Public Management & Policy Internship Course
Welcome to the Public Management and Policy Internship Course!
Did you know that our students often get full-time job offers once they have completed their internship? You are on your way to the start of a new career or career advancement with this course.
Welcome to the PMAP internship course! This page offers you access to much of the class content, but you need to visit our iCollege page to get everything you need.
If you do not see the PMAP Internship Course in iCollege, contact the faculty internship coordinator, Dr. Esra Tanyildiz.
Remember that a regular course registration is still needed to receive credit for completing the internship course, but you can start your internship before you register on PAWS.
The Internship Syllabus is for both undergraduate and graduate students. You can also find the syllabus on the PMAP Course Syllabi webpage.
The requirements for Internship credit are outlined below:
- Find and secure an internship
- Register in either PMAP 4941 (undergraduate) or PMAP 8941 (graduate)
- Work the appropriate number of hours at your internship (200 or 300 hours)
- Complete the paperwork and submit it on iCollege:
- Complete an internship program plan with your supervisor
- Submit an internship description
- Submit a time and activity sheet
- Submit an intern evaluation by your supervisor
- Write and submit a final reflection paper
All materials are due in iCollege and must be approved not later than one week before the final day of class in the semester graduation confirmation is desired. All materials must be submitted through iCollege.
1. Find and secure an internship
It is recommended that you find and secure your internship before registering for the course. Students learn about internships from other students, as a function of their personal interests, or through message boards such as Handshake run by the AYSPS Office of Career Services.
It is worth making an appointment with a counselor in Career Services if you are unsure about an internship opportunity. Internships do not need department approval, but they should be relevant to one’s course of study. If you have questions about a potential internship please speak with the coordinator.
2. Register for the class
You must register and pay for the course to receive academic credit for PMAP 4941 or PMAP 8941. You will not get credit for a completed internship until your name appears on a grade roll. If you don’t complete your hours requirement during a semester, you will be given an In Progress (IP) grade and may continue until you have completed the requirements. The iCollege site will remain open to you until completion of the course.
3. Work the appropriate number of hours at your internship (200 or 300 hours)
Students need to work 200 hours as an undergraduate or 300 hours as a graduate student. In most cases this averages to about 10-20 hours per week for a 15 week semester, assuming one tries to complete the requirement in a single semester.
4. Complete the required paper work and submit on iCollege
All deliverables are available below, or on the Internship iCollege site once you have registered.
- Complete an internship program plan with your supervisor
The Program Plan is basically a conversation with your supervisor going over your responsibilities and expectations in the internship. This needs to be completed during the first 30 days of your internship. It should include your internship position, responsibilities, your supervisor’s name and contact information. You and your employer should complete and sign the program plan (an electronic signature is acceptable.) - Submit a description of your internship position and activities.
A description of your position and activities should be submitted via iCollege after you have begun working at your internship. This needs to be completed during the first 30 days of your internship. Your description should include the posted internship description and include several paragraphs about your activities on the job, an explanation of how your internship relates to your studies (major and coursework), and how it fits with your career goals. - Fill Out a Time and Activity Sheet.
You are required to maintain an accurate time and activity report, documenting the number of hours and responsibilities that you have worked. Your supervisor must approve and sign this sheet. (An electronic signature is acceptable) There is a generic time sheet available above or on iCollege, but you may also submit a time sheet provided by your employer. Make sure your hours total to the required number (200 hrs for 4941; 300 hrs for 8941). Your supervisor’s signature should be on the same page with your total hours. - Submit an intern evaluation by your supervisor
You are required to submit an employer evaluation of your work. Your supervisor should send copies of the complete evaluation form to both the internship coordinator and the student. Students must then submit their evaluation into the proper assignment folder, which will then be reviewed by the internship coordinator Poor internship evaluations may be cause for denying credit in the course. - Write and Submit a Final Reflection Paper.
A final reflection paper is required of all students. This is a summary paper of between 3-6 single spaced pages in length. The paper itself is a response to five questions regarding your internship experience and the relation to NASPAA competencies. It is meant to connect the dots of your experience in an out of the classroom, as well as provide feedback on the intern (you) and the internship.
All materials are due in iCollege and must be approved not later than one week before the final day of class in the semester graduation confirmation is desired.
All materials must be submitted through iCollege.
THANKS FOR CONSIDERING OUR STUDENTS!
You may already know that the Department of Public Management and Policy offers top-rated programs in a number of public affairs specialty areas. US News and World Report ranks us 8th in public budgeting and finance, 8th in urban policy, 9th in nonprofit management, 22nd in policy analysis, and 19th in public management and that is out of 285 policy and public affairs programs in the nation!
