Public Service Internships
IPS serves business, industry and government to improve the lives of Tennesseans. In support of this mission, IPS provides consulting, training and research for local governments across the state. This outreach mission allows IPS to develop opportunities for exceptional seniors and graduate students with a demonstrated interest in a local government career.
Internships through IPS are not limited to students at the University of Tennessee and are structured specifically for students interested in a wide range of local government careers. Placement is through the two IPS agencies that directly serve local governments: the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS).
Interns are assigned to, and supervised through, IPS offices near their home or campus for research, special projects, preparatory work for field consultants, or cities and counties for specific research issues.
While each program has different expectations and serves different students and stakeholders, our internship program provides opportunities for students to gain valuable experience and contacts with local employers. Both students and employers benefit from participation in this internship. The program connects local governments and industries with outstanding young professionals emerging from colleges and universities.
- An internship gives students an opportunity to experience public service at the local government level, and we aim to make that possible! A faculty advisor is involved and available for guidance, but our agencies will also assign a local government consultant to assist and introduce the intern to professional staff and elected members of local governments and agencies.
- Interns are generally assigned to a particular project. Consultants supervise the interns, approve their timesheets and work with staff to give the government and the student a worthwhile experience.
- Students should assist with a variety of tasks, as most professional staff do, but generally should not be assigned to lengthy receptionist or clerical duties.
- Interns should have an opportunity to participate in policy discussions and observe meetings of elected and appointed members of the local government or agency.
- Meetings are often an important part of public service, and these will allow interns to observe, and even participate in, discussions about services, projects and programs that are important to the people of that community and the state.
- Local government service should be an inspiring experience for the intern! Interns will learn to participate in local government discussions and gain the perspective to properly understand and improve the processes and projects required in effective public service.
Students should submit a resume and letter of interest through faculty at their campus or to the contact below. The letter of interest should describe the student’s professional interests, including interest in a local government career and area of the state desired for the internship. The resume should include academic degrees, overall GPA and anticipated graduation schedules of the student, along with three references.
Contact Internship Coordinator Tomi Rogers with any questions.
- tomi.rogers@tennessee.edu
- (865) 974-1535.
Deadlines for 2025 will be posted soon.
- This internship program is open to seniors and graduate students with a demonstrated interest in a local government career.
- IPS is committed to introducing individuals from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented to public service in Tennessee. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply for these internships.
- These are paid internships with a compensation of $14 per hour. The only extra benefits are the challenges and opportunities of working with local governments and agencies. IPS internships emphasize professional development through opportunities for city, county and professional association meetings.
- This is a statewide program, and, to the extent possible, internships are located in an area convenient to students and hosts.
- Internships start and end with the academic semester and generally last 10–12 weeks. Interns typically work about 20 hours per week, but hours during the summer semester may increase depending on the needs of the student, the host government and available funds. Students enrolled in classes during the internship semester are limited to 20 hours per week.
- Host agencies and communities work with IPS consultants to develop projects of interest to the local government and that benefit the students.
- Students are accepted and placed through a competitive placement process. Interns complete a series of required learning objectives.
- IPS consultants serve as mentors and supervisors, provide technical advice and coordinate training opportunities.
- Students are limited to a single internship with IPS.
EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Frederick Gordon
Associate Professor & MPA Director
Political Science, International Affairs & Public Administration
(423) 439-6134 | gordonfd@mail.etsu.edu
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Lisa Langenbach
Internship Director
Political Science Department
lisa.langenbach@mtsu.edu
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
John Topinka, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration
(901) 678-3365 | jptpinka@memphis.edu
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Rodney E. Stanley
Interim Dean, College of Public Service
Professor, Department of Public Administration
(615) 963-7249 | rstanley1@tnstate.edu
TENNESSEE TECH UNIVERSITY
Dr. Lauren Harding
Assistant Professor Sociology & Political Science
(931) 372-3817 | lharding@tntech.edu
Dr. Lori Maxwell
Department Chairperson
Sociology & Political Science
(931) 372-3437 | lmmaxwell@tntech.edu
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, CHATTANOOGA
Dr. Christopher S. Horne
UC Foundation Associate Professor of Public Administration
Department of Political Science, Public Administration and Nonprofit Management
(423) 425-1709 | christopher-horne@utc.edu
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
Dr. Xuhong Su
MPPA Director
Department of Political Science
(865) 974-2261 | xsu11@utk.edu