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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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, 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.