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Work and learn

Internships

Through partnerships with a wide range of public, private, and nonprofit organizations, the School of Public Service provides opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their employability and practical skills. With personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and access to exclusive internship databases, SPS ensures its students are well-prepared and positioned for success in their future careers.

The Intern Experience

Internships include paid/unpaid positions and virtual/remote opportunities, all of which lead to the irreplaceable value of experience in action. Students are completely immersed in the “real world” and are thus able to make better choices about their long-term goals and eventual success in the workplace.

Students studying on campus

Preparation

Preparing for your internship involves determining when and where you’ll gain experience. Completing the Internship Interest form helps our staff support you.

Students chatting at a table

Support

During the internship, you’ll be mentored along the way by a faculty member through our curriculum that is specially designed so you get the most out of your experience.

Feedback

Receiving feedback from your supervisor and faculty is key. This is where you develop skills, become more self-aware, and build confidence in your ability and knowledge. It’s with this feedback, you can tackle your next opportunity, using what you’ve learned from each previous experience to better yourself.

By the numbers

96%

of students reported internships helped them identify their career pathway

100+

Internships offered per semester, on and off campus

135

average internship hours per semester

$811K

SPS interns earned since 2016

Our graduates agree

“Internships let me ‘test drive’ my career, I learned so much about being on the inside which lead to my dream job.”

Hayley Littlejohn, Political Science ’21

Internship application process

  1. Submit internship interest form for support in process
  2. Connect with faculty/staff for resume, career, placement coaching
  3. Identify, apply and secure internship offer
  4. Submit an internship application for academic credit with Career Services
  5. Faculty approve student internship application for academic credit.
  6. Community Partner/Supervisor approves student internship application for academic credit.
  7. (If needed) Request financial support for unpaid internship
  8. Complete internship curriculum (program-specific)
Review our options for department and program specific internships

Programs

Each SPS program or department has specific resources and guidance for your internship. Discover more about your degree’s resources and advising. If your program is not listed, complete the internship interest form and we’ll get you connected.

Criminal Justice Internships

Learn more

Environmental Studies Internships

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Political Science Internships

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Conflict Management Internships

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Urban Studies Internships

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Capital Connection Program

Live, study and intern in Washington, D.C.