The Internship Experience

The Harrisburg Semester Internship Program places Penn State students in the midst of Pennsylvania politics and policy making and provides them with practical, on-the-job experience working in their field of interest. For many, this internship is a student's first 'real-world' learning experience and opens the door for future employment opportunities. Internships are credit-earning through an accompanying course. The Program is offered by the School of Public Affairs’ Public Policy and Political Science Division to all interest eligible students of the School, the College, and the University.

Benefits for students

  • Increases self-confidence as public service professionals

  • Builds resume and portfolio

  • Enhances networking opportunities and connections for future employment

  • Encourages intellectual growth, integrating classroom learning with workplace experiences.

Speaker Series and Colloquium

The second part of the Harrisburg Semester program, in addition to the internship, is a speaker series series and colloquium that brings students into contact with high-profile Pennsylvania leaders in the areas of Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Policy, Health Administration, Homeland Security, and other fields. Students attend several sessions while on their internship and discuss their real-world experience in the broader context of current public policy challenges with public sector leaders and subject matter experts to maximize their learning experience. The Harrisburg Semester Speaker Series and Colloquium is supported by the generous contribution of Mr. Cliff Jones and is free to students. This is an exciting opportunity for students to engage and network with Pennsylvania leaders.

Placement

The School of Public Affairs’ internship coordinator works closely with students for internships in state and local government agencies, community and economic development organizations, government-related businesses, and non-profits.

Specific internship sites may include the state legislature, state agencies, public affairs and lobbying firms, and policy advocacy organizations in areas such as economic development, human rights, and environmental policy. The program also seeks new internship sites to match students’ interests.

Recent placements

  • State legislature (committees, representatives, and senators)

  • State agencies: Human Relations Commission, Department of Health, Governor’s Policy Office,  Department of Agriculture, Department of Aging

  • Lobbying and public relations firms:  Novak Strategic Advisors, the Winter Group, the Bravo Group, Greenlee Partners, Delta Development Group, and TRIAD

  • Economic development organizations/public-private partnerships: Harristown Development Corporation

  • Advocacy organizations: Pennsylvania League of Conservation Voters, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, the Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living, Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

  • Non-profits: United Way, the YWCA

  • Pennsylvania Legislative Services

Common responsibilities

  • Conducting legislative research

  • Attending legislative committee meetings and hearings

  • Planning conferences and special events

  • Preparing marketing and media reports

  • Designing and updating websites

  • Responding to constituent requests

  • Tracking federal or state legislation

  • Preparing campaign events

  • Engaging in policy advocacy

For more, see excerpts from student journals.

Compensation

Students are encouraged to apply early, as paid internships are limited. Students should choose an internship placement based on its value to future career goals. Students can apply for Harrisburg Semester Scholarship funding, see application for details.

Costs

Tuition

Students must pay the current Penn State undergraduate tuition rate for the courses outlined.

Housing

  • The International House (I-House) http://www.ihousehbg.org -- Located in center city Harrisburg, within walking distance of most internship sites and the Capitol. Created to provide a warm and friendly environment where students, scholars, and interns can live and learn from one another. The I-House fills quickly. Students should reserve housing as early as possible.

  • Housing in the city of Harrisburg is available through various sources.

Rental rates

Rental rates for housing, including the International House, list between $550-$750 per month.

Expenses

Students should also budget for food, transportation, and entertainment.

Financial Aid

  • Liberal Arts Scholarships for University Park Students — Must be a full-time undergraduate (i.e., at least 12 credits per semester) with primary major in the College of Liberal Arts and require funds to support activities such as internships, study abroad, and travel to professional conferences associated with the major.
    Application for Student Enrichment

  • The Cliff Jones Fund — Several stipends of $2,500 each are available to Penn State undergraduate students who enroll in the summer Harrisburg Semester program. The fund, named in honor of the longtime Penn State Harrisburg advocate who served four Pennsylvania governors in cabinet positions, was initiated to financially assist students in the Harrisburg Semester program which he helped create.

  • Honors Students — Students should check with their honors program about the availability of financial aid for internship and public service projects.