Forever In Debt

I am currently a grad student at the University of Oregon in the PPPM department (Planning, Public Policy & Management) that houses the MPA program. I am actually in the planning department, but MPA program is tightly knit with us. 

One thing that may be helpful to know is that our department here actually has an internship director that devotes all her time solely to graduate students . She is an amazing asset and can be as involved in your internship seeking/experience as much or as little as you want. You can also receive credit for internships and can apply for an "internship award" for unpaid internships is nonprofit/public sector; it is typically $500 (I think per term). 

The department is very supportive and understands that most students are career oriented. From day one they emphasize the importance of internships and will connect you with resources to get the ones you need. 

Feel free to ask me any more questions.