Interns work side-by-side with our practitioners
We offer internship placements that allow graduate students to build their collaborative skills and participate in either active collaborative governance projects around the state or research related to collaborative governance processes. Our internship program accommodates students from a wide range of majors—everything from public administration to conflict resolution to communications. And students have the opportunity to work on projects in every sector imaginable from health and human services to environment and natural resources.
Internships are tailored to you
Our internship placements are unique to each student. We handpick projects based on students’ interests and skill level. You will join a facilitation or research team and provide process support, such as:
- Join field supervisor in attending legislative hearings
- Observe collaborative stakeholder meetings, taking meeting notes, and drafting summaries
- Assist with managing project communications, tracking, and documentation
- Provide collaborative process support including, logistics planning, process design, and supporting mediation or facilitation leads
- Conduct meeting evaluations
- Conduct research to support collaborative projects
- Support research activities such as literature reviews, research design, data collection and analysis, development of factsheets and reports
- Schedule, observe, and assist with analysis of conflict assessment interviews
[In my internship,] I learned about interagency collaboration and the process of designing public decision-making opportunities. I also had the opportunity to talk with people representing multiple communities around the state, which broadens my own knowledge of the state's communities and population base. I was fortunate to work with a skilled, professional team that encouraged my own growth in terms of contribution and professionalism.
- An NPCC intern
Internship application
We accept internship applications at any time. Prospective interns are interviewed and placements are made as projects become available.
We offer 509 or practicum placements
We also offer 509 placements for PSU's Public Administration students on a case-by-case basis.
More information
For more information about internships and 509 / practicum placements, contact us at (503) 725-9092 or by email at npccdesk@pdx.edu.