FAQs for an MPA Internship
What are the requirements of an internship?
Why do I have to do an internship?
Can an internship be waived?
When do I need to start planning for an internship?
What should I be looking for in an internship?
Should I expect to get paid for my internship?
How will this internship differ from my undergraduate internship?
How should I contact an organization for an internship?
Who should I contact within an organization to discuss internship possibilities?
What information should I be prepared to provide an organization where I want to intern?
Can my internship lead to a full-time job?
How can I make the most out of my internship experience?
What are the requirements of an internship?
The internship is a supervised, field experience in which you will observe and participate in the functioning of a public sector organization in a government or not-for-profit organization. You will be required to work at least 20 hours per week for 15 weeks. The permission of the program director is required. A final paper summarizing your experience is required at the end of the internship. The internship is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Back to Top
Why do I have to do an internship?
An internship experience is one of the graduation requirements of the program. An internship is intended to bring a real-world element to your well-rounded education. It also provides valuable experience and an opportunity to create contacts within the community. Your internship could also lead to a full-time job after graduation. Back to Top
Can an internship be waived?
Yes, an internship can be waived on the basis of past experience. If a waiver is granted by the program director three additional hours of coursework are required to replace the hours that would have been earned through the internship. A waiver must be applied for by writing a formal letter to the program director and is subject to approval. Back to Top
When do I need to start planning for an internship?
As soon as possible! It is recommended that you begin planning for an internship and exploring possibilities when you enter the program. This means you should be making and maintaining contacts in fields that you have an interest in. Do not, however, commit to an internship too early in the program as your interests may change. You should plan to have an internship lined up at least six months before it is to begin. Back to Top
What should I be looking for in an internship?
Your internship should be in the public service sector and provide some hands-on administrative experience. This is not a chance to brush up on your filing skills, but should challenge you and force you to use what you have learned. You will benefit from your internship experience more if it is in a field that you are interested in and enjoy. Completing an internship in a field you do not have prior knowledge of may also provide you with some valuable new skills and experience. Back to Top
Should I expect to get paid for my internship?
Once again, the sooner you start looking for an internship, the better chance you have of finding one that pays. Most public organizations work on an annual budget so it is much easier to budget for an intern's salary for the upcoming year rather than try to find money at the last minute in the current budget. It is also helpful to inform the organization what skills and knowledge you are able to bring to that organization that would make it worth their while to provide you with a salary. It might be beneficial to provide them with a list of classes you have taken as well as any special projects that you have completed. Remember that although a paid internship is nice, many smaller organizations may be able to provide you with valuable training and experience. Do not rule anything out with at least discussing possibilities with those organizations and remember that the goal of the internship experience is not to make a salary, but to gain valuable experience. Back to Top
How will this internship differ from my undergraduate internship?
This should be a richer and more challenging internship experience since you are expected to be more knowledgeable with a completed undergraduate degree and your graduate course work. This may be your first chance to apply your expertise in the real world. An ideal internship will allow you to "get your hands dirty" in the functioning of an organization and should provide administrative experience. Back to Top
How should I contact an organization for an internship?
Start with what you know! Use the contacts that you have made over the past semesters as your initial points of contact within organizations. They may be able to provide you with an introduction or reference. Your professors can also be an excellent resource for contacts in the community. Don't forget to check out the MPA Internship Database for additional contacts! Back to Top
Who should I contact within an organization to discuss internship possibilities?
Your initial contact will depend upon the nature and size of the organization. It may be appropriate to directly contact the executive director or administrator in a smaller organization or municipality, however in larger organizations a more appropriate initial contact may be a department head. An invaluable starting point for larger organizations is their web site which may provide you with contact information as well as information about possible internship opportunities. Back to Top
What information should I be prepared to provide an organization where I want to intern?
Consider your search for an internship to be similar to a job search. You should provide the organization with your resume and a cover letter if mailing it in. You should consider bringing along a description of your coursework. The MPA program provides a letter of introduction to organizations describing the degree program and a description of the subject matter covered by the program. These resources can provide the organization with an idea of the skills you have acquired during your education. Back to Top
Can my internship lead to a full-time job?
Possibly. A well-chosen internship can lead to job placement upon graduation, and has for several past MPA students. However, you should keep in mind that it is not a guarantee for a job, but can be used as a stepping stone. The supervisor of your internship can be the most valuable reference for your future job searches. Back to Top
How can I make the most out of my internship experience?
Go in with the attitude of learning new skills, gaining experience, and making contacts in your professional field. You will not be doing the experience justice if you approach the internship like a dreaded requirement and do not try to get anything out of it. You will also benefit from your internship experience more if it is in a field that you are interested in and enjoy. Back to Top
