Institute of Politics

  • Internships & Careers
  • About Summer Internships

About Summer Internships

Every Summer, the IOP funds hundreds of full-time internships and provides dozens of partial stipends so students can explore careers in and around politics.

Full-Time Internships

Full-time Summer internship applications will open during the latter half of the Fall quarter on a rolling basis, with a new batch of applications opening each month.

Applications are due in the middle of each month, with the deadline listed. See currently available internships on the Internship Hub.

IOP-funded full-time interns work for 320 hours (40 hours per week for 8 weeks) and receive a stipend of $5,500 from the IOP. In some cases, employers will supplement this stipend. Internship modality ranges from fully remote to fully in-person. The IOP prioritizes internships with in-person and hybrid modalities.

International students are eligible for IOP internships if they have received their U.S. work authorization. Typically, international students qualify for IOP internships, with the exception of first year international undergraduate and graduate students, who typically need to enroll for at least three quarters before obtaining work authorization. For more information, visit the UChicago Office of International Affairs.

Partial Internship Stipends

Students seeking financial support for unpaid or underfunded internships in public service: apply for IOP funding! Students may receive up to $2,500 in support.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through mid-May. See form for additional information. Please note that this form is only open for people with a UChicago email.

If a student already has funding from an internship employer or another organization, the IOP can supplement a student's internship so that their total compensation equals $5,500. Please note that the University's 501(c)(3) tax status prohibits the IOP from funding students working directly on a candidate's campaign.

Summer Programming in D.C. & Chicago

During the Summer, the IOP Career Development team will host career workshops, social events, remote coworking meet-ups, and networking opportunities in our hubs in DC and Chicago.

Interns will receive more information about programming during the spring quarter.

Pitch Your Internship Ideas

The Institute of Politics wants to know what type of internships you're most interested in!

Fill out this short form to pitch us on your internship ideas for Summer 2024. An IOP Career Development team member may contact you for more information.

Have Questions?

Name
Newsletter Form

Stay Informed

Our emails are the best way to keep up-to-date on all of our events and programming.

Subscribe