Undergraduate Internship Application Process

Welcome to the Internship process!  It's never too late to get an internship.  Finding an appropriate internship that will satisfy your requirements will take help from the Internship Office.   Here are the steps you need to follow:

Getting Started:

  •  Internship Cheat Sheet
  • When you write to Elise, include your name in the subject line.
  • You must complete all of your core requirements for your internship to count.
  • Sign and turn in your Agreement Release form
  • Fill out and submit Data sheet
  • Send e-copy of your resume after you've looked over the Resume Guidelines and Sample Resumes
  • Read the PPS Internship Handbook
  • Remember, when you write to Elise, include your name in the subject line.

Searching and Applying for Internships:

  • Select 20 places from the PPS Database, from email listings the Internship Office sends you, and from family contacts.  Send the list to Elise. Put your name in the subject line.
    • If you want an international internship, plan to start early (Sept/Oct) in the fall.
    • US State Department internship deadline is November 1.  Start first thing fall semester. The State Department application can be found online and accessible through the Database.
  • Perfect your resume with the help of the Internship Office staff.
  • Write a draft of a cover letter template after you have looked at the Internship Office's guidelines for cover letters and cover letter template.
  • Edit your cover letter with the Internship Office staff.
  • Fill out Internship Information Sheet to petition for credit if you find an internship that is not in the database.

Your application may require the following:

  • Official Duke transcript - This can be requested from the Registrar's office (103 Allen Building, phone 919-684-9030, fax 919-684-4500). You can download a request form here.  Transcripts are free. (Consider waiting until your fall grades are posted unless you need it earlier than that.) If you need the Internship Office to send sealed transcripts please address to: Your Name c/o Elise Goldwasser.
  • Letters of recommendation - Three letters of recommendation are suggested, addressed generically ("To whom it may concern") for multiple use. Recommendations may be from PPS faculty members, faculty members from other departments who know you well, or employers. High school teachers or family friends are not suggested. Letters may be sent directly to the Internship Office if recommenders wish to preserve confidentiality. We are happy to mail them out for you.
  •  Writing Sample:  A 3-5 page policy memo from one of your PPS classes is suggested. Do not send a long term paper unless specifically requested. You may, however, submit a section of a long paper as a writing sample.  Media internships may require clips.

  • For Media Internships:
    All broadcast media internships require pre-approval from the Director of the DeWitt Wallace Center. Make an appointment before you apply.
    919-613-7387

Accepting an Internship:

VERY IMPORTANT!!!  YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS SECTION IN ORDER FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP TO COUNT TOWARDS THE PPS REQUIREMENT!!!

  • Fill out an Info Sheet with supervisor's complete contact information and turn it in
    (If your internship is in the database then complete only the contact information section.  If your internship need approval complete the entire form carefully and pay attention to the question "why these projects are related to public policy?".)
  • Make sure that your supervisor completes and returns the Supervisor Agreement Letter
  • Once your Agreement Letter in on file in the Internship Office, you will receive a registration # for PPS 103.  PPS 103 is a Pass-Fail course.  In order to pass PPS 103 you must submit your memo, cover sheet, and self-evaluation form.  In addition, you must make sure that your supervisor turns in a final evaluation form.
  • If you will be abroad for a fall semester after a summer internship, you will register for PPS 103 during the next semester you are on campus.
  • If your summer internship is unpaid and in Washington, D.C. or Durham, you can register for PPS 161 to receive a summer stipend.  PPS 161 is a half credit course that counts towards graduation but not towards PPS requirements.  In Durham the class meets at the Sanford Institute.  In D.C. the class meets on Wednesday evenings at the Urban Institute at Dupont Circle.  You learn more about this class and how to register at the mandatory information session.
  • You do not have to accept your first offer.  Talk with the staff about your options.

Finding Money if your Internship is Unpaid:

  • The Career Center has money available for unpaid summer internships.  The deadline is usually early March.
  • If you receive financial aid assistance, apply for the VOORHEES.  See the handbook and submit the materials to the Internship Coordinator.
  • If your summer internship is unpaid and in Washington, D.C. or Durham, you can register for PPS 161 to receive a summer stipend.  PPS 161 is a half credit course that counts towards graduation but not towards PPS requirements.  In Durham the class meets at the Sanford Institute.  In D.C. the class meets on Wednesday evenings at the Urban Institute at Dupont Circle.  You learn more about this class and how to register at the mandatory information session.

Completing your Requirement:             

As the release form says you will:

  • Complete 350 hours at your internship during the summer or complete 280 hours at your internship during a semester. (You may split the time)
  • Submit your memo and cover sheet within two weeks after your internship ends!
  • Fill out and return a Self Evaluation form within two weeks after your internship ends!
  • Register for PPS 103.  Once your Agreement Letter in on file in the Internship Office, you will receive a registration # for PPS 103.  PPS 103 is a Pass-Fail course.  In order to pass PPS 103 you must submit your memo, cover sheet, and self-evaluation form.  In addition, you must make sure that your supervisor turns in a final evaluation form.
  • Register for PPS 190 if you are doing an independent study with a faculty member.
  • Make sure your supervisor returns the Supervisor Evaluation form that the Internship Office sends out during the third week in July by email.

Here is how to communicate with your Internship Coordinator:

  • Voicemail: Leave your number a second time after you say goodbye.
  • Email: Put your name in the subject line of email messages you send.
  • To make an appointment send an email message with three times you are available to meet.
  • Drop box is located outside our offices at 257 Sanford.

For additional information, please read the Internship Handbook for Undergraduates and then contact:

When you write to Elise, include your name in the subject line.

Elise Goldwasser
Undergraduate Internship Coordinator
(919) 613-7311
(919) 684-2153 (fax)
elise.goldwasser@duke.edu

When you send an email message please put your name and your question in the subject line.