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The optional internship course (PAD 5366: Internship in Public Administration, 3 credit hours) component of the MPA degree plan is an invaluable opportunity to prepare students for employment in the public and non-profit sector. The internship is supervised, field experience in which the student observes and participates in the functioning of a public sector organization in a government or not-for-profit organization. Though not required, the internship is a great experiential learning opportunity for pre-service students. 

Purpose of Internship:

• To bring a real-world element to your educational experiences.
• To provide valuable experience and an opportunity to establish contacts within the community.
• To provide experience that will potentially lead to a full-time employment after graduation.

Planning for an Internship: 

• Students are encouraged and responsible for finding internship opportunities in the area, with the help of the MPA Coordinator. 
• Ask professors for additional resources and contacts in the community.
• Develop and maintain contacts in the field that interest you.
• Explore as many avenues as possible.
• Do your research before attempting to contact a representative of the organization.
• Be prepared for an interview.
• Do not commit to an internship too early in the program as your interest may change. 

Important aspects of an Internship:

• It must be in a public service field. 
• It cannot be your current place of employment. 
• You should have a personal interest in the organization.
• The internship should include hands-on administrative duties.
• The internship should provide richer and more challenging experiences than that of an undergraduate internship.

Internship Requirements:

• Approval of the MPA Program Coordinator.
• A contract between the student, supervisor, instructor of record, and MPA Coordinator.
• A Mid-Semester Review.
• A final paper summarizing your experience.
• A minimum of 15 semester hours earned prior to enrolling in the internship course.

MPA students have completed internships with a range of employers in our region, including the El Paso County Community Services Department, the El Paso County Commission Pct. 2, the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, and the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief.  Student reflections on their internship experiences are posted in our Spring 2023 newsletter and our Spring 2024 newsletter.

• To assist in your search,  Public Service Careers and USA Jobs are places where policy related internships (and many jobs) are often posted.