Last summer, students in our Master in Public Affairs (MPA) program made waves across the globe. With a presence in 19 different countries, they applied their coursework, dedication to public service, and expertise in a variety of impactful roles and organizations.

Global Reach: From Australia to Uganda

Spread out across the world, they interned in countries from Australia to Uganda and gained invaluable experience in diverse settings such as Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Cambodia, France, Ghana, India, Japan, Kenya, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.

The international exposure not only broadened their horizons but also allowed them to contribute to global solutions in organizations such as The Asia Foundation, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the International Organization for Migration.

Making a Mark in Washington, D.C.

Closer to home, 25 of our MPA students interned in Washington, D.C., with well-known organizations such as the Bezos Earth Fund, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Treasury, the U.S. Army’s Foreign Military Studies Office, The World Bank Group, The White House, Hudson Institute, and the United Nations, among many others. These internships provided firsthand experience in policymaking and international affairs at the highest levels.

Long-Standing Partnerships

Our students also interned at organizations with which we have long-standing relationships. These include the OECD in Paris, the Office of the Mayor of the City of Chicago, the City of Philadelphia, and the U.S. Department of State – all of which just highlight the strong network and reputation of Princeton SPIA in public affairs.

SINSI Students: Specialized Rotations

Our four Scholars in the Nation’s Service Initiative (SINSI) students also embarked on their first rotations in highly specialized roles and worked with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section, Police Practice Group; the White House Office of Management and Budget's Legislative Reference Division; the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of Assistance for East, South, and Central Asia; and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's Industrial Innovation Team. These rotations are designed to provide students with deep insights and hands-on experience in their respective fields.

Financial Support for Internships

We are proud to share that 87% of our MPA students were fully or partially funded by Princeton SPIA for their summer internships. This financial support ensures that our students can focus on their work and make the most of their internship experiences without financial burden.

Princeton SPIA is incredibly proud of our MPA students and their contributions last summer. Their work across the globe is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the expertise they acquire through their SPIA coursework. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in public service.