As a unique feature of the Master of Arts in Public Affairs and Political Communications, students will work as interns in a government institution for up to fifteen hours a week throughout Semesters 1 and 2. It is anticipated that this internship will provide a unique opportunity for students to familiarize themselves and gain knowledge and experience of a major Irish political institution and will complement the academic work involved in the Master of Arts in Public Affairs and Political Communications.
The student will gain sufficient initial experience of public affairs practice, whether in a political or corporate context, to adequately prepare them to launch their careers. Through the work experience of acting as an intern within a government institution, the student will begin to develop the skills and disciplines necessary to begin building a career in public affairs. The student will also have the opportunity to observe the need for both management expertise and creativity within public affairs. This learning experience will also give the student an opportunity to network within Irish public affairs.
Outline
Students will be briefed both within class and within Leinster House about what the Internship will entail. Prior to this, the lecturer will determine which TDs or Senators would be willing to undertake mentoring an intern for the academic year and assign students in order to coordinate political affiliations, areas of policy interest and constituency location, if possible. Students will be advised about the protocols of Leinster House and the appropriate behaviour required. Work assignments will be provided by individual Deputies or Senators and/or their Parliamentary Assistants.
The internship is a self-directed module carried out in the office of a member of the Oireachtas.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |