Internships

Internship at NASPAA!

NASPAA offers paid internships for graduate students in its Washington, DC office.  The number of positions and area of responsibility varies by semester, but each offers an exciting opportunity to work on projects and programs that will make an important and lasting contribution to public affairs education. NASPAA internships are especially well suited for students with an interest in higher education policy, nonprofit management, and public service.

Previous NASPAA interns have secured full-time positions in the federal government and nonprofit sector after graduation, including being selected as Presidential Management Fellows.

Paid Internship Announcements:

 

Internship Opportunities by Sector

Pathways Programs The Pathways Program for Students and Recent Graduates includes a federal government-wide internship program for students from high school through PhD.  Positions are located across the country, either part-time or full-time.

Feds Hire Vets Veterans interesting in continuing their public service should look into the many opportunities provided by this new initiative. US State Department The State Department manages several internship programs that enable students to get experience in a foreign affairs environment.  US Department of Transportation: Internship Program for Diverse Groups         The U.S. DOT offers internships in several areas, including planning, economics, public administration, criminal justice. Note that many federal agencies have similar opportunities like the two mentioned above. Please go to USAJobs to search more. 

Idealist Search by name, location, or mission for volunteer and internship opportunities at nonprofits worldwide.

The Washington Center A nonprofit organization that connects students to Washington-area internship opportunities. Note that this program and others like it may charge housing and other fees. Washington Internship Institute A nonprofit organization that connects students to Washington-area internship opportunities. Note that this program and others like it may charge housing and other fees. Need to stay near campus? Make sure you check with your school, as it will likely be the best source for internships in your area.

These one-to-two year training programs are designed to introduce master’s degree graduates to state and local government management.  

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. NASPAA has not endorsed any except for the ICMA Local Government Management Fellows Program.

ICMA Local Government Management Fellowship Program

  • The program introduces recent master's program graduates to careers in local government. Eligibility is limited to graduates of NASPAA-member programs in public administration, public policy, and related degrees.

City Hall Fellows

  • The program introduces recent bachelor's graduates (up to 3 years out) to city government by spending a year working in the office of a mayor or senior official.

Marvin Andrews and Jane Morris Fellowship (AZ)

  • MPA/MPP Fellowship for aspiring city/county managers at Arizona State University

Boston Urban Mechanics Program (MA)

  • A fellowship and internship program, with a related 8-week Policy Institute for graduate students.

and more...

Finding an Internship  

Whether you're looking for a summer or school year internship, there are lots of tips and resources that can help you. 

Quick Tips & Things to Remember

  • Network Network Network! Never miss an opportunity to communicate about your areas of interest. Talk with professors who research in your interest area, current and past employers, neighbors, friends, etc.

  • Conduct Informational Interviews: When you meet someone who may be able to help you, ask if you could speak with them again. All experienced professionals were once in your shoes and are often willing to help.

  • Initiate and Thank: Show confidence in yourself and do not be afraid to approach someone who has the job you want. When the conversation is over, show gratitude. Ambition and humility are a winning combination.

  • Update Your Resume: Make sure your resume includes your most recent experiences. Most importantly: tailor your resume to the position/ organization you're pursuing.  And always have friends proofread it!

  • Talk With Your Peers: Your fellow students all have unique experiences from where they worked in the past. Don't be shy! Look to them for advice. Your peers are often your most willing advisors.

  • Evaluate Financial vs. Experiential Gain: Internships are increasingly unpaid or offer only a stipend. Weigh the costs (fees, housing, food, foregone income, etc.) against the valuable experience you could gain and how it will position your future career.

  • Think Ahead: Prepare references and letters of recommendation early. Many professors are inundated with requests, so be sure to ask them far ahead of time. Always plan for unexpected delays.