Frequently Asked Questions

Q.- Why should I apply to the Sacramento Internship Program this summer versus the other internship programs available?
A.-The Sacramento Internship Program allows you to experience and explore a wide variety of career opportunities available to you with the convenience of staying close to home (or without traveling out of state) this summer. It is an especially great program for those who are interested in public policy at the state level and want to be exposed to California laws and decisions up close.  However, the internship opportunities are not limited to strictly political experiences. This Program is best for students who are looking for an Internship during the summer if they do not want to miss an academic quarter. It is also not an academic program so there will be no coursework involved, however you may be able to receive units for your academic school. Also, this program is a great stepping-stone if you plan on applying for future internship programs by giving you the experience you need to stand out among the other applicants.  

Q.-Does financial aid cover the Sacramento Internship Program?
A.-Financial aid does not cover the Sacramento Program because it takes place in the summer. However, our goal this year is to provide many opportunities for the interns to fundraise money that will go toward their Sacramento funds.

Q.-Are there opportunities available in Sacramento other than legislative and politics-related?
A.-Yes! There are many opportunities available in Sacramento besides legislative and politics related. Some of the internships may in include the Department of Education or Agriculture, many non-profit organizations which specializations can vary from the environment to working for underprivileged youth. Other internships involve media and journalistic related fields such as interning for local radio and news stations as well as local newspapers. There are many options available and it is not limited to what the coordinator has provided. Interns are encouraged to conduct their own independent research to find an internship suited for you.  Check out where past our SIP alumni have interned!

Q.-How long is the Sacramento Internship Program?
A.-The internship program lasts 10 weeks. This includes the day you move in to the day you move out of the Sacramento Apartments.

Q.-Where do students live when they are in Sacramento?
A.-In the past, students have lived in furnished apartment complexes such as the Adagio Suites or Larkspur woods.  Both apartments have been found to be compatible with the interns needs. Irvine Interns have even stayed with other UC students. 

Q.-What is there to do in Sacramento?
A.-The city of Sacramento is full of culture, history, and fantastic experiences which provide an array of diverse opportunities.  Whether you are looking for a great night life or to satisfy a more adventurous side, Sacramento has many award-wining restaurants of all cuisines, great shopping and museums, as well as rafting down the American River, hiking, and River Cats baseball games. Sacramento is an essential icon in California’s history and offers many opportunities to explore its fascinating past, such as the train museum and Sutter’s Fort.  Along with the exciting experiences you will enjoy while living and working in Sacramento, you will also have the benefit of being close to many other amazing opportunities just outside of Sacramento. In the past, students have traveled to places like Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, theme parks, Jelly Belly Factory, and San Francisco. With so many amazing things to do within Sacramento and it's surrounding cities, you and your apartment mates will have plenty of wonderful stories to tell when the summer is done.

Q.-Do students intern part-time or full-time?
A.-Most students intern full-time at their job locations. However, this option is up to you and your internship sites requirements. Most internship locations have required at least 15-20 hours a week, but again this will vary from site to site.

Q.-Can I have more than one internship?
A.-In the past, we have had students intern at two locations. This option is available for the individual who is willing to do this. It has been recommended by interns because you get the experience of both sites. Some have interned in the Capital part-time and then spent the other half at a non-profit organization. This option is very possible and open to those interested.

Q.-How will I get around Sacramento if I do not have a car?
A.-Some apartments have a bus stop located right outside of the complex. Many students have recommended this over driving into Downtown Sacramento due to the increasing morning and afternoon traffic. Not only are there buses that are convenient to use but also a light rail system used in Sacramento. It is similar to the Bart system in San Francisco and is just as easy to use. Most internship locations can provide a written letter so that you can get your monthly passes to both public transportations reduced by more than half its original price.

Q.-How do I find an internship in Sacramento?
A.-Finding an internship in Sacramento will be made easy with the help of the coordinator. Once you have been accepted to the program, you will be granted access to the internship database that is updated on a regular basis. This will include all internships that the program coordinator has discovered and are available for the interns to apply to. However, do not limit yourself to just this. If you do not find any internships in the database that suit your interests, you can ask the coordinator for help in locating one that would suit you better. There are numerous web sites as well as directories for your reference. Therefore, you are encouraged to look up internships on your own as well. The coordinator is your biggest resource - so don't be afraid to ask for help.

Q.-Can I earn units for my internship?
A.-Your major and the individual academic department may allow you to earn units for your internship. Please contact your counselor for further information on this credit availability. If you are affiliated with the school of Social Ecology, many students choose to use their internship to fulfill their field study requirement. Please speak to your Field Study Coordinator before spring quarter to get approval.  Secondly, individuals can approach a faculty member on a 199 Independent Study for the summer. 


Q.-Will I get help on my resume and interviewing skills?
A.-Once you have been accepted into the SIP program there will be several meetings held during winter and spring quarters to help prepare you for your internship search. We will be critiquing your resumes and cover letters as well as preparing you for in person and telephone interviews. We are here to help you as much as possible for your summer internship.

Q.-What are some things I will do as an Intern?
A.-Depending on your internship locations, your duties can range from writing press releases to attending rallies. Your supervisor at the internship sites assigns all tasks, but many students have had very interesting and educational responsibilities allocated to them. Some of the basic clerical duties are also common.  These include tasks such as answering phones, responding to constituent mail, attending hearings and research. You will learn that what you put into your internship is what you will get out of it. Therefore, we strongly encourage students to approach their supervisors for additional assignments and projects.

Q.-If I am studying abroad during fall, winter, and/or spring quarter, can I still apply to the Summer Program?
A.-We do encourage you to apply for the program however, as a student abroad you may face several obstacles. During the recruiting and application process for the Sacramento Internship Program, we request that students be present for the interview. However, since this may not be feasible, interviews may be conducted via telephone. In the past, we have had difficulty contacting students internationally. If you are accepted into the Sacramento Internship Program, we meet regularly throughout winter and spring quarters in an effort to help all interns prepare for their experience in Sacramento. This is also an opportunity for students to get to know their peers with whom they will be traveling to Sacramento. You may also be at a slight disadvantage throughout the application to internships in Sacramento as most of them take place via telephone. It has been done before but it will just require more work and dedication on your behalf.

Q.-What if I am a Freshmen and I do not have a transcript yet?
A.-In this situation, you may instead submit your high school transcripts. This is just a way for us to gage how well you did in school while still involved with other activities.