How Internships & Fellowships Shape Political Science Careers

Madhulika Banerjee, Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Delhi, in an interaction with Grena, Correspondent, Higher Education Review magazine, talks about the impact of internships and fellowships in political science. She states that the LAMP Fellowship is one such opportunity that allows students to better understand how legislatures work, develop analytical and critical thinking skills, and pursue a career path outside of teaching and civil services positions, bridging the gap between academic study and real-world practice.

Madhulika Banerjee is a prominent professor and researcher in political science with forty years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. Her interests focus on connecting higher learning to real-world development practice, motivating students to be engaged with activists to effect social change, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that inquire into traditional knowledge and climate action.

What types of fellowships offer the most impactful career exposure for aspiring political analysts and policymakers?

Political science students are often assumed to become political analysts or policy makers, but their scope extends beyond that. Some fellowships have some direct relation to policy making and political analysis. People assume that as soon as a person is elected, they can make laws, but it doesn’t work that way. It helps if a legislator has a team that can explain how laws are made, what components go into them, what is left out, and who should be consulted for inputs. Political science students can contribute effectively in such teams.

A notable program activity is the LAMP Fellowship, offered by PRS Legislative Research, which allows individuals to work with Members of Parliament. This fellowship supports them to understand the legislative process and the complexities of policymaking, which is key to their professional development. In addition to this, there are organizations engaged in political education and electoral analysis, helping to understand electoral dynamics and campaign strategies.

Policymaking in India has long been dominated by economists, because policy has been viewed primarily in terms of economic development. Therefore, few political scientists make it to policy. The perspective has been changing, and many are trying to strengthen their role. Some students have formed policy collectives in DU colleges and the postgraduate department, where they learn from varying sources and develop skills.

How can students identify and apply for global opportunities that align with their political interests and career goals?

Most students begin through a civil society organization, gain experience, and later find collaborations or training opportunities abroad. This depends entirely on individual initiative since there is no established structure or pattern of internships for political science students. In contrast, fields such as social work or management have clear markets and job space. They can facilitate internships and placements because they are considered professional degrees. Political science does not have that structure.

By default, most political science students move toward two streams: teaching and the civil service. Teaching is often considered an easy choice, though there is little focus on formal training or pedagogy. Those who wish to teach at college or university levels pursue higher studies such as PhD. Others with a bachelor’s degree often teach at schools, once they have another degree in education.

The second stream is government and civil service exams - for administrative or banking jobs. However, only a small percentage succeeds, while the rest struggle to find appropriate opportunities. This is unfortunate because political science trains students in critical thinking and analytical skills, which are useful in various areas.

Universities and departments rarely view their students as employable based on these skills. However, graduates are able to apply their capabilities and possibilities to civil society organizations, media, and publishing. Social science publishing too requires deep understanding, editing, and research abilities.

However, many institutions and teachers do not consider employability. There remains a traditional belief that universities are meant only to build thinkers, not professionals. But it is possible to be both thinking individual and employable. Students who take initiative and explore beyond conventional streams often perform very well.

What skills gained through internships and fellowships are most valued by employers in political and governmental sectors?

In government sectors, hiring does not occur in the corporate model of hiring someone based on skills. Entry happens through competitive examinations, and once selected, candidates receive in-service training as per government expectations. Hence, there is no direct link between degree-based training and employability.

The corporate model of hiring based on previously learned skills does not apply to the social sciences. In civil society, media, and public policy sectors, employers often appreciate political science students for their temperament, critical understanding, and analytical ability. Many employers recognize that political science graduates possess the appropriate attitudes and competencies aligned with research and analysis. However, few university departments intentionally develop courses that cultivate these attributes. There is a gap between academic training and field expectations.

Despite that, social sciences do build abilities such as critical thinking, argumentation, evaluation of perspectives, and understanding of policies, which are highly valued. Whenever employers in media or civil society sectors hire political science students, they find them capable and adaptable.

What role do mentorship and networking during internships play in building a strong foundation for a political career?

A political career has nothing to do with studying political science. Most people who enter politics do not have a background in political science. There is no direct relationship between the study of political science and a career in politics or policy. Most political science students consider teaching or civil services as realistic paths to employment. Very few pursue political work, and there are no specific structure internships or mentorships available to guide students toward political careers.

This gap highlights a larger concern-as one of the largest departments in many universities, the political science discipline is provided with little emphasis on strengthening academic learning with practical engagement in politics or policy. Political science as a discipline is designed to build an understanding of power, political institutions, and governance, rather than training students for specific roles in politics. To render the education system more effective, there is need for reoriented training, better teacher preparation, and an updated perspective on how the subject can translate into real-world impact.

Traditional mentorship and internships might not apply here; education in political science still fosters important intellectual skills. It prepares students to think historically and critically, where to be critical means to truly understand and consider varying perspectives and alternatives. Such critical thinking allows students to explore issues from many perspectives and develop innovative solutions. Therefore, while the conventional idea of mentorship may be absent, the discipline itself equips students with cognitive and analytical foundations essential for success in varied fields such as education, governance, civil society, and media.