SPAA’s Undergraduate Service-Learning Internship Course Hosts End-Of-Semester Gathering

This summer, 23 students participated in SPAA’s undergraduate service-learning internship course, completing 150 hours of internship work and attending the class taught by Michael Dillard, assistant teaching professor and director of the undergraduate program at Rutgers SPAA. The course gives undergraduate students an opportunity to gain professional experience while exploring all that public administration has to offer. Class sessions let students discuss their internship experience and any challenges they might be facing, along with how the internship experience could potentially turn into a job offer.

On Aug. 3, Dr. Dillard hosted students, internship supervisors, and SPAA family at an end-of-semester gathering to discuss student experiences and thank the internship supervisors for the wider role they play as mentors, guiding students’ professional development.

“The internship experience connects the dots for our students – it allows our students to really understand nonprofit organizations and the way in which government works,” said Dr. Dillard.

Charles Menifield, dean of Rutgers SPAA, along with SPAA administrative staff members Sharon Stroye, director of the office of public engagement, Alyssa LaPatriello, assistant dean for undergraduate programs, and Jane Sharp, director of the Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program, shared the importance of internships and why we must reflect on such accomplishments. Internship supervisors were able to talk about the experience and the impact they had on mentoring and guiding SPAA students. A select group of students briefly presented about their internships and discussed some of their takeaways including what helped them grow and connect theory to practice.

SPAA undergraduate student Wendy Asante, who interned at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, described her internship as “a job with supportive leaders who are down to earth” and are “invested in your growth and success, a job with a ‘people-first’ culture, one which creates an inclusive environment for all irrespective of their background.” She mentioned the contribution of the course and Dr. Dillard’s care and consideration, “Professor Dillard was always ready to offer his expert advice and encouragement. This class particularly provided a space for me and other students to share our experiences and fortify one another.”

It doesn’t stop after a successful internship for Asante. “I have accepted an offer to join the New York Fed in a few weeks as a contingent talent acquisition coordinator. I am so thrilled to have another opportunity to learn from these exceptional world-class professionals at an institution that is at the core and heart of public service.”

SPAA undergraduate student Darius Benlice shared his experience interning with the Urban League of Essex County as a real estate associate, and thanked his site supervisor Darrin Sharif, the chief administrative officer, for his mentorship. “I also want to thank my professor for this course, Dr. Michael Dillard, for encouraging me and guiding me on how to make the most out of this internship experience.” Additionally, he commented on how the internship complemented his studies. “The SPAA curriculum at Rutgers has given me an immense comprehension of public and nonprofit organizations and how they interact with the community to create social change,” he said.