The Internship Experience

Integrating theory and practice

An internship is a paid work experience that has academic and professional value.

Undergraduate student internships

Leadership undergrads should visit the LEAD internship page for more information. Other majors should contact the Career Services Center.

Graduate student internships (The following information pertains to graduate internships.)

The M.P.A. program requires students to complete internships. However, students with significant prior professional experience may request a waiver through the internship coordinator. (Significant prior experience generally means 2 years of full-time professional experience. Contact the internship coordinator, Douglas Tuttle, for more information.)

M.A. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy students find the internship experience valuable and are encouraged to participate. Ph.D. students may also take advantage of the opportunity.

The internship is usually completed in the summer between your first and second year of study. Preparation for an internship (Internship Seminar--UAPP 860) includes practical advice on career research, resume writing, networking skills, and interviewing. SUAPP interns apply the skills and theories learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Internships will help you:

► Develop personally and professionally.
► Gain work experience.
► Network with professionals in your field and area of expertise.
► Earn academic credit while getting paid.

What do interns do?

Interns hold a variety of positions in nonprofit and government institutions.

► Check out internship placements on the IPA web site. Click on the links on the left side to see photos and profiles of past interns.

How it happens:

► Interns must work at least 450 hours to receive academic credit.
► Students usually work between 37.5 and 40 hours per week for three months during the summer.
► The usual pay range is $12 to $16 per hour; the specific terms of pay are negotiated by the intern and the host organization.

The Internship Coordinator, Douglas Tuttle, is available to help guide you through your internship search. You will even develop a resume that will be shared on-line with approximately 250 individuals and organizations. The internship program is designed to help you find your own internship so that when it comes time to find a permanent position, you will know how to update your resume, search for a job, and interview successfully.

You participate in one of two ways, depending on your SUAPP degree program:

► Pre-service M.P.A. students (those without substantial prior professional experience) must register for the Internship Seminar (UAPP 860) which is offered each fall semester and continues in the spring. Internship Field Work (UAPP 864) is taken after the internship has been completed.
► M.A. and Ph.D. students who wish to complete an internship must register with their program chair, and attend a series of internship-related workshops offered by the Internship Coordinator.

Internships are administered by the Institute for Public Administration. For more information, contact the Internship Coordinator, Douglas Tuttle at (302) 831-0718, or visit the IPA's internship web site.