Internships | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Internships

Policy at work: the summer policy internship

The Master of Public Policy Program at the Ford School requires students to complete a policy-related internship. This internship is an opportunity for students to apply knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to significant problems in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.

MPP students complete the internship requirement—10 weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) work—during the summer between their first and second year of study (for dual-degree candidates, the timing may vary). The internship helps students clarify their career direction, gives perspective on the selection of second-year elective courses, and assists students in gaining experience and establishing networks of great value in securing employment after graduation

Internships involve a formal relationship with an employer/policy organization outside of the Ford School. working as a research assistant for a U-M/Ford School faculty member typically will not meet the internship requirement.

Federal Government

10%

State Government

8%

Local Government

12%

Intergovernmental Organizations

10%

NFP/NGO

51%

Consulting

1%

Private Sector

8%

Read more about the summer internship and what we do to help students find and fund meaningful policy experiences.