Summer internships are a critical component in your professional development - a chance to use your new skills towards real-world problems. 

The Harris Career Development Internship Program offers a limited number of exclusive internship opportunities with public and nonprofit sectors organizations. These paid opportunities, available only to Harris students, give students the opportunity to put their analytical skills to work and build their resume and professional networks. All internships in this program will start in June and be a minimum of 340 hours, with the expected duration of 10 to 12 weeks. Expected work hours and duration of each internship will be included in the job description.

For more information about the Internship Program including details on how to apply to roles and other logistics please reference our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and attend our upcoming information session on Wednesday, January 8th at 12pm, Keller 0007.


Eligible Students

Harris master’s students who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply to roles in this program:

  • Currently enrolled full-time, and will be continuing as a full-time enrollment student until or through December 2025
  • In one of the following Harris master’s programs: MPP, MSCAPP, or MACRM

Internship Application Timeline

Below is an anticipated timeline for applications, interviews and final offers with partner institutions. All roles associated with this program will be posted on HarrisLink during the winter quarter, with interviews completed in Spring quarter.

  • Winter Quarter: Internship descriptions for all participating employers will be posted in HarrisLink and interviews will be conducted
  • Spring Quarter: Interviews will conclude and offers extended by each employer directly to candidates

All offers will be confirmed by Friday, May 9th.


Employer Partners

(Additional employers will be added to this list as they are confirmed)

  • The Brookings Institution
  • Busara
  • The Business Ready Group at the World Bank
  • The Development Impact Group at the World Bank
  • The eMBeD Unit at the World Bank
  • International Finance Corporation
  • Institute of Governance Reform
  • IMAGO

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for roles in the Internship Program?

Who qualifies for roles in the Internship Program?

Harris 2- and 3-year full time program candidates are eligible to apply for internship roles with our employers in the program, and must complete their internship with a partner institution as a full-time enrolled student (not eligible after graduation or during their final quarter)

  • MPPs: Eligible
  • MSCAPPs: Eligible
  • MACRMs: Eligible
  • MAs: Ineligible
  • EMPs: Ineligible
  • PhDs: Ineligible

How do I apply for summer internships in the Internship Program?

How do I apply for summer internships in the Internship Program?

Apply to each internship position through HarrisLink. More details about how to search for these opportunities will be made available in early winter quarter. Please follow all application instructions fully.

How much do internships in the Internship Program pay?

How much do internships in the Internship Program pay?

Stipend amounts will be posted within each internship description. Internship stipends may fluctuate by location to account for local employment regulations. Internships will be paid at least minimum wage in the locality of the internship.  Internship stipend amounts are non-negotiable. 

What is the expected duration of an internship in the Internship Program?

What is the expected duration of an internship in the Internship Program?

All internships in this program will start in June and be a minimum of 340 hours, with the expected duration of 10 to 12 weeks. Expected work hours and duration of each internship will be included in the internship description.  

When and how are stipends paid for these roles?

When and how are stipends paid for these roles?

Students should plan for stipends to be paid before they return to campus in the fall.  Stipend payment timelines may fluctuate by internship depending on the partnership agreement and any philanthropic funding sources supporting the internship.  Students who need access to funding before August should consider employer paid internship opportunities or begin financial planning now in anticipation of later pay dates.

Can I complete another internship concurrent to a Harris CDO Internship?

Can I complete another internship concurrent to a Harris CDO Internship?

No, the internship opportunities provided by this program have been vetted by the Employer Partnerships team and require that students are completing real, meaningful work. For you to execute on your role to the best of your ability you may not also work another internship during the same time period. You are welcome to schedule additional internships after your end date for this internship.

Can I receive funding from another on-campus funding sources for an internship I secure in this program?

Can I receive funding from another on-campus funding sources for an internship I secure in this program?

No, you cannot receive additional funds from other university sources for a position secured though this program. All positions are paid. We encourage students to assess their own personal financial needs when applying to summer internship, this includes the internship roles available in this program.

If I secure an internship through this program and another role through another UChicago unit can I do both?

If I secure an internship through this program and another role through another UChicago unit can I do both?

​​​​​Students are only eligible to receive funding from one university source for one internship opportunity, regardless of the total number of internships. You may consider applying to opportunities with the Institute of Politics (IOP), among others. However, you may only receive funding from one on-campus source. 

I have secured an unpaid internship outside of this program, are there other funding sources available to me off campus?

I have secured an unpaid internship outside of this program, are there other funding sources available to me off campus?

Limited funding with the Institute of Politics is available through a competitive application process for qualified unpaid or underpaid summer internship opportunities. Applicants must meet all IOP requirements to be considered for funding. As Harris becomes aware of other funding sources, we will make announcements on how to apply for those funds. We encourage students to assess their own personal financial needs before committing to unpaid roles.The career coaching team can help you determine if negotiating for compensation may be appropriate. Feel free to book a coaching appointment in HarrisLink.