Graduate Careers & Internships

Our graduate programs equips students with the skills and experience necessary to navigate a higher-level, competitive career market. Designed to support pre-service and in-service students, our programs provide the opportunity to those in any stage of life to meet their professional goals.

"I was so appreciative of the type of training I received while earning my BA in Political Science from KSU, I decided to continue in the Master of Public Administration program in the department. As part of my graduate work, I was required to intern with a government agency. In my case, that internship was with the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit ... While still completing my degree requirements, I was offered and quickly accepted a job with the division as an associate auditor. Much to the credit of K-State’s program and several very dedicated professors who mentored me along the way, my new job was a perfect fit for my particular talents and my educational background."

- Justin Stowe, B.S. in Political Science (2005) & M.A. in Public Administration (2008), Assistant Director of Performance Audit for Washington's State Auditor's Office

Careers/Advancement

Our graduates have gone on to make significant achievements in the career field, whether by pursuing a new occupation or advancing in their current one. Notable positions our alumni include President of Shell Oil International; City Manager; Foreign Service Office, U.S. Department of State; Policy Analyst, Foundation for Excellence in Education, and much more.

Many of our majors have also continued their education, attending renowned universities such as the National War College, Cornell, Oxford, and many others.

To assist our students in finding careers best suited for their degree, the department maintains contact with several professional organizations who often send position openings for us to share.

Career Centers

In addition, job centers showcase a number of promising careers that students can review and are updated frequently.

• USA Jobs
• U.S. Department of State (DOS)
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• The League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM)
• Kansas Association of City/County Management (KACM)

 

Career Advising

The Career Center facilitates the career readiness of all students throughout the K-State community. They offer free career assessments, job search training, career advising, employer connections, and a staff dedicated to assisting students in the career development process.

Connect with the Career Center

 

Internships

Our graduate programs give pre-service students the chance to experience careers in their field through professional internships. Many of our majors have enjoyed great success during their time working with government agencies at the federal, state, or local level, with nonprofit organizations, and even the Department of State (DOS).

*Note: Pre-service students in the Master of Public Administration and the B.A./B.S. in Political Science / MPA in Public Administration are required to complete an graduate internship.

Interested in applying for a graduate internship? Contact the Director of Public Administration.