Fieldwork Opportunities for 2020 RNC

UNC Charlotte is coordinating student fieldwork opportunities with media and other organizations during the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., August 24-28. Students of all majors and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Media organizations currently requesting student assistance include CNN, Fox News, WCNC-TV (NBC) and Al Jazeera. Other opportunities will be available closer to the convention, including positions with Charlotte’s RNC Host Committee and the Republican National Committee. Examples of placements during the 2012 Democratic convention include opportunities with Google, Microsoft and the U.S. State Department.

Details/Qualifications

  • Positions are available for all undergraduate students.
  • Time Commitment:
    • Most opportunities will be during the week of the RNC, August 24-28, the first week of UNC Charlotte’s fall semester.
    • Some organizations may want student assistance starting the week of August 18, the week prior to UNC Charlotte’s fall semester. (Fox News wants students available as early as August 2.)
    • The University will provide faculty with documentation of participation to allow the student to make up any work missed during fieldwork.
  • Though not guaranteed, some opportunities may include payment. The University offers an Unpaid Internship Scholarship Fund allowing students to apply for financial assistance depending on need. Please contact Patrick Madsen, Executive Director of the University Career Center, for more information.
  • Students wishing to receive academic credit for their fieldwork may do so by registering for POLS 3010-C01. (Class participation is not required to participate in the fieldwork.)
    • The class will be on-line for the first half of the Fall 2020 semester.
    • The bulk of the class will be the fieldwork, but will also include several readings and assignments on presidential elections.
    • Please contact Dr. Eric Heberlig with the Department of Political Science and Public Administration for a permit to register.
  • Students will be notified immediately if sponsoring organizations decide to discontinue fieldwork opportunities during the RNC due to the coronavirus crisis. POLS 3010-C01 will continue as an on-line class on presidential elections.

How to Apply

Visit Hire-A-Niner through the UNC Charlotte Career and Internship Office:

  • Search “RNC Fieldwork Opportunities” or Job ID#53114
  • Upload a cover letter and resume
    • Indicate specific organizational preference in the cover letter

Questions

Please direct questions to Dr. Eric Heberlig with the Department of Political Science and Public Administration.


The 49er Democracy Experience is a dynamic, nonpartisan platform for learning about and engaging in civic life. Launched prior to the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, the 49er Democracy Experience continues as a galvanizing driver of informed citizenship: voter registration, primary and election news, volunteer opportunities and engagement with the democratic process.