College of Public Service and Urban Affairs
Tennessee State University
To: Employers Interested in Interns from the Tennessee
State University Master of Public Administration Program
Over the past decade many employers have sought out our Master of Public
Administration students for internships. Most employers occupy the government
or non-profit sectors; however, some in for profit business have sponsored
interns. What is important to us in the Department of Public Administration is
that the students are exposed to meaningful learning experiences on the job and
that in doing so they acquire an appreciation of working in service of the public
interest.
This document is intended to explain to prospective intern sponsors/sponsoring
agencies and prospective interns responsibilities, requirements for each party.
Any questions regarding internships should be directed to the Department Chair
or Internship Coordinator.
Employers’ Requirements and Responsibilities
 Internships should be requested one semester or a minimum of three
months in advance of date of employment. Because students must register
for internship credit while they are working, they must plan in advance to
assume the internship.
 Prior to placement interns must be offered a letter of hire or memo
detailing specifications of their work placement including, but not limited
to:
o a job description including a precise, detailed description of your
needs
o scheduling (days, times)
o contact information for the intern’s supervisor
This information should be offered to the student and the Department of Public
Administration’s intern supervisor for approval prior to starting the
internship. Other important facts to know:

The internship must consist of a minimum of 300 hours over the term of
placement. Typically internships have been employed half-time for at least
fifteen weeks. Interns can work part-time or full-time depending on their
availability and interest. This arrangement must be worked out with the
intern prior to placement.
 The intern supervisor must submit an end of internship evaluation of the
student. This form will eventually be available at the Internship homepage.
While the program – and students – prefer internships to be compensated,
unpaid or volunteer internships are permissible. Volunteer intern placements are
left to the student’s discretion.
Intern Responsibilities
Employers hoping to sponsor interns should be aware that interns are first and
foremost students. They are learning how to conduct themselves and perform as
professionals. Their obligations are to fulfill the approved job requirements of the
placement agreement. But at the same time as the internship, students enroll in
an internship course for credit. The following is supplied to inform sponsors and
especially supervisors the kind of projects for which students are responsible
during their internships.
To complete the Internship for the Public Service (PADM 6500) course students
are required to submit to the Internship Coordinator or faculty member
responsible for the course the following:
 their internship placement letter and job description;
 Any supervisor evaluations, both formal and informal (e.g. emails)
 A daily log or journal of internship experiences
 A paper, partly based on the log, summing up lessons learned from the
internship.
Caveat
Students who do not fulfill their obligations during their internship to the
sponsoring organization should be reported to the Department’s Internship
Coordinator as soon as possible. While the University cannot be held responsible
for all conduct outside its walls, students’ on the job performance is expected to
be of a high standard and quality. It is certainly the interest of all parties
concerned – sponsoring agency, the university, the intern – for placements to
provide a mutually beneficial and rewarding learning experience.
Questions on the above should be directed to:
Dr. Rodney Stanley, Department Head, [email protected]
Department of Public Administration
College of Public Service and Urban Affairs
Avon Williams Campus
Suite F, Box 140
330 Tenth Avenue N
Nashville Tennessee 37203-3401
615-963-7241