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Department of Political Science

Study and Career

Study and Career

Find updates on our study programs, current information, and details about informational events on the Study Program News section of our webpage.

We are committed to ensuring that our students are optimally qualified for a diverse range of jobs after their studies. Therefore, we offer tailored additional options for each program, where study and practical experience are ideally integrated, such as internships or Capstone courses. Through career discussions, which we organize in collaboration with the Polito Student Association, you can directly engage with our former students to discuss jobs and career fields.

Here is what our alumni say. (PDF, 3 MB)

Internships

In the Bachelor’s Program

During the Bachelor's program, you have the opportunity to undertake an internship in various sectors such as the private sector, public administration, non-profit organizations, etc., and earn three ECTS for it. It is important to us that the internship is related to political science. This way, our students gain early exposure to different fields for their future careers and acquire initial competencies and relevant contacts for entering the job market.

The internship is optional and is preferably completed during the semester breaks to avoid any loss of study time. It is also possible to undertake an internship for an extended period (including during the semester); however, this may extend the duration of your studies.

Your proactive approach is crucial in searching for an internship. While the IPZ does not directly arrange internships, we provide advice to students who have questions about their internship. Note: An internship must be arranged in advance; credits cannot be granted retroactively. For further information on the process, please refer to the following guidelines.

Here you will find a letter of recommendation from the institute to support you in your search for an internship. Handout Praktika_ab HS24_BA_en (PDF, 96 KB)

In the Master’s Program

The objective of the internship in the Master's program is to delve even deeper into professional life. The internship can be completed at a research institution, in the business sector, non-profit sector, or public sector, provided it is related to the study of political science. It is important that the internship promotes self-initiative, independence, and has a clear project relevance.

The internship is optional and is preferably completed during the semester breaks to avoid any loss of study time. It is also possible to undertake an internship for an extended period (including during the semester); however, this may extend the duration of the studies.

In the Master's program, an internship is awarded 6 ECTS.

Internships Abroad: Swiss-European Mobility Program (SEMP, formerly Erasmus) 

In general, internships completed abroad can also be recognized. Within the SEMP program, it is possible to undertake an internship at a university or a company in Europe and receive a scholarship for it. Here, you can find information about internships under the SEMP program, as well as access to the current application form.

International Internships 

Ever thought about travelling around the world with an internship in political science? Here, you can explore all the internships completed since the start of our internship programs at IPZ. Some students have even shared their reports with us. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the experiences of your fellow students.

Everyone unanimously agrees: an internship is always valuable, allowing you to explore various exciting professional domains before fully committing to a livelihood job. Embark on a professional exploration journey and take a look around!

Earning ECTS credits for an internship: Step by step

Your proactive approach as a student is essential in seeking an internship. While the IPZ does not directly arrange internships, we provide advice to students who have questions about their internship, including personal consultations if desired. The IPZ must approve an internship in advance to ensure its relevance to political science. Without prior approval from the IPZ, ECTS cannot be awarded later. At the end of the internship, an internship report must be prepared. Additionally, a certificate of employment from the internship provider must be submitted, providing information on the duration, employment rate, and internship content, particularly the tasks carried out independently during the internship. More information and templates can be found in our Internship Guide BA and Internship Guide MA.

Capstones

Capstone Courses for advanced master's students provide the perfect bridge to professional practice after your studies. In these courses, you independently work with other students on a specific project for a client from the business or public sector.

Click on the link below to learn more about our Capstone Courses.

Alumni

Make sure to join the UZH Alumni Organization - it's worthwhile in every aspect

In addition to our networking events at IPZ, the Zurich Political Science Association organizes special formats to connect with IPZ alumni.

Contacts: Who can assist you?

The UZH Career Services offer students support regarding career and jobs. In addition to various events with potential employers, such as career discussions with former students or business lunches with representatives from well-known companies like UBS, SBB, or Deloitte, there is a job board and profiles of employers. Guidance and support for career planning, application documents, and procedures are also part of the services offered by Career Services. You can find more details on the Career Services' website.

The UZH Career Services also operate a job board.

The monthly “Career Empowerment Program” by the UZH Career Services aims to support you in preparing for your career entry. It is designed to guide and motivate you, providing resources and feedback. Seize this opportunity for your career launch!

Learn more about the Career Empowerment Program.

If, alongside your studies, you have more than one part-time job or can only study with a reduced workload for other reasons, you can find the relevant memo from UZH / Central Student Advisory Service here.

If you have further questions, please contact

Coordination Internship Programs
Naome Czisch
studium@ipz.uzh.ch
University of Zurich
Institut für Politikwissenschaft
Affolternstrasse 56
CH-8050 Zurich