Finding Internships
This page is a guide to finding policy internships — not a listing of current openings. Resources and deadlines change frequently, so always check each organization's website directly for current information. The MPP program also shares internship opportunities as they come in through our student mailing list, so make sure your UNM email is active and check it regularly.
Tips for Your Search
Start early. Many internships have application deadlines 3 to 4 months before the start date. Starting your search early gives you time to put together a strong application and get feedback before you submit.
Know the seasons. Most internships are tied to specific seasons — spring, summer, or fall. Make sure you are applying for the right cycle and that you meet the eligibility requirements before investing time in an application.
Plan for logistics. Many of the best policy internships are in Santa Fe or Washington D.C. If you are applying outside Albuquerque, think ahead about housing and transportation. Contact the organization directly to ask whether they offer any support — many do, or can point you toward resources that do.
Move fast for summer. Summer internships are competitive. Apply as soon as applications open, and make sure your application stands out. If you are a New Mexico resident, say so — many elected officials and state agencies actively prefer in-state applicants for internship positions.
Talk to your advisor. Before committing to an internship, check in with MPP Director Michael Rocca at msrocca@unm.edu to discuss whether and how it fits into your program plan.
New Mexico Opportunities
The following organizations regularly offer internships relevant to MPP students. Check their websites periodically — posting schedules and deadlines vary by organization and season.
| Organization | What to Know | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Senator Martin Heinrich | Spring, summer, and fall sessions. Positions in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and D.C. Paid. | Apply here |
| Senator Ben Ray Luján | Spring session in D.C. and NM. NM applications accepted on a rolling basis. Stipend offered. | Apply here or email resume, cover letter, and 2 references as one PDF to internship@lujan.senate.gov |
| Representative Melanie Stansbury | Spring and summer sessions. Positions in Albuquerque and D.C. | Apply here |
| Representative Gabe Vásquez | Fall session. Positions in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and D.C. NM applications accepted on a rolling basis. Monthly stipend. | Apply here |
| Think New Mexico | Six-week summer session in Santa Fe. Full-time, paid at $15/hr. | Apply here |
| NM Internship Plus | The NM Division of Workforce Solutions maintains a hub of internship postings. Browse by organization or use the resource hub. | Postings | Resources |
| NM State Personnel Office | Internships with state departments. Filter by "Internships" in the job family section when searching. | Apply here |
| NM Legislature | Check in the spring for summer opportunities. | Check here |
| NM Department of Health | Non-clinical internships in community health, health policy and equity, and environmental health. | Apply here |
| NM EPSCoR | Usually publishes a list of paid summer internships in January. | Check here |
| Global Santa Fe | Internships for current students and recent graduates. Spring, summer, and fall opportunities — check periodically. | Apply here |
National and D.C. Opportunities
The following organizations offer policy internships beyond New Mexico. If you are considering a D.C. or out-of-state internship, plan ahead for housing and logistics — and talk to your advisor first.
| Organization | What to Know | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Institute for Policy Studies | Check in the spring for summer fellowship opportunities. | Check here |
| American Evaluation Association | Graduate Education Diversity Internship Program. Activities run September through July. Particularly relevant for students with an evaluation focus. | Apply here |
| UNM Office of Career Services | UNM maintains a Handshake portal with internship and job listings. A good place to check regularly. | Check here |