We have roughly 150 students conducting internships each year, supporting the work of public, nonprofit and private organizations here in the metropolitan Atlanta area, across the State of Georgia, the United States and even around the world. These efforts add up to about 40,000 hours of skilled professional service each year.
Internships help both students and employers!
Interns give us an assessment of their internships, and employers evaluate our interns. Our internship evaluations from both students and employers are consistently excellent. Students greatly appreciate the wonderful opportunities they receive, and employers appreciate the work that our students do for them. Sponsoring one of our interns is a smart management decision!
Our students are eligible for academic credit.
Undergraduate students completing an internship in the Department of Public Management and Policy must conduct at least 200 hours of work for their sponsoring organization, along with some academic components, in order to receive 3 hours of credit for the course. Graduate students must complete 300 hours of work along with all the other academic requirements associated with the course.
Students must meet both university and employer standards.
We guide students through the internship course with on-line and in-person components. Our students work at their internship as they complete the academic requirements of the course. You can review our class syllabus and frequently asked questions page online. These documents can help you to better understand what your intern needs to do to receive academic credit for an internship.
What is a great internship?
A good match between employer needs and student interests and skills is very important, and this is where employers play a significant role. Our goals as a public affairs school focus on a set of nationally recognized student competencies:
∙ to lead and manage in public governance;
∙ to participate in and contribute to the policy process;
∙ to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions
∙ to articulate a public service perspective;
∙ to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry
We encourage employers to consider these competencies when establishing and monitoring internship duties and responsibilities.
Our program plan is the first thing you see.
The first document that you will see from an intern that you sponsor is the program plan. This form is available in Acrobat and Word formats. You and your intern should develop and complete this plan together.
We understand that initial plans sometimes change, but the plan helps employers and interns to discuss likely internship activities and establish expectations before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an internship?
The internship is part of the “Service Learning” component of a PMAP degree. The internship experience provides an opportunity to “learn by doing”. Students spend 200 hours (undergraduate) or 300 hours (graduate) working at a relevant position. This opportunity helps students to connect what they learn in the classroom with experience in their chosen field. In some cases, this is a student’s first encounter with the types of positions the undergraduate or graduate degree opens up for them.
Does every student have to complete an internship?
No. Undergraduate students may substitute PMAP 3005, Career Planning and Management in place of the internship. The internship is required for MPA students, but the MPP degree does not require an internship (though some students opt to find one).
What is a 'good' internship?
Students pick majors for many different reasons and their internship should complement their course of study and/or their unique experiences. Your internship does not require departmental approval, though it is assumed that it will be relevant the Public Management and Policy curriculum.
It is worth meeting with someone in the Office of Career Services https://career.aysps.gsu.edu/, Office of Academic Assistance https://aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/ or the internship coordinator to talk through your intentions and goals in this matter. There is no requirement that internships perfectly fit your current major, but you should be able to defend your internship choice. This will be helpful as you complete the requisite paperwork.
Do I have to register and pay for the internship course?
Yes. You must register and pay for the course to get academic credit.
How do I receive credit?
One receives credit by working the requisite 200 hours (undergraduate) or 300 hours (graduate) in a relevant position, registering for the internship course (PMAP 4941 or PMAP 8941), and successfully completing all the internship course requirements.
When does PMAP offer internship courses?
Students can conduct and/or complete their internships throughout the year. Generally speaking, students should find and secure an internship before enrolling in the class. Once enrolled, the iCollege page remains open until the internship requirement is completed.
How does the internship course work?
This is essentially an on-line course. You can access the materials in iCollege or on the PMAP Internship Course web page https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/pmap-internship-course/ under the PMAP Internship tabs.
The general steps are outlined in the syllabus, including finding an internship and the submission of paper work. Each item is submitted into the proper dropbox in iCollege where it is reviewed. Most communication happens on our iCollege page or via email with the coordinator. Students are encouraged to talk to the internship coordinator in-person with any questions or concerns.
How do I access the iCollege course page?
Beginning Fall 2019, students have access to the iCollege course page by registering for the course. Once registered, students will have full access to iCollege page and its resources. All of those resources are also available on the PMAP web page https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/pmap-internship-course/ under the Course Syllabi and PMAP Internship tabs.
How many hours do I need to work?
Undergraduate interns complete 200 hours of work for three (3) hours of academic credit in PMAP 4941. Graduate interns complete 300 hours for three (3) hours of academic credit in in PMAP 8941.
Can I see a syllabus and the other paperwork in advance?
Yes. All the materials, including the syllabus are posted on the PMAP web page https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/pmap-internship-course/ under the Course Syllabi and PMAP Internship tabs.
When should my internship start and end?
