Internships & Careers

The Suffolk MPA is more than a graduate degree. It’s an experience. It’s about making connections in the public service community, developing as a professional with the guidance of alumni mentors, and networking with classmates who may become your future colleagues.

Enrich your graduate education by putting theory into practice. Participate in career-building activities and the mentoring and networking programs offered, as well as internships. Our alumni describe these programs as an important resource for making professional connections and creating career opportunities. 

Meet with your adviser 

Career Options

Public service career options range widely, and include:

  • Education
  • Environmental Protection
  • Fire Fighting
  • Law Enforcement
  • Public Transportation
  • Public Housing
  • Town Planning
  • Waste Management
  • Water Supply
  • Gas and Electrical Supply
  • Healthcare
  • Social Services
  • Local, State, Federal Government

Mentoring

Whether you’re a full-time or part-time MPA student, the Mentor Program will connect you with Suffolk alumni and friends who are professionals in the public service, non-profit, and healthcare administration sectors.

These mentor relationships give you insight into career and leadership development and help you gain a deeper understanding of your career path.

To participate in the Mentor Program, complete the Mentor Contact Form. You will be matched with a mentor in September. Mentor pairs meet one-on-one at least once a month from September through May.

The following are just a few of the mentors who have participated in this program:

  • David Abdoo, Media and Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, US Department of Health and Human Services
  • Paul Casey, State Representative, Massachusetts House of Representatives
  • Michelle Donaher, Director, Female Offender Services, Massachusetts Department of Corrections
  • Douglas Gutro, President, Quincy City Council
  • Patrick Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
  • Elaine Sudanowicz, Deputy Commissioner/Interagency Coordinator, Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness
  • Roger Wellington, Director, F.S. Operations and Abundant Table, Pine Street Inn
  • Stephen White, Division Director, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Submit the Mentor Contact Form via email to Leann Baldwin or fax to 617-573-8062. For more information, call 617-573-8330.

Networking

The MPA Student Association

The MPA Student Association gets you involved and feeling connected on campus.

The community-building organization promotes interaction and networking among current students, alumni, and incoming Suffolk MPA students. The association also provides post-graduation employment assistance through networking; and cooperates in joint representation with faculty, MPA students, and MPA alumni to coordinate and unify activities and services of the university.

Email the MPA Student Association or visit the Facebook page for more information.

Massachusetts Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration

Mass ASPA promotes professionalism in the public sector by providing networking events and special classes for those employed and interested in public and nonprofit organizations.

Mass ASPA joins with local universities, nonprofits, and others to present the latest in research, best practice, and hot topics in public administration, offering members and the public several free educational programs throughout the year.

Internships

Internships are an integral part of the Suffolk MPA program.

The internship course (P.AD 859) is designed for students with little or no public service experience; international students with no U.S.-based public service experience; and public service professionals wishing to pursue a career in another service sector.

If you have no public administration work experience, you’ll be required to take P.AD 859 at admission. This is 3-credit course includes both class attendance and a 300-hour work requirement. It will count as one of your P.AD electives and must be completed before graduating. We recommend that you get more information about the internship as soon as you start your program.

If you are interested in a career change and are not required to take the internship at admission, you may take P.AD 859 as an elective.

Past internships have included placement at:

  • ARC of Massachusetts
  • Boston Redevelopment Authority
  • Cambridge Child and Family
  • City of Lawrence
  • Town of Barnstable
  • Rehab Hospital of Cape Cod
  • Catholic Charities
  • Representative Stephen Lynch’s Office

MPA Program Outcomes

Including graduation rates, employment of graduates, and major employers of graduates based on Suffolk University Office of Institutional Research and assessment survey data.

Learn More about our MPA Program Outcomes

Career Development Center

Stop by open office hours or make an appointment with a career counselor.
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