The University of Utah’s Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of International Affairs & Global Enterprise (MIAGE) programs have partnered with the Hinckley Institute of Politics to place students in graduate-level internships abroad and in Washington DC. Many, though not all, of the internship opportunities are paid or involve a stipend.
General Information and costs
- To be eligible for graduate internships through The Hinckley Institute of Politics, applicants must be current students in good-standing in one of the three participating graduate programs and must meet each program’s specific GPA and completed credits requirements at the time of application.
- Most university-run Washington, D.C. internship programs charge students thousands of dollars to participate in their programs. The Hinckley Institute, however, has created a program where a student’s financial status should not inhibit his or her ability to serve. Accordingly, the Hinckley interest guarantees students a national leading MINIMUM scholarship of approximately $850/month to cover living expenses. In addition, the Hinckley Institute heavily subsidizes housing costs. (Total rent cost is $800/month, the HIP covers $400/month and charges the student $400/month).
- Subsidized housing is available at Park Place apartments for only $400/month. Four to five students share a two-bedroom, furnished apartment. Occasionally, the Hinckley Insitute allows non-University of Utah students to stay in the student apartments for $800/month. All students are required to put down a non-refundable $100 down payment before they occupy the apartments, which will be applied towards their rent.
- Students should understand the costs associated with a DC internship and budget accordingly. Here is an online calculator to help students budget costs.
- Students are also eligible to apply for the Bill Rishel Loan which offers up to $2500 a year to undergraduate students. The Bill Rishel Loan is low interest and students don’t begin paying back the loan until after graduation.
- Students must register for graduate internship credit – HNKLY 6910,6911, or 6912 for their internship..
- See course listings for applicable tuition costs and program fees.
To determine placement eligibility, students will submit an application, and will be interviewed by program staff. If selected, the final step in the application process will be an interview with the Hinckley Institute of Politics’ Assistant Director.
All students who are placed in internships are required to attend a pre-departure orientation. Students placed in overseas internships will also be required to attend an International Debriefing session.
How to apply
- Print the “Online Application Coversheet”
Fill out and submit the Online Application Cover Sheet (keep track of your “access code” for future reference). Once you have submitted the online coversheet, a pdf document with a copy of your online cover sheet will appear. Print the coversheet. You will use this document to compile your internship application. (Please note: The pdf document includes an “internship application checklist” and “letters of recommendation forms,” both of which are part of the undergraduate application procedure only. Graduate students only need to print the coversheet.) - Submit the following materials with the coversheet to your program manager by the published deadline:
- Personal Statement: A letter that addresses the applicant’s relevant experience, skills and career goals and identifies her or his internship interests.
- Resume: Should be tailored to internship student is seeking.
- Writing Sample: A five page writing sample.
- Academic Letter: A letter of recommendation from an instructor from whom the student has taken at least one class in the applicant’s matriculated graduate program.
- Professional Letter: A letter of recommendation from a current or past supervisor.
- Academic Transcripts: Transcripts for each semester of matriculated graduate coursework completed at the University of Utah. (Undergraduate transcripts may also be submitted, but are not required.) Unofficial copies are acceptable.
- Optional Letter: An additional academic or professional letter of recommendation.
- Department Interview: If the interview committee ecommends you for an internship opportunity, your program manager will write a Departmental Letter of Recommendation, and forward it along with your coversheet and corresponding materials to Hinckley Institute of Politics staff.
- Hinckley Staff Final Interview: Discussion of placement opportunities. Unless told otherwise during this interview, applicants who are invited to interview with Hinckley staff can expect internship placement.
Graduate Internship Deadlines:
- Spring 2013 (September 24, 2012)
- Summer 2103 (January 31, 2013)
- Fall 2013 (May 31, 2013)
- Spring 2014 (October 25, 2013)
For additional information:
Please contact your respective graduate program.
MIAGE: 581-6813
MPP: 585-7834
MPA: 585-7985
