The UCR School of Public Policy Internship Program provides students an opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to the real world.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Internships are an integral part of exposing public policy students to the real world. To that effect, the UCR School of Public Policy Internship Program has been matching high-achieving students with local government agencies, nonprofits, and private entities for hands-on work experience on policy issues impacting the region, ever since the program’s founding in 2014 by former Mayor of Riverside Ron Loveridge.

“Our internship program takes public policy students out of the classroom and gives them a taste of potential policy-related careers,” said Laura Sosa, Career Counselor and Academic Internship Program Coordinator. “It’s a great way to test what you might be interested in pursuing as a career.”

In the past, UCR public policy students have undertaken internships at the Riverside County Office of Education, the Center for American Progress, the Office of the Attorney General, and with the Riverside University Health System, to name a few.

Students who are chosen for this selective program can fulfill the Public Policy (PBPL) 198i course requirement for graduation. (Public policy students can also fulfill the PBPL 198i requirement by participating through UCDC, UCCS, or lining up internships on their own).

“The UCR SPP Internship Program has given me a great opportunity to get real life experience in the professional world,” said Vrunda Shah, a Class of 2019 public policy student. “By placing me in the Western Riverside Council of Governments, I have been able to learn how different governmental agencies cooperate and their relationship with the public. Additionally, by working hands-on with SB-1383 and Clean Air Day, I’ve gained the necessary skills to apply to the professional world when I graduate. Working with WRCOG has further solidified my interests with working in governmental agencies because I’ve observed and learned the positive impact they have in the community.”

The deadline for public policy students to apply is May 5th, 2019. For further questions regarding the SPP Internship Program contact laura.sosa@ucr.edu.