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$46.5K

How much do public administration internship jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for public administration internship in the United States is $35,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a Public Administration Internship?

As a Public Administration Intern, you may assist with a variety of tasks such as researching policy issues, preparing reports, supporting public meetings, and helping with program evaluation. Interns often work closely with experienced administrators and may have opportunities to observe or participate in interdepartmental collaboration. This hands-on exposure provides valuable insights into government processes and public service delivery, helping you build practical skills for a future career in the public sector.

What is a Public Administration intern?

A Public Administration intern is a student or entry-level professional gaining practical experience in government or nonprofit organizations by assisting with administrative tasks, policy research, and program management. The internship often involves developing skills in public policy, communication, and organizational operations, and may require familiarity with government procedures and tools like spreadsheets or databases.

What is the difference between Public Administration Internship vs Public Policy Internship?

AspectPublic Administration InternshipPublic Policy Internship
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in public administration, political science, or related fieldsUsually requires a background in political science, public policy, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, public sector organizationsThink tanks, government offices, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government departments, municipal agencies, and public sector organizationsCommon in policy research organizations, government offices, and advocacy groups

Public Administration Internships focus on the management and operation of government agencies and public organizations, emphasizing administrative skills. Public Policy Internships concentrate on analyzing, developing, and advocating for policies. Both roles often overlap but serve different aspects of public service careers.

What can I do with a Public Administration degree?

A Public Administration degree prepares individuals for careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public service roles. Graduates can work as city managers, policy analysts, public affairs specialists, or administrative officers, often requiring skills in policy analysis, budgeting, and public communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Administration Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Administration Intern, you should possess strong analytical, research, and organizational skills, often supported by coursework in public administration or related fields. Familiarity with data management tools, office software like Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes basic knowledge of government databases is beneficial. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively supporting policy analysis, project coordination, and communication within government or nonprofit organizations.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in areas such as auditing, consulting, tax, and advisory services, often serving as a pathway to full-time employment within these firms.

What is the best job for Public Administration?

A common career path for public administration interns is to become a city manager, policy analyst, or government coordinator. These roles involve managing public programs, developing policies, and working with government agencies, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, or a related field.

What is a Public Administration Internship?

A Public Administration Internship is a temporary position that provides students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in government, non-profit organizations, or public policy agencies. Interns typically assist with research, data analysis, policy development, and administrative tasks, gaining insight into how public sector organizations operate. These internships help individuals develop practical skills, expand their professional networks, and better understand the challenges and functions of public administration. Such experiences are valuable for those considering careers in government, policy, or related fields.
More about Public Administration Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Administration Internship jobs? Cities with the most Public Administration Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Administration jobs? The most popular types of Public Administration jobs are:
What states have the most Public Administration Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Administration Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Administration Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Administration Internship jobs are:
Public Administration Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Administration Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $35,549 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Internship/Pipeline Program

