» 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:

Emily Veloz ‘24
Greater Justice New York Intern at the Vera Institute of Justice
“Throughout this internship, I was primarily responsible for researching and summarizing data, drafting op-eds, and formulating policy memos all relating to mass incarceration in New York City.”
Claire Weber ‘23
Production intern on the TODAY Show
“This internship has truly been such an amazing experience and I can confidently say it is setting me up for success in my future career path! I work alongside a team of 12 producers and assist them with collecting visual story elements, researching story information, transcribing interviews and press conferences for soundbites.”
Sam Andrus ‘23
Legislative Intern at the American Bar Association
“I am working with the Governmental Affairs Office of the American Bar Association in DC. I worked with them over the summer in person and was asked to return remotely. My internship involves legislative tracking, research, and writing articles. I also met weekly with the team of lobbyists to learn more about the legislative agenda and process.”

Toggle Section

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 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 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 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 ‘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 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 ‘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 ‘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 ‘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 ‘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...