Internships

Gain real-world policy experience

During the policy internship, students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and apply classroom learning and research skills. Students in the MSSP program complete 250 hours of a policy-related internship throughout the academic year.  Students in the MSSP+DA program complete 150 hours of a policy-related internship during their second fall semester. Internship activities may include policy analysis, data analysis, research, policymaking, advocacy, policy implementation, policy communications, and policy evaluation. Internships span all types of agencies and organizations, including nonprofits, research institutions, advocacy organizations, think tanks, state and local government, federal government, and private foundations.

MSSP students begin their internship in their first fall semester. MSSP+DA students begin their internship in their second fall semester.

Internships are structured based on individual student interests and past social policy experiences. Internships can take place in the United States or abroad, all internships must be social policy related.

Finding an internship

Prior to starting an internship, students receive detailed information on the internship search process and internship requirements. Program staff are available to meet with students to discuss internship options and guide students through the process. There are several ways to find a right-fit internship:

  • Review the SONIA database of past internship sites.
  • Identify possible internships through networking with friends, family, classmates, faculty, former employers, or personal contacts.
  • Research organizations of interest to see if internships are available.
  • Consult with Penn Career Services for a resume and cover letter review, participate in mock interviews, gain career advice, and more.

Internship opportunities received through the MSSP office are entered in the SP2 SONIA internship database and may also be posted on the MSSP Canvas internship site or featured in the weekly MSSP newsletter. During the search, students are encouraged to cast their net broadly and apply to many organizations. This will yield the best possible opportunities.

Partial list of past internship sites

  • ACLU of Pennsylvania
  • Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP)
  • Center for American Progress’ Women’s Initiative
  • Center for High Impact Philanthropy (CHIP)
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia*
  • CHILD USA*
  • China House
  • City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services*
  • City of Philadelphia Office of Children & Families
  • Data Science for Social Good, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Economy League of Greater Philadelphia
  • Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
  • Health Equity & Policy Lab
  • Mayor’s Internship Program, Philadelphia Mayor’s Office
  • Prevention Point Philadelphia 
  • Satell Institute 
  • Social Security Administration
  • Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program
  • Towards Unity for Health (TUFH)
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • The World Bank

*Denotes a partner organization

Partnered Internships

Penn MSSP-DHS Performance Management & Technology Fellowship

Penn MSSP-DHS Performance Management & Technology Fellowship

CHILD USA Social Science Fellowship Program

CHILD USA Social Science Fellowship Program

Events

05/15

SP2 Master’s Program End of Year

SP2 master’s programs and members of the community will come together to reflect on accomplishments, contributions, and connections over the past year. As the 2024-2025 academic year comes to a […]

Events

05/16

Logo of Penn Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania

SP2 Hall of Fame Induction

SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame, May 16th; 4-5:30pm | Inn at Penn – 3600 Sansom Street Inductees for the Class of 2025 will be announced 4/1. This event will give priority […]

News

headshot of Linda Goler Blount

SP2 announces Linda Goler Blount as 2025 Commencement Speaker

Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) announced last week that Linda Goler Blount, MPH, a public health leader and the new President and CEO of Community Catalyst, will deliver the School’s 2025 Commencement speech on May 17.