Public Policy Studies in the College
Internships
An important part of the Public Policy Studies Program is our course, Public Policy 29600, "The Internship in Public Policy." The only one of its kind at the University, this course offers students the opportunity to gain important hands-on policy experience while, at the same time, earning academic credit towards completion of their degree program.
The benefit of student internships is clearly evident. Hands-on policy experience is extremely valuable, as is the exposure to diverse, real-world policy issues. Interns also gain important networking opportunities which prove extremely helpful in future job searches. And there is a definite correlation between college internships and successful job placement after college.
Using a variety of resources, public policy concentrators can intern in local or national community-based non-profit organizations or in local, county, state and federal government agencies. Under the guidance and direction of our faculty, the student intern designs an internship project which he/she researches and develops while working at the organization/agency. The completed paper or project is evaluated by university faculty. And if the project is acceptable, the student is awarded a letter grade. Our concentrators have interned in a variety of organizations and agencies in Chicago, across the nation and in the international community.
In the past our students have interned at the University of Chicago Medical Center studying the effects of preconception genetic counseling on low-income women; at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office working in the victim - witness program; at the Whitehouse working in the offices of Media Affairs and Public Liaison; at the U.S. General Accounting Office, at the Better Government Association; in Costa Rica working with Central American refugees; and even in Anchorage Alaska working on environmental issues.
