in a form provided by the program, at least two from faculty and/or previous employers

11Course includes: Strategies for getting the most out of an internship A context for the internship experience --the basic interactions between the public and private sectors at the federal, state and local level Special section on policy analysis, including a final project analyzing state policy Special focus on interaction between the state executive branch; legislature and the legislative process; nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobbying or trade associations; and local economic development organizations. Extensive use of guest lecturers

Instructor: Michael Cassidy, Executive Director Office of the Democratic Caucus ChairmanPennsylvania House of Representatives

A policy analyst, former legislator and expert on the legislative process with over thirty years experience in speech writing, issue research, media relations, coalition building, campaign management and strategy. Currently teaches at Penn State-Harrisburg and Temple University. He has a B.A. in Political Science from Penn State -University Park and a M.A. in American Studies from Penn State -Harrisburg. He also serves on the Executive Council of the PA Political Science Association and is the Managing Editor of COMMONWEALTH: A Journal of Political Science.Capital Semester Internship SeminarPS 2107: Public-Private Cooperation in Public Policymaking and Program Implementation

12Professor: Michael R. King, Ph.D. Former Executive Director, Legislative Office for Research Liaison PA House of RepresentativesFormerly an Associate Professor of Political Science at Penn State - University Park, Dr. King has written books and articles on critical elections and political realignments in America, state legislative recruitment, legislative staffing, legislative professionalization and state electoral politics. He serves on the Executive Committees of the National and the Eastern Regional Conference of the Council of State Governments and is chair of the Eastern Regional Legislative Service Agency Director's Group of the Council of State Governments. He holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Oregon.Course objectives:Examine the institutions, politics and policy making of American state governments with special emphasis on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.Determine the states special place in the structure of American federalism and how this has changed over time.Explore the similarities and differences in the governmental designs, problems faced and the institutional, social and economic conditions in which the states operate.Identify and explain why state governments often produce different solutions to similar problems.

Capital Semester Internship SeminarPS 3107: State Politics and Policy

Experience Harrisburg in the FallWhitaker Performance TheaterWhitaker Center IMAXNightlife on Restaurant RowRiverfront Park eventsHarrisburg Stampede Arena FootballAMTRAK line to Philly and NYCHershey ParkHershey Bears HockeyHershey Giant Center Concerts

14Where Will I Live?International House in Downtown Harrisburg (Temple arranged housing) general info at http://www.ihousehbg.org/ Home or with area relativesOther housing in Harrisburg

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I-House Served over 700 students representing more than 70 Countries University Partnerships with HACC, PSU, SSHE, HU, Temple Artists In Residence with Open Stage and Theatre Harrisburg International Interns with State Government and Private employers Great Community Atmosphere with up to 86 residents

http://www.ihousehbg.org/

16Other Benefits of the Program A guided orientation to Harrisburg, the Capitol and more

$500 award at the end of September

Free meals included on class nights

Learning in the internship and in the classroom

How to ApplyGo to http://www.temple.edu/ipa for more information and application formsContact:Michelle J. AthertonAssistant Director, Institute for Public Affairs mjather@temple.eduTo discuss internship placement options

Contact: Michael Cassidy, Program Administrator and Seminar Instructor mcassidy@pahouse.net

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