Seeking work experience during college can be an exciting journey of self-discovery and growth but can come with some challenges. Despite the competitive nature of job hunting, each application serves as a steppingstone toward your goals. Moreover, cultivating connections can significantly streamline the process, opening doors to enriching opportunities like the UIS Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) and the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program (ILSIP). These programs offer valuable experience and a supportive network to guide you along your path to success.
GPSI
The Graduate Public Service Internship program is a 21-month commitment that provides experiential learning through a public sector internship in Chicago or Springfield while earning your master’s degree on-ground or online. The position can focus on areas such as economic forecasting, public relations, marketing, statewide conference management, laboratory analysis, environmental sampling, computer programming, statewide audits, and public health research. Therefore, all majors are welcome to apply.
| Eligibility | Benefits |
| Undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. For those with graduate coursework, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Open to both online and international students. Note that the funding covers only in-state tuition expenses. International students must hold valid F-1 visa status. | A monthly stipend of $1,200 for 20 hours of work per week, and $2,400 for 40 hours per week in the summer. 24 credit hours. $650 toward student fees. $300 to purchase professional resources. Mentorship from your supervisor. |
The deadline to apply for GPSI is Oct. 1 and March 31. However, for spring 2024, the deadline has been extended to May 1.
ILSIP
The Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program is a 10-month, full-time internship, Sep. 1 - Jun. 30, that gives you the experience, skills, and connections to pursue a career in civil service. Most students pursue the internship as non-degree-seeking after they complete their undergraduate degree. In this role, you may provide research and analytical support, analyze agency budgets, contribute to crafting the state budget or work in a communication role. A total of 24 internships are available each year. Upon completion of the program, interns typically pursue positions on legislative staff, careers in public policy with a state agency or lobbying firm, executive roles in both business and nonprofit agencies and even law school.
| Eligibility | Benefits |
| Undergraduate degree is required. Applicants for the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability must have attained a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their undergraduate studies. | A monthly stipend of $3,300. Four graduate credit hours in political science. Tuition, mandatory fees, and books related to the academic seminar are included. Full-time student status, thus your student loans can still be deferred. |
The annual ILSIP deadline to apply is March 1.
UIS undergraduate students who wish to gain experience in other ways can use CareerConnect which offers on- and off-campus jobs. The Internship and Prior Learning (IPL) program can also assist you with finding internships and projects and offers courses that leverage your experience for degree credit. Gain work experience by getting involved in organizations on campus, especially by holding a leadership position. Lastly, look online for internships and job opportunities. Parker Dewey offers micro-internships for students to complete short term projects in 10-40 hours.
The most important takeaway is to gain experience, skills and connections that you can apply to your future career.
CONTACT
GPSI: 217-206-6158 | gpsimail@uis.edu
ILSIP: 217-206-6579 | ilsip@uis.edu
Office of Engaged Learning: 217-206-6640 | oel@uis.edu
Career Development Center: 217-206-6508 | careerservices@uis.edu