Students in the UConn School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs are required to complete experiential learning credits prior to graduation. These students often complete that requirement by taking part in our Internship and Professional Practice (IPP) program during the second year of their masters. The IPP program places UConn graduate students in local and state government and nonprofit internships throughout Connecticut. Students are provided with access to meaningful managerial and/or analytic work experience in the local public sector. Roles run annually from late August through mid-May.
Whether roles are based in economic development, policy analysis, public relations, workforce development, town and regional planning, philanthropy, advocacy, government affairs, or a whole host of other content areas – students work approximately 15 hours per week towards the experiential learning program’s 585-hour threshold. Many of our academic program alumni are based at these internship host organizations, so students are able to receive real-time guidance from mentors and supervisors who are fellow Huskies. After completing IPP roles, it is not atypical for students to get full-time offers from their host organization – or other organizations in the same professional domain – and students can gain great footholds in the networks of local, regional, and national professional organizations.
In addition to receiving course credit, students receive a stipend and medical benefits. They also receive a tuition scholarship during their time interning.
As students are completing their first year in their academic program, they take part in professional development events, resume and cover letter reviews, a “Mock Interview Night” staffed by an engaged group of program alumni, and have the support of the School of Public Policy’s Director of Engagement. Students are provided with a formal application packet in the Spring semester, interviewing by early April, and often have their second year placements finalized before they even hit Finals Week.