UIS offers strong government-related majors and extraordinary connections to government and nonprofit organization internships. We’ve produced generations of leaders dedicated to public service.
Meet some of our government students:

Erin Wilson

• Major: Legal Studies & Political Science
  Minor: Criminal Justice
• Year expected to graduate: May 2012
• Hometown: Rushville, IL
• Activities on campus:
  SGA, Pre-Law Society, Rep. to Illinois Board of Higher Education-Student Advisory Council (IBHE-SAC)
• Most rewarding experience at college so far:
  Advocating for my fellow students-whether that be through SGA, IBHE-SAC, or Lobby Days, etc.
• Career plans:
  To obtain my law degree, and begin practicing law. Eventually, I aspire to become a judge.
• Why did you choose UIS?:
  Why else? We are in the capitol of Illinois!
• How do you think UIS prepares students to go into politics/government?:
  It’s Springfield; there is just such a free flow of politics in this town that it is almost impossible to not get involved. There are several active Political Student Organizations, as well as a plethora of internship opportunities available to UIS students. Both are great opportunities to prepare for a career in government.
• What advice would you give to students that are considering UIS?
  Get involved! Join a student organization, club, or group; it’s up to you to make your college experience meaningful.

Dan Garcia

• Major: Political Science

• Minor: Economics

• Year expected to graduate: 2013

• Hometown: Joliet, IL

• Activities on Campus:
  Most noteworthy are: Honors Student and Honors Program Peer Mentor (Academic), Student Affairs Intern and Office of Admissions Student Ambassador (Employment), Undergraduate Representative to the Political Science Department and Junior Representative to the Honors Program and Steering Committee (Representative Involvement), Club Dunder Mifflin-Regional Manager (in honor of the show, ‘The Office’, but the position is President) and Global Issues Club- Ambassador (Student Organizations), Leadership for Life Service Wing-60+ service hours for academic year and AmeriCorps M3C Fellow- completed over 300+ service hours for calendar year (Service), many other activities for the Office of Development, UIS Marketing, and Student Affairs Office.
• Most Rewarding Experience at College so far:
  The most rewarding experience at UIS, for me, has been my involvement. From having on campus jobs to starting new clubs and representing my peers to administrative committees, it has all been extremely rewarding to see myself learn and grow from these experiences. As a first generation college student, this school has really opened up the doors to a brighter, more successful future than I could have imagined.
• Career Plans:
  Because of my involvement and experiences on campus, I plan to work in Student Affairs in a higher education institution. I plan to attend graduate school in Higher Education Administration in the Fall of 2013. This degree will prepare me to work in an administrative position at higher education institution. After working for some time in the field, I plan to branch off and start lobbying for higher education. My background and interest in politics and government, from UIS, will help me lobby more effectively in the future.
• Why did you choose UIS:
  I chose UIS for three main reasons. First and foremost, UIS offered more scholarships and was a better financial decision than the other schools I planned to attend. Secondly, I knew I wanted a solid, and practical, education in Political Science and UIS fit perfectly with its outstanding faculty and opportunities to learn first-hand by working in state politics. Finally, the small class size attracted me to the university because I learn best with personalized attention and I knew I would not get lost in the crowd. Looking back, choosing UIS was the best decision I ever made.
• How do you think UIS prepares students to go into politics/government:
  A Political Science Degree from UIS gives students the theoretical and practical knowledge we need to succeed in the field. I started off my freshman year working as a page in the House of Representatives and learning about the American Political System in class. Everything I learned in class, I had the opportunity to see in action; particularly about how a bill becomes law at the state level. This opportunity to work in state government was no accident because the Political Science Department requires its students to work, in some affect, in politics before graduation. In a way, UIS takes advantage of its location in Springfield with its strong connections in state government. I plan to finish my senior year with another internship during the Illinois General Assembly.
• What advice would you give to students considering UIS:
  To prospective students, I always say, do your research. Picking a school that is perfect for your will make you THAT much more successful in the future. UIS has a private school feel but at a public school cost and it would be difficult to get that anywhere else. Its small class sizes and first-rate professors make for the perfect classroom environment. You can shape and mold your experience for your benefit by getting involved on campus; there is literally something for everyone. If you are interested in Political Science, look no further than UIS because it has everything you want and need from a Political Science education; you can learn both inside and outside of the classroom.