Why an internship?
While the internship is not a required part of UIC's MPA program, we highly recommend that our pre-service students take part in an internship in conjunction with the internship course (PA 490). Our students find that the internship is a useful way to gain experience and build their resumes.

Program Assistance with finding Internships:
The MPA Program has been quite successful in assisting students in obtaining relevant internships. One way we connect students with employers is by hosting an annual Career Fair each spring. This event provides an opportunity for agencies and other organizations to meet with students about upcoming employment and internship opportunities. A number of federal, state, municipal, and non profit agencies are invited to attend each year. More information

Numerous opportunities are available due to high demand from the Chicago region and the history of the program. The college receives inquiries from diverse public, private, and non-profit organizations and agencies. Internship postings are available to MPA students on the CUPPA Career Center website. More information

The MPA program is often contacted directly to refer current students for available internships. Current students seeking an internship should submit an Internship Request form to Sean Kennelly (sean@uic.edu) to assist the program in making those referrals.

Recent Internships of MPA students include:

City of Chicago, Mayor's Office
General Services Administration
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Cook County
Institute for Community Empowerment
US Environmental Protection Agency
US General Services Administration
Village of Lincolnwood
Village of Glencoe
County Educational Conference Inc.
SIA Community Foundation
Government Finance Officers Association
Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. Foundation
Oprah's Angel Network
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (UIC)