Internship Program & Summer Internship Funding

SIPA Internship Program

Internships are an integral part of the student experience at SIPA. Students in most two-year MPA and MIA programs have a degree requirement to conduct a relevant, eligible internship along with submitting completed paperwork to the Career Advancement Center. Some students may be qualified to request a waiver of their SIPA internship requirement through submitting the proper form and supporting documents. In addition, all students are encouraged to explore internships as part of their education and career development.

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International Student Work Authorization

F-1 and J-1 students must obtain authorization from the Columbia International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) to undertake an off-campus U.S.-based internship that is a degree requirement. For F-1 students, this authorization is Curricular Practical Training (CPT); for J-1 students this authorization is Academic Training (AT). In addition, SIPA's Career Advancement Center (CAC) strongly recommends that F-1 and J-1 international students and exchange visitors receive the proper authorization from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for any internship done off-campus during their program of study, regardless if it is unpaid/uncompensated or paid/compensated, because of changes in immigration agencies' interpretation of unauthorized work and its impact on your future immigration plans.

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Summer Internship Funding

Each year, SIPA provides a limited number of competitive internship stipends to qualifying students to partially supplement the costs of unpaid or low-paying summer internships.

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