City of Columbia, MO

Columbia, MO • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Applicant View of Posting
Posting Number
1309T
Position Title
Internship/Pipeline Program
Department
City Manager
Job Code
005
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation
Unrepresented
Pay Grade
5
Job Description Summary
The City of Columbia Internship Pipeline Program in the City Manager's Office is meant to expose both undergraduate and graduate students to career opportunities within departments at the City of Columbia. Interns will participate in department specific projects that align with their interest while also gaining workforce development/job readiness training to prepare them for careers in public service. Interns will also be assigned a mentor to shadow for additional support as they learn more about the opportunities available in the department of their interest. At the conclusion of their internship, students will create a brief presentation (capstone) for department leadership detailing their experience and the result of their projects.
The purpose of this job is to expose college students to the possibility of career advancement in public service. Interns will be placed in city departments based on their academic backgrounds and career interests, working on meaningful assignments that align with the City of Columbia's strategic priorities. This job will also include shadowing of department staff to support their learning experience throughout the internship. Interns will participate in life and professional skill workshops that will help prepare them to enter the workforce upon graduation. At the conclusion of the internship, interns will complete a capstone project detailing their experience and knowledge base within city departments.
This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds. Included are the suggested majors aligned with the corresponding City of Columbia departments:
Government Administration
• Majors: Public Administration, Political Science, and Public Policy
• Departments: City Manager's Office, Mayor's Office/City Council
Business & Finance
• Majors: Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, and Economics
• Departments: Finance, Economic Development, Project Management Office (City Manager's
Office)
Communications and Media
• Majors: Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, and Graphic Design
• Departments: Creative Services (City Manager's Office), Communications and Community
Engagement (City Manager's Office)
Urban Planning, Public Health & Sustainability
• Majors: Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, and Social Work
• Departments: Community Development, Public Works, Utilities/Solid Waste, Sustainability, Public
Health, Housing & Neighborhood Services
Leisure, Recreation & Tourism
• Majors: Parks, Recreation, Sport & Tourism, and Hospitality Management
• Departments: Convention and Visitors Bureau and Parks & Recreation
Engineering and Infrastructure
• Majors: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Sciences
• Departments: Public Works, Utilities/Solid Waste, Water & Light
Technology and Data Analytics
• Majors: Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity
• Departments: Information Technology, Project Management Office (City Manager's Office)
NOTE: A temporary position is one created and intended to exist for less than one thousand four hundred fifty (1,450) hours in any calendar year. Temporary employees have no seniority, grievance, or appeal privileges. A temporary position may be either full or part-time.
Minimum Qualifications
Essential Job Functions:
• Receives and responds to inquiries and requests for assistance from stakeholders; explains City
and department policies, procedures and programs to citizens and partners
• Assists with organizing files
• Reviews and assists with developing department literature
• Maintains records and prepares reports
• Assists with planning special events and programs for employees
• Provides administrative support to assigned supervisor, performing such duties as scheduling and performing meetings and appointments, compiling data for reports and studies, composing
and/or preparing routine and confidential reports and correspondence, etc.
• Answers the telephone; provides accurate information to callers and/or forwards calls to
appropriate personnel; takes messages as needed; greets and assists office visitors
• Performs routine clerical work, including but not limited to preparing, typing, transmitting,
copying and filing documents; sending and receiving faxes; entering and retrieving computer data; assembling materials; ordering supplies; processing daily mail; maintaining logs and lists, etc.
• Completes special projects as assigned
• Attends training, meetings, seminars, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills
• Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
• Must be able to work a minimum of 10 hours per week.
• Applications for the Fall Semester will open in March.
• Applications for the Spring Semester will open in October.
• Applications for the Summer Semester will open in February.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college required; must provide current college transcript or current proof of enrollment
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Must have an interest in the department's core operation, or closely related field
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office
• Must have strong communication skills and problem-solving skills
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and/or calculating ratios, rates
and percentages (Department Specific)
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe
action based on such data or information
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience,
such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may
service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem solving
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems;
composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper
format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form
• Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which
may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments
with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results
• Ability to make frequent decisions that affect coworkers and others who depend on the service or
product
• Ability to work in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many
variations from the routine
Objectives:
• Establish structured relationship with local universities/colleges to ensure access is available for
the City of Columbia to attract top talent.
• Prepare City Departments for the next generation of workforce professionals.
• Create innovative opportunities for City Departments to fill positions with top talent in an
increasingly competitive job market.
• Diversify the qualified candidate pool as hard to fill positions continue to remain unfilled.
• Assist City Departments that are seeing an influx of retirements prepare for succession planning
through training and development.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Starting Salary
$18/hr
Open Until Filled
Yes
Deadline to Apply
Number of Positions Available
Mutliple
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
Special Instructions to Applicants
A temporary position is one created and intended to exist for less than one thousand four hundred fifty (1,450) hours in any calendar year. Temporary employees have no seniority, grievance, or appeal privileges. A temporary position may be either full or part-time.
Hours
Average 10 hours/week

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