MPA Internship/Co‑op Program

Committed to experiential learning, the Dalhousie MPA creates the opportunity for students to get real world, paid, work experience with our internship option. Approved by the Government of Canada’s co-op program and registered with the Public Service Commission of Canada, the internship is an investment in the professional development of our future public service leadership.

With internship opportunities at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government as well as across non-profits, policy groups and other organizations alike, students get the opportunity to explore their interests, get hands-on experience, and further their learning in an environment committed to their growth. The work terms foster the integration of practical public service experience with the professional education of the MPA program.

The internship takes place in the summer after first year (May-August) and so students are required to take two professional development courses prior to help them prepare for the competition process and the internship itself. The Internship Coordinator negotiates the positions and tasks to ensure that interns are taking a step forward in their professional development. The program has always been successful in helping students to secure an internship. To date, 100% of our students were able to find an internship as part of this program.

All internships are paid.