Internships
The Public Administration Internship is intended for new professionals and those making a career change into public, higher education or non-profit service. This internship program is required for anyone who enters the program with less than three years of full time professional administrative experience. The public administration internship is intended to contribute to students鈥� academic, professional, and personal development. It gives students an opportunity to apply what they鈥檝e learned in class, inform their coursework with real鈥恮orld professional experiences, and reflect upon and refine their career plans.
Recent placements have included City of San Jose Environmental Services Department, Office of the City Clerk, Information Technology Department and City Manager鈥檚 Office; City of Morgan Hill, City of Santa Clara, City Clerk鈥檚 Office; City of Sacramento, Neighborhood Services Department; Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto; Center for Employment Training; Differential Response, Child Protective Services; State Senator Jim Beall; and U.S. Congressman Mike Honda.
To fulfill this requirement, students work with the MPA Program Director to identify an appropriate internship site and complete 280 hours at their placements. Students will perform mutually agreed professional tasks in the field placement. They will be assessed by the MPA Program Director and their internship supervisor at the end of their placement. We encourage students to complete this requirement towards the beginning of their time in the program.
Students may obtain a waiver from the internship through three or more years of professional experience as documented on the resume at the time of acceptance to the program. Students may also waive the internship requirement if they are working full time during the MPA program and will achieve 2 or more years of professional administrative experience in the appropriate sectors before completing the MPA program. Relevant professional administrative experience includes positions in government, higher education, or non-profit sectors. The final decision on granting a waiver rests with the MPA Program Director.
Job Opportunities
USAJobs.Gov is an excellent resource for MPA graduates who are looking to start their careers working for the federal government.
Jobs.CA.gov is an ideal starting place to find work in the California State Government.
If you want to continue to live and work in San Jos茅, SanJoseCA.gov regularly posts human resources jobs.
GovernmentJobs.com is another good starting point for students who are looking for jobs close to where they currently live and study.- Public Service Careers
San Jos茅 State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Public Administration Program is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. NASPAA has partnered with APPAM and ASPA in creating a new website, Public Service Careers.
