Internships and Career Services

Internships

Completing an internship is an integral component of the Planning, Public Policy and Management curriculum. Internships offer students opportunities to explore and clarify career goals, apply academic learning, enhance and learn new skills, gain experience, and network with professionals.

Planning is the key to maximizing the benefits of an internship. Students are encouraged to first research a range of potential opportunities and organizations to identify specific internships that best match their career interests and goals. Following individual research, students should reach out for advising and support from PPPM Internship instructors Julie Voelker-Morris (Graduate students) and Jessica Matthiesen (Undergraduate students).

In collaboration with the PPPM Internship instructors and internship site supervisors, students develop individualized learning goals and outline substantive tasks and responsibilities that support their learning goals.

Students who achieve their learning goals acquire a set of transferable skills and real-world experiences that prepare them for fellowships, professional positions, or further academic study.

Follow the appropriate “Planning Your Internship” page to learn more:

Planning Your Internship (Undergraduate)

Planning Your Internship (Graduate)

Career Services

Obtaining the public service career you want takes preparation and focused actions. PPPM faculty provide you with strategies for addressing your short- and long-term goals. Senior Instructors Julie Voelker-Morris (Graduate students) and Jessica Matthiesen (Undergraduate students) provide assistance for PPPM students by supporting your efforts with areas such as the following:

  • Identifying professional paths associated with academic interests and preferences
  • Exploring professional career options
  • Developing a professional career plan
  • Informational interviewing and networking
  • Résumé, cover letter, and portfolio development
  • Internship and employment searches
  • Internship, fellowship, and employment applications
  • Interview preparation and practice
  • Contract negotiation

Many of these skills are taught in PPPM 412: Internship and Professional Development (undergraduates) and PPPM 623: Professional Development (graduates). Individual advising is provided on an ongoing basis following enrollment in either PPPM 412 or PPPM 623. To learn more about course work or to make an advising appointment, email Julie or Jessica today.