Gain practical skills and forge connections with practitioners in the field. We encourage internships for MPA students with less than one year of work experience in public or nonprofit service, or for experienced students looking to apply their coursework in a new area of professional exploration.
We recommend internships for students who want to explore career paths, develop new skills, and build connections with practitioners in the field. Employers value our students because of their professional and academic preparation, and their capacity to apply their academic learning to "real-world" challenges. Students secure their own internships, with the support of SU resources and MPA staff.
Students can apply up to 6 internship credits towards their MPA Elective requirement.
Some examples of past internship sites include: City of Seattle, King County, Sound Transit, BloodWorks NW, City of Bellevue, and Enterprise Community Partners.
Please note: you are unable to register for internships on your own. You will need to complete and submit various paperwork with the help of the Graduate Program Coordinator.
MPA faculty and staff work together with SU's Career Engagement to provide students with practical career development support, such as job search strategies, resume and cover letter review, and mock interview preparation. The MPA program sponsors professional development seminars, as well as alumni and employer networking nights.
MPA Connections mentorship program prepares MPA students for public service leadership by providing opportunities to gain valuable insight about their field. The program supports ongoing professional formation and student development. The program provides MPA students, alumni, and community members with a chance to become further engaged in SU’s mission and its community through proactive student-mentor relationships and activities.
Abigail Beatty ('14) landed an internship at King County in the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget to research and establish performance measures for the Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) project. Abigail states: "I’m convinced that working with my MPA Connections mentor, Cristina Gonzalez, helped get me here . The mentorship made a huge difference in my career journey; helping me hone my career interests, build my confidence as a professional, and expand my network." Pictured left to right: Cristina Gonzalez, Senior Business and Management Analyst at King County Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget and MPA student, Abigail Beatty.
Become a member of ASPA, the professional association for public administration. ASPA's mission is to advance the art. science, teaching and practice of public and nonprofit administration. Membership benefits include publications and opportunities for networking, professional development, and special events.
The MPA Student Association* (MPASA) is an elected group of MPA students who represent and engage the MPA student body by organizing events for students, planning community projects, and serving as a resource to current and prospective MPA students.
Each spring quarter, MPA students elect the officers for the upcoming year. The officer positions are: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. MPASA officers occupy their offices from summer through spring of each academic year.
*The MPA Student Association is currently on hold and will resume in Fall 2021
Employment rate data can be found here.