TENNESSEE PUBLIC SERVICE PAID INTERNSHIPS, SUMMER 2020
The University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service (IPS) serves business and government to improve the lives of Tennesseans. In support of this mission, IPS provides consulting, training and research for local governments across the state. This outreach mission allows IPS to develop opportunities and public service internships for exceptional students interested in state and local government careers.
Internships are primarily, but not exclusively, awarded to graduate students interested in careers in state and local government. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. The internships are located in Tennessee but application is not limited to universities or students in Tennessee.
This summer internships are with city and county governments across the state. Deadline for submitting applications is March 1, 2020
1. The Public Service Internship Program is primarily intended for graduate students interested in careers in public service, but a limited number of undergraduate interns may be considered.
IPS is committed to introducing individuals from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented to public service in Tennessee. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply for these internships.
2. These are paid internships, with compensation currently established at $12 per hour. The only extra benefits are the challenges and opportunities of working with local governments and agencies.
3. This is a statewide program and, to the extent possible, internships are located convenient to students and hosts.
4. Internships start and end with the academic semester and generally last 10-12 weeks. Interns typically work about 20 hours per week, but hours during the summer semester may increase depending on the needs of the student, the host stakeholder and funds available. Students enrolled in classes during the internship semester are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week.
5. Host agencies and communities work with IPS consultants to develop projects of interest to the local government and of benefit to the students.
6. We do emphasize competitive placement through panel interviews and structured learning objectives. Students that are not placed are welcome to re-apply.
7. Interns complete a series of required learning objectives. IPS emphasizes professional development and when opportunities are available interns attend city, county and professional association meetings
8. Interested students must participate no later than the semester following graduation.
9. Consultants serve as mentors and supervisors, and provide technical advice, coordinate training opportunities and travel, and approve compensation and reimbursement.
10. Students are limited to a single internship with IPS.
This is a statewide program and, to the extent possible, internships will be located convenient to students and hosts.
Deadline to submit letters of interest and resumes is March 1st, 2020.
ELIGIBILITY AND HOW TO APPLY
Students submit a resume and letter of interest through faculty at their campus or to the contact below. The letter of interest should describe the student’s professional interests, including interest in a local government career and area of the state desired for the internship. The resume should include academic degrees, overall GPA and anticipated graduation schedules of the student.
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS CONTACT:
John Topinka, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration
The University of Memphis
132 McCord Hall
Memphis, TN 38152-3330
(901) 678-3365
jptpinka@memphis.edu (email embedded in Apply button in Symplicity Post # 3722)
The program brochure and other information is available in the Career Services Office (Room 236) or at the IPS website:
or contact Steve Thompson at: steve.thompson@tennessee.edu
