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SPAA's BA Program Launches Summer 2025 Internship Placement Program

Rutgers SPAA's BA program has launched its Summer 2025 Internship Placement Program to aid undergraduate SPAA students in their career development. Students will have the opportunity to work at numerous area organizations that operate in realms such as local government, healthcare, human resources administration, youth development, music and journalism, and criminal justice and law enforcement.

Internship sites for 2025 will include:

"Through this program, SPAA students will gain some much-needed professional experience along with having the opportunity to network with a team of dedicated professionals," according to Dr. Michael Dillard (MPA'10), assistant teaching professor and the BA program director at SPAA, who designed and coordinated the program. "The goal is simple, I want our undergraduate students to understand how to apply theory-to-practice by gaining real-world experience," he said. "Our BA students will gain relevant skills while also building their social capital, and have the opportunity to explore various career paths in public and nonprofit administration." 

Students interested in applying for an internship and individuals at area organizations wishing to serve as site supervisors should contact Dr. Dillard at michael.dillard@rutgers.edu for more information.

Some of the upcoming internship site supervisors for Summer 2025 have great things to say about the partnership:

Catherine J. Plymel (BA'16; MPA'17)
Chief Operating Officer
Boys & Girls Club of Newark

I am excited to share a unique opportunity that not only offers hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector but also serves as a full-circle moment in my own professional journey. As a proud graduate of the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) undergraduate and master's program, I can confidently say that my time in the program was instrumental in shaping my career. Today, I serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark.

During my time in the SPAA program, I gained critical knowledge and skills that prepared me for leadership in the public and nonprofit sectors. My internship experience played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, equipping me with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges of nonprofit management effectively.

As a leader in the field, I am eager to mentor and support the next generation of public service professionals. The Boys & Girls Club of Newark internship offers students hands-on exposure to nonprofit operations, youth development, program management, and community engagement. This experience will strengthen your professional skills and provide you with a network of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference.

I encourage you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to apply your academic learning in a real-world setting. If you are passionate about serving communities, fostering youth development, and gaining practical nonprofit experience, this internship is the perfect stepping stone for your career.

Natasha Hemmings (MPA'16)
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ)

We are thrilled to announce a unique summer internship opportunity at Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) exclusively for Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) undergraduate students. This program is designed to provide hands-on experience in a vibrant nonprofit setting where students can apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

As a proud SPAA alumna, I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of public service leaders. My journey from SPAA classrooms to the helm of GSHNJ embodies the values of leadership, dedication, and community service that we aim to instill in our interns. The internship program will focus on meaningful projects that contribute to our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Interns will have the chance to work closely with our experienced leadership team, gaining invaluable insights into nonprofit management, strategic planning, and program development. This is more than just an internship; it is an opportunity to make a significant impact while being part of a supportive and inspiring environment.

We look forward to welcoming SPAA students to our team, where they will not only grow professionally but also help us continue to offer life-changing experiences to girls across New Jersey.

Steeve Augustin
Office of the Hillside Mayor
Director of Economic Development

Mayor Dahlia Vertreese and the Township of Hillside are excited at the prospect of partnering with Rutgers University School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). Undergraduate students from SPAA will participate in the Township of Hillside's Summer 2025 BA Internship Program. Students will have the opportunity to work in various departments, including but not limited to the Mayor's Office/Administration, Finance, Law, Recreation, Police, and Tax. The Township of Hillside is committed to providing an enriching and hands-on learning environment that will allow SPAA students to gain practical experience in local government operations.

Sherronda Williams
Director Benefits Operations, EEO & Leaves Administration
Human Resources Department 
University Hospital 

University Hospital is proud to continue our partnership with Rutgers University by sponsoring two students from the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). These students will have the opportunity to complete an internship within our Human Resources Department.

As part of this experience, we have developed a comprehensive training program that will allow the interns to work alongside our HR team and gain hands-on experience in key areas, including Benefits Operations, EEO and Leaves of Absence, Labor Relations, HR Operations, Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and Learning & Organizational Development.

Our Chief Officer of Human Resources, along with the HR Leadership Team, will provide guidance and mentorship throughout the internship. The team will ensure the students gain a thorough understanding of University Hospital's policies and procedures, as well as the State and Federal guidelines that govern our Human Resources operations. This internship is designed to offer invaluable real-world experience and serve as a strong foundation for the students’ future careers in Human Resources.

We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership in the years ahead.

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