Careers & Internships

Internships

• Master of Public Administration students without significant professional experience in the public sector are strongly encouraged to complete an internship program in a government agency, nonprofit organization, or institution of higher education.
• With the approval of the Graduate Program Director, up to 3 elective credit hours can be earned for an internship position.
  • Seek advising prior to registering for PADM 668 - Internship/Field Experience
• Faculty and staff regularly share internship opportunities with students, though we encourage you to let us know if you are actively searching for a role.
• In 2022, the City of Virginia Beach Office of Performance and Accountability has established a partnership with the School of Public Service to offer a paid internship position to one MPA student per semester.
• Other agencies where students have completed internship positions include:
  • The City of Virginia Beach, VA- Department of Budget & Management Services
  • The Municipality of the County of York, VA - Human Resources Department
  • The City of Lexington, VA - Police Department
  • The College of Southern Maryland - Division of Learning (LaPlata, MD)
  • The U.S. Department of State
  • The Virginia General Assembly

Career Development Services

Find professional development and practical experience with Old Dominion University Career Development Services, and use the Handshake tool to connect with students, employers and alumni.

Follow On LinkedIn To Stay Connected!

Follow us on LinkedIn for regular updates on departmental activities, new job and internship opportunities, as well as to connect with students, faculty, and alumni!

---

---

Career Pathways Program

Preparing Future Professionals

The Preparing Future Professionals (PFP) program is a professional development program open to all graduate students and post-doctoral scholars, but is designed especially for those interested in a non-academic career, such as in industry, non-profit or non-governmental organizations, or government agencies.

---

Preparing Future Faculty (PFF)

Career Pathways also offers a Preparing Future Faculty program for graduate students interested in a career in academia. The mission of the PFF program is to expose graduate students and post-doctoral fellows to the diverse roles, responsibilities, and rewards of an academic career. The PFF program is especially useful for students interested in an academic career at a university, liberal arts college, private college, or community college.

Dr. Wie Yusuf

Professor

---

---

Graduate Assistantships

Beyond internships and employment opportunities, Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions provide full-time MPA students the chance to gain valuable experience and form professional relationships while supplementing academic expenses. GA responsibilities for MPA students most often entail research and administrative activities.

Graduate Assistantships roles in the School of Public Service are limited, and selection is competitive. Candidates are primarily selected based on the materials submitted with the MPA application or by review of academic performance. Please contact your MPA advisor or Graduate Program Director for current availability.

Additional Graduate Assistantship opportunities across the University can be sought through the Office of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services.