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 250 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 internships in their first 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
The MSSP program partners with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) to offer the MSSP-DHS Performance Management & Technology Fellowship Program. This Fellowship provides one MSSP or MSSP+DA student with the opportunity to work at the DHS Division of Performance Management & Technology, conducting research and evaluation on child welfare policy at the DHS Data Analytics Unit. The DHS Division of Performance Management & Technology promotes safety, permanency, and well-being for children and youth at risk of abuse, neglect, and delinquency. It conducts research to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and develops and maintains integrated information systems and data analytics that inform practitioners and impact policy decisions. MSSP-DHS Fellows apply their policy, research and evaluation, and data analytics training to improve services that impact children’s lives. MSSP-DHS Fellows complete at least 150 hours in the Spring or Summer semester in consultation with their advisor. The schedule is determined by the Fellow and DHS staff with a preference for at least a 12-hour/week commitment. This fellowship fulfills both the MSSP and MSSP+DA internship requirements. For more information, please contact the MSSP program.
CHILD USA Social Science Fellowship Program
Events
03/18
From Foster Care to College: How Can Social Workers Support Higher Education Success?
Research tells us that without support, young adults with foster care experience are less likely to attend, persist, and succeed in higher education. These college students face complex challenges that […]
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Faculty & Research
02/13
Groundbreaking experiments with guaranteed income for formerly incarcerated individuals show promising results
Research from the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) reveals the profound potential of guaranteed income for individuals reentering communities after incarceration.
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