Overview
The MPA internship provides students with meaningful experiences in applying what they have learned through classes in real-world settings. It also provides support and assistance to organizations and agencies in their efforts to address community needs. Student interns contribute to projects in areas such as the development, planning, implementation, and analysis/evaluation of policy, finance, management, supervision, strategy and program development.
Through the internship, students often make important discoveries and professional connections. This excellent opportunity to network may be very helpful when preparing to enter the job market.
Commitment
Students must spend at least 300 hours in their internship placement. This is often spread over approximately 15 weeks (20 hours per week) and may be completed during fall, spring or summer semesters. The completed MPA internship course (PAFF 594) earns two-credits and is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Since students are responsible for identifying their own internship placement, preparing for and arranging an internship requires planning, time, and attention over a period of at least a semester. An Internship Checklist has been developed to guide students throughout the process, available on page 6 of the Internship handbook.
Eligibility
An internship in a public or nonprofit organization provides the student with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from their courses to a work setting. It is also a way for the program to demonstrate to professional public service organizations the contributions that MPA students can make to their organizations. Student performance in an internship is a direct reflection on the program. As such, the program has a responsibility to ensure that students have demonstrated not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but also a level of professionalism, maturity and reliability expected of an MPA student. Additionally, based on a student’s selection of courses and performance within those individual courses, some types of internship placements may be more suitable than others.
Prior to beginning the internship, students must successfully complete 17 credit hours. PAFF-510 (4 credits), PAFF-520 (4 credits), PAFF-521 (4 credits) must be included in the 17 credit hours. PAFF-501, PAFF-502, PAFF-503, and/or CCPA 580/581 cannot be included in the 17 credit hours required for the MPA internship. Students pursuing a department specialization are generally expected to complete an internship in the appropriate sector (nonprofit or local government).
Process
When a student has accepted an offer for an internship, several steps must be take prior to beginning the internship experience:
- Develop the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Site Supervisor;
- When the MOU is complete, email it to the Internship Coordinator for approval before obtaining signatures;
- When departmental approval is given, have the site supervisor sign the MOU, and make an appointment with the Internship Coordinator to sign and file the MOU.
Registration
Students are not able to directly register themselves in the MPA internship course, PAFF 594. Only after completion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and approval by the Site Supervisor and the Internship Coordinator, can the student request the Internship Coordinator register him/her in the course. It is recommended that the site selection and MOU development process begin early enough in the previous semester so that the student can initiate the internship as planned.
Necessary components of an MOU are listed on pages seven to nine in the internship handbook.
Selecting an internship site
Students are encouraged to select internship sites that are within their area of concentration or interest in a government or nonprofit setting. In-service students employed in public agencies or nonprofit organizations may conduct their internship at their place of employment under the supervision of a higher level administrator or manager.
Selecting an internship site is one of the most important decisions a student makes and should be undertaken with great consideration and care. After the general informational session held each semester, the Internship Coordinator is available to meet with each student individually to discuss and narrow down site options. Students will regularly receive numerous internship announcements and other opportunities via the MPA listserv.
The student is responsible for contacting prospective sites, submitting applications, and scheduling interviews. This will require a well-written, updated résumé, as well as a compelling letter. Some basic guidelines in the creation of résumés and letters can be found at the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development website.
Expectations of students
As a graduate student who has completed two semesters of MPA coursework, the duties of the student during the internship must exceed those typically assigned to undergraduate level interns. The student must have administrative responsibilities throughout his or her internship in order to receive credit. Examples of administrative responsibilities include program evaluation, program development, policy analysis, financial analysis, research, and strategic planning.
The student intern should have little or no office support/secretarial duties and may not provide direct services to clients. In addition to being involved in administrative processes, the student should be included in organizational meetings and other general events in order to maximize the overall learning experience.
Assessment of internship experience
The intern will be expected to evaluate his/her experience at the end of the internship by writing a three- to four-page memorandum (single-spaced) that summarizes his/her internship activities and provides reflections on its relevance to his/her MPA coursework. It should describe how s/he has demonstrated the professional and core competencies expected of MPA students, such as communication and application of analytical skills to solve problems outlined on the final intern evaluation form. In particular, the intern should explain how s/he was able to integrate public administration theory and knowledge into practice through the internship experience, illustrating with specific examples. Insights gained and areas of new learning, challenges and how they were addressed, and the “fit” of the internship with the intern’s interests and anticipated career direction should also be incorporated.
The site supervisor will also evaluate the intern. The final intern evaluation form is provided beginning on pages 11-12 of the Internship handbook. Both the final intern evaluation form and the reflection paper must be completed and submitted within two weeks of the last date of the internship term to receive a final grade (either “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory”) for the internship.
Waivers
Students who have significant professional administrative, supervisory, and/or management experience may request a waiver of the required MPA internship. This applies to those with at least three years of experience as an executive director, top level manager, or similar administrative position. To apply, the student must submit a formal request to the Internship Coordinator explaining the length and administrative functions associated with relevant experiences, a rationale for waiving the internship requirement, and a copy of a current résumé. The MPA program reserves the right to deny the request and require an internship experience.
MPA students who are currently working in public or nonprofit administrative positions, but who do not have sufficient professional experience to qualify for an internship waiver, have an option to complete their internship at their place of work. These students will register for the internship course, complete a MOU, and proceed with the process as described above.
International Students
International students with F-1 Visas are required to fill out the “Curricular Practical Training” (CPT) form prior to beginning an internship. These forms are available from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office and must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. Failure to complete this form will result in the loss the F-1 immigration status. Students with J-1 Visas should consult with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office prior to drafting an MOU.
Felony Statement
Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact the Department Chair of their intended academic program.
COVID-19 VACCINE
Students entering the Master of Public Administration program are required to complete a 300 hour internship as part of the degree requirements. At this time, and for the foreseeable future, many of our off-campus assignments for students require full vaccination for COVID. Sites may have varying requirements; religious exemptions may not be available and the site may have very narrow guidelines for medical exemptions. Any religious exemption granted by Binghamton University applies only to the University setting; it does not apply to off-campus affiliated activities or locations. Being unable to complete the 300 hour internship requirement will affect a student's ability to progress within and graduate from the MPA program.
