The Travers Family Undergraduate Fellowship Program at the Commonwealth Club

Thanks to a generous grant from the Travers Family, the Department of Political Science and the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco are pleased to announce the Travers Program Fellowship. This Fellowship will be awarded to two qualified Political Science majors. The two successful candidates will work in one of two programs which are described below. The fellowship will be one semester in length and will be offered three times a year (fall, spring, and summer).

The Commonwealth Club is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. This is an excellent opportunity for students considering a career in non-profit or media-related work. Students will be able to interface with leading figures from politics, media, academia, and the arts.

Programming Fellowship:
The Program Fellow will work with the Club's Program staff on a variety of projects including (but not limited to) background research on upcoming speakers and program topics, drafting correspondence, and organizing data collected on Programming activities. Other responsibilities will revolve around the different steps in following a proposal through to a program and in the management of the actual event. The ideal candidate should have a strong command of current events and world history. They should also be comfortable interacting with a variety of personalities, conducting cold calls for contact research and follow up, and be adept with Microsoft Office Suite. Programming Fellows are expected to participate in at least one program each week (most often in the evening). This internship is based at San Francisco office of The Commonwealth Club, with occasional travel to other locations in connection with programs.

INFORUM Fellowship:
INFORUM is a division of the Commonwealth Club programming by and for people in their 20s and 30s with a mission to inspire debate around civic issues. The INFORUM Fellow will work in much of the same capacity as the Programming Fellow, researching speakers, drafting correspondence, and managing data but with an expanded role in the marketing and public relations of our programs. INFORUM operates on a more grassroots level model and relies on every team member for a significant contribution to our programs and department. The fellows have the opportunity to lead more individual projects and to manage the degree of their accomplishments and workload. Candidates should have very strong writing skills and a lot of personal initiative. While every fellow is welcome to attend and participate in the INFORUM programs, they are not required to do so as part of the fellowship.

Hours and Duration of Internships:
Depending on the program, the hours and duration of the internships may vary somewhat. In general, the fall and spring semester interns will work 10-12 hours per week for 16 weeks (Sept-Dec or Jan-May). The summer interns will work 20-30 hours per week for 8 weeks (June-July).

Qualifications:

  • Excellent reading and writing skills

  • Eye for detail and strong proofreading skills

  • Good Internet research and word processing skills

  • Interest in the non-profit sector

Benefits:

  • Hourly compensation and travel reimbursement

  • Exposure to regional, national, international issues and leaders

  • Unparalleled networking opportunities and job development skills

  • Opportunity to attend unlimited Club events gratis

  • A fun and engaging work environment

  • One-year membership in The Commonwealth Club, following completion of the Fellowship

  • One or more informal gatherings with the Club's senior staff and/or Board Members to discuss current public policy issues, career opportunities and issues related to non-profit organizations.

Stipend:
Travers Fellows will receive financial remuneration of $12.00 per hour, plus travel expenses.

Eligibility:
Students must have completed at least one full semester at UC Berkeley and be currently declared Political Science majors.

Applications:
A complete application consists of the two sets (an original and a copy) of the following:

  1. A cover letter addressed to the Travers Fellowship Program at the Commonwealth Club. Include your name, SID#, telephone number(s), and email address. Please be sure to indicate desired semester (fall, spring, or summer) and which internship you are applying for: Programming or INFORUM.

  2. A resume.

  3. A brief essay that discusses your interest in and plans for public service or political life. This essay should not exceed one page, or approximately 400 words. Longer essays will not be read.

  4. A complete UC Berkeley academic transcript (unofficial, Bear Facts transcripts are acceptable). Transfer students need not submit transcripts from previous schools attended; only the UC Berkeley transcript is required.

Deadlines:
Complete applications should be addressed to the Travers Fellowship Committee and delivered to the Political Science Undergraduate Advising Office, 296 Barrows by 4pm on the following dates:

  • For Summer Fellowships: Monday, March 10, 2008.
  • For Fall Fellowships: March/ April, 2008. Date TBA

  • For Spring Fellowships: November, 2008. Date TBA

Selection Process:
Candidates for the fellowship will be chosen by a faculty committee within the Department of Political Science and submitted to the Commonwealth Club for final selection. Three types of information will inform the selection process:

  1. evidence of outstanding academic performance;

  2. the strength of the essay;

  3. for those chosen as finalists, an interview with the selection committee.