»Where Political Science Can Take You

Political science students are strongly encouraged to pursue internships. Students can receive course credit for the internships they complete. Wilkinson College’s career advisor provides support to students in finding and applying for internships in their areas of interest. In recent years, political science students have interned at organizations including:

Conner Moses
Conner Moses '26
Congressional Intern for the U.S. House of Representatives
"During my internship, I supported Congressman Pete Aguilar’s DC office by conducting legislative research, drafting correspondence, and assisting with constituent services. This experience has been incredibly fulfilling as it allowed me to contribute directly to the work of the Democratic Caucus Chairman while gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process."
Timea Steingart
Timea Steingart '26
Editorial Intern at POLITICO
“As an Editorial Intern at POLITICO Magazine, I supported the editorial team through research, fact-checking, and reporting for the Politico Nightly and Women Rule newsletters, helping shape stories that reached a national audience.”
Declan McDaniels
Declan McDaniels '26
Communications and Digital Intern at The California Governor's Office
“This internship has been an incredible opportunity where I contributed to press releases, media monitoring, and digital content creation. The experience gave me a strong foundation for pursuing future roles in government and communications.”
Ella Bartsch
Ella Bartsch '26
Programs Intern at The World Affairs Council of Orange County
“This internship has been an incredible experience, giving me the chance to work closely with an inspiring CEO and a supportive team of interns. I contributed to developing webinar programs and engaged directly with distinguished speakers, including ambassadors, former USAID professionals, and experts in space law. This experience has given me valuable hands-on experience in program development and professional experience!”

Toggle Section

Career Resources

Chapman University and the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Career Resources are proud to offer comprehensive personalized career services for students and alumni. Wilkinson students and alumni not only enjoy access to university-wide career services with Career and Professional Development but also program- and industry-specific support with their Wilkinson College Career Advisor, Erin Berthon.

Explore Political Science Career Resources

Alumni

Past political science students have achieved great success in fields such as law, business, politics, journalism, and academia following graduation. The diverse education and universal skillset they attained in the political science program gave them the necessary tools to pursue graduate-level education and/or obtain careers in competitive job markets. Many of these alumni stay connected with the department, providing opportunities for undergraduate students to learn from and form relationships with experienced professionals.
Savanna Olson in a gray blaser with white shirt.
Savanna Olson Stern ‘14
Manager of State & Local Public Policy for Amazon
“In my role I lead 50 state policies for all customer trust and small business issues. I would not be where I am today if it was not for Chapman University and my political science major. Through Chapman I was introduced to my mentor Kyndell Gaglio (Chapman Law Grad) who assisted me with internships and eventually became my first post-grad boss.”
Tyler King in a suite with gray background.
Tyler Kring ‘15
Employment Attorney at Kring & Chung, LLP
“Majoring in Political Science at CU played a large role in my decision to practice law. I was instantly surrounded by classmates who had similar interests, many of whom are still my close friends. The professors and department were extremely supportive and helpful with providing resources to allow me to make an informed decision about my career."
Donovan droege with a white button down shirt and black tank top.
Donovan Long Droege ‘20
Freelance Copywriter and Public Relations Specialist
“Political science helped me develop the writing skills, logical thinking, and political perception I need to contextualize each of my clients' projects in the wider media sphere. The material I read and the professors I learned from empowered me to approach every unique writing and PR assignment with confidence and professionalism."
Connor Traut in a grey suit with white shirt and blue tie.
Connor Traut ‘16
Council Member, City of Buena Park - Trial Attorney
“Chapman University taught me how to effectively lead. My incredible Political Science professors were the caring mentors who further ignited my spark to serve and helped pave my life's path. I have had success in local governance, and the courtroom, thanks to the skills, knowledge, and relationships gained from my degree.”
Lorig Yaghesezian with a dress and a stole between two brick pillars.
Lorig Yaghsezian ‘20
Management fellow for the city of Newport Beach
“The classes in the political science degree at Chapman helped me discover my passion for local government. The faculty and staff helped me make my passion a reality by giving me additional advice on the best masters programs and starting jobs to expect post graduation.”
Philip Goodrich standing in front of memorial hall with white shirt and Chapman stole.
Philip Goodrich ‘22
Graduate Student at UCLA working towards his M.Ed. in Student Affairs
“My studies in Political Science have proven to be incredibly useful, both in my work in student affairs and in my life in general. By being exposed to Constitutional law, political philosophy, and American government, I have been better equipped to navigate the legal and political aspects of higher education."
Grace Papish stadning infront of green bushes with the sky behind her in a purple dress.
Grace Papish ‘20
Marketing and Communications Specialist at Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP
“My education strengthened my writing skills and ability to breakdown complex legal issues. I had a great introduction to the law in Dr. Compton’s Constitutional Law class.”
Erisa Castillo standing on Champan campus in a white dress with Chapman stole.
Erisa Castillo ‘22
Graduate Student at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in the M.A Program in the Department of History in the College of Arts, Languages, and Letters
“My degree in Political Science allowed me to look at new perspectives and find new ways to examine various movements and phenomena within History. Both of my degrees allowed me to also see the different intersections within subject fields, which is currently aiding my M.A journey.”
Syd Kotar in black shirt with long blonde hair.
Syd Kotar ‘19
Freelance Sustainability Consultant
“I am in Barcelona directly due to my political science degree and the work that I did in the Henley Lab with Dr. Gordon. I recently finished a fellowship program here working in international science diplomacy conducting extremely similar research and analyses. The support the department gave me through course knowledge, letters of recommendati...