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Why are internships required for campus-based undergraduates in the School of Public Affairs?

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Functional GroupCollege of Public Service and Community Solutions
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Why is an internship required for campus-based undergraduate students in public service and public policy?

The School of Public Affairs requires that students identify, seek and earn credit for a minimum of one work-learning opportunity once they complete foundational coursework and prior to their final semester and capstone course. Internships help students explore and access career pathways, remove knowledge, skill and experience barriers, and transfer their college success to career choices.
 
  • Internships allow students to explore interests in work and career pathways in government administration, management, and relations, policy-making and analysis, public and political affairs, nonprofit management and advocacy, health and human services delivery, law and law enforcement, emergency management, and homeland security. 
  •  Internships provide exposure to how government, nonprofit and private organizations actually operate within government’s authority, and how this benefits them and the communities they wish to serve.  
  • Internships provide an opportunity to build the transferable skills and career competencies that all employers seek, in preparation for continued uncertainty and the competitive job market.
  •  Through internship students develop relationships with government, nonprofit and private community partners to translate the market - identifying necessary knowledge, skills and experience employers need, and negotiating training opportunities to develop these.  
  • Internships increase the likelihood of receiving full-time job offers for post-graduation work.  Research, analytical, and communication skills are highly valued.  Experience in project and program management are also preferred qualifications.

While students are exposed to principles and best practices in the classroom and benefit from instruction by experienced professionals, there is no substitute for applying the above mentioned skills and experience to real community concerns. 

Internships are a powerful complement to classroom and online learning, to enhance education and career opportunities for building a resume and reputation to take you through entry-, mid- and executive-level leadership and management career success. 

For more information on internships with the School of Public Affairs please visit:
https://spa.asu.edu/content/internship
 

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