You determine when to start and end your internship. It is recommended that you secure an internship prior to enrolling in the course before you register for the internship class, and you can finish your internship after the semester ends. You set the internship pace that is best for you and your employer.
What is my first step?
Find and secure a relevant internship. The AYSPS Career Service, https://career.aysps.gsu.edu/ is a great place to start your internship search, though many learn about internships from other students. All internships notices are posted on the Handshake list server on the Career Services website https://career.aysps.gsu.edu/. Handshake is worth monitoring for some time prior to your internship to get an idea of the possibilities out there.
Can I get a waiver from the internship?
Undergraduate students are required to do an internship or substitute PMAP 3005 to receive credit in the Common Core (Area G).
MPA students with considerable relevant work experience may be eligible for a waiver of the internship requirement and consequent three (3) hours of course work. A waiver may be granted after speaking with a counselor and submitting a petition through the Office of Academic Assistance https://aysps.wufoo.com/forms/graduate-internship-waiver-petition/. The petition includes the Final Reflection Paper, current resume, and official job description. The petition is reviewed by an ad hoc committee to determine whether the application for waiver is acceptable. Petitions are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Can I receive more than three hours of credit?
It is possible to get more than three hours of internship credit, but this is only granted in special cases. You must meet and discuss your intentions with the Internship Coordinator, and be prepared to answer these questions:
- What are three extra hours and 200-300 additional hours of work going to give you that an elective course would not?
- What other learning opportunities are you getting from added internship hours?
If your internship plan is approved for additional credit, the next step is to submit an undergraduate or graduate student petition form. The petition is reviewed by an ad hoc committee to determine whether the request is acceptable.
- Completing 6 hours with one employer requires a time sheet showing double hours and a final paper that covers the combined six-hour experience.
- Completing 6 hours with two internships requires two time-sheets and a paper that covers the combined 6-hour experience.
- In cases where the two internships are strikingly different, two reports may be required.
We will not accept these requests from students in their last semester before graduation. This is a curriculum change and these requests must be approved a departmental committee for both undergraduate and graduate students. Getting 6 hours of internship credit is not guaranteed and it can be complicated.
Are there jury duty accommodations?
We will allow jury duty time to count toward your internship hours up to 25 hours. Please get in touch with your internship sponsor and the internship coordinator if your jury service becomes prolonged. Of course, you must provide documentation for both your intern sponsor and the internship coordinators.
Can I conduct an internship on my current job?
Conducting an internship is about the experience, thus, if you have a career relevant job, you may petition to use your job as your internship. However, your employer must be willing to help with your internship paperwork. The internship requirements remain unchanged. If you are interested in this option then you need to send Dr. Esra Tanyildiz a short email proposal. On-the-job internships have the same requirements, including an evaluation from a supervisor who oversees your work and a final paper.
What if none of the options presented above fit my situation?
If none of the options fit your situation then you need to make an appointment to see the internship coordinator, Dr. Esra Tanyildiz, [email protected]. Alternatively, if you are in the BIS in Social Entrepreneurship program you should contact Dr. Tammy Greer, [email protected]. We are confident we can help resolve whatever issues make up your situation.
What is the best way to stay current on internship course developments?
It is your responsibility to check iCollege on a regular basis. Relevant information and reminders are posted to the Announcements (on the start page).
Can I use two different internships to complete the internship requirement?
One internship placement is the best opportunity to enhance your skills, marketability, and get the most out of a substantial time investment.
That said, sometimes students cannot get enough hours at their preferred choice. So, two internships are occasionally a solution. In these cases, we require an inclusive data sheet, two time sheets, and two evaluations. The single report should be a synthesis of these two experiences. You should first check with the Internship Coordinator before taking on a second internship.
Where can I learn more about the final internship report requirement?
Guidelines for completing the final report and all other paperwork are posted on the on the PMAP web page https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/pmap-internship-course/ under the Course Syllabi and PMAP Internship tabs.
How do I address employer questions?
Refer employers to our the PMAP web page https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/pmap-internship-course/ under the Internship Sponsor tab.
Who should I contact with questions about the internship?
If you are a PMAP undergraduate or graduate student, Dr. Esra Tanyildiz is the internship coordinator. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
If you are a BIS in Social Entrepreneurship undergraduate, you may contact Dr. Tammy Greer at [email protected].
You may also make appointments to speak with either of them in person.
Important Webpages and Email Addresses
Internship Coordinator
Dr. Esra Tanyildiz, [email protected]
Social Entrepreneurship
Dr. Tammy Greer, [email protected]
PMAP Internship Web Page
https://aysps.gsu.edu/public-management-policy/pmap-internship-course/
AYSPS Office of Academic Assistance
AYSPS Office of Career Services & Alumni Relations