The internship pathway is the most common way Madison students fulfill their field experience requirement. The internship program connects students with meaningful professional opportunities where they can apply classroom knowledge to real-world public affairs challenges.
Madison internships are designed to place students in decision-making roles or close enough to observe and comment on decision-making processes intelligently.
Career Impact
Many Madison graduates credit their internships with helping to launch their careers. Students regularly:
- Receive full-time job offers from their internship organizations
- Build professional networks that open doors for years to come
- Gain practical skills that complement their academic training
- Clarify their career interests and post-graduation plans
Where Our Students Intern
JMC's Field Experience Database (MSU login required) includes listings with state and federal agencies, local governments, legislative offices, public interest and advocacy groups, legal aid societies and law firms, courts, social service agencies, businesses, newspapers, labor unions, and voluntary organizations.
Location Flexibility: Internships are available throughout the U.S. and internationally, giving students the opportunity to work in Washington D.C., state capitals, major cities or abroad.
Application Process & Timeline
Planning Ahead: Students should begin exploring internship options during their sophomore and junior years through our Field Experience Database.
Required Meeting: All students must meet with Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak at least two full semesters before their planned internship semester.
Custom Opportunities: With coordinator guidance and approval, students may also pursue internships not listed in our database, provided they meet our standards for substantive professional experience.
Program Requirements
All Madison students pursuing the internship pathway must complete:
- MC 400 (3-9 credits, pass/no pass) - The internship experience (taken while completing internship)
- MC 401 (3 credits, pass/no pass) - Academic reflection component (primarily taken after completion of internship/MC 400)
Students spend at least three months (typically one full semester) in an internship role during their junior or senior year.
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Student View: Interning at the Michigan State Capitol
In a recent Student View, Madeline Chryczyk (IR '25) shares her reflections from her time as an intern at the Michigan State Capitol.
Student View: How global health work redefined my mission
Jasnoor Kaur (SRP and Neuroscience '26) recently had the opportunity to live and work in two of the most intellectually rich cities globally: Paris and Oxford. These experiences help shape her view of empathy and path for the future.
Ready to start your internship search?
Contact Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak (or make an appointment via SIS) to explore opportunities and begin planning your professional experience.