FAQs
What is the GPSI?
The Graduate Public Service Internship Program is a twenty-one (21) month internship that gives you the opportunity to simultaneously begin a professional career while earning a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield. The GPSI placement coincides with your full-time study in one of 20 graduate programs offered at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Depending on the intern's academic program requirements for degree completion, some GPSI placements can be less than 21 months.
What is the application deadline?
For first round consideration your file must be complete by March 15, 2009. If you are considered during the first round by one of the placement agencies, you will be invited to interview in April 2009; the specific date will be announced later. If your file is not complete by March 15, 2009, you will be considered for late agency requests received after the first round process. Second round interviews will be held in June 2009. For second round consideration, your GPSI file must be complete by May 1, 2009.
What is a complete file?
Your file is complete once we have received your GPSI application (Section II of the UIS graduate admission application), resume, personal goal statement, three letters of reference (two from faculty; one from an employer), notice of graduate admission, and transcripts from all colleges attended. The GPSI office will request your notice of graduate admission and transcripts from the UIS Office of Admission and Records. Please go to the GPSI application and forms link on the menu to the left for complete application instructions.
What is a personal goal statement?
Placement agencies like to know about your background, and how a GPSI placement would enhance your graduate education and professional development, and about how you can make a contribution to the agency. The personal goal statement is your tool to introduce yourself. The statement should be succinct and in your own words, and cannot exceed two typed pages. If you are required to submit a goal statement for your academic program, you may revise that statement accordingly for the GPSI program. For detailed information on the requiurements for the personal goal statement and the form used for the goal statement, please go to the GPSI applicantion and forms link on the menu to the left. Please note: Personal goal statements not submitted on the required form will be returned to applicants for revisions.
If you are also applying to the GA program -- the GA office requires the same personal goal statement form. The GA website will be updated accordingly at a later date.
What are the academic program admission requirements?
Since you must be admitted to graduate studies at UIS in order to be eligible for the GPSI applicant pool, it is important that you contact the academic program to determine specific admission requirements and application deadlines for the program. Some academic programs have additional admission requirements that may impact your GPSI file completion timelines. For academic program information, please visit the graduate studies website.
What opportunities are available for a UIS online student?
Online students, who are available to work in Springfield for the duration of the internship placement, are welcome to apply for the GPSI program. At this time, however, we do not have placements for online students located outside of the Springfield area.
What does a GPSI intern do?
As a GPSI intern you will have the opportunity for a professional experience that is compatible with your academic background, graduate program, and skills. Historically, GPSI interns have done challenging work in the areas of economic forecasting, grant writing, research, writing press releases, preparing television public service announcements, marketing, statewide conference management, newsletter production, environmental research on endangered species, website development, computer programming, database development and management, statewide audits, and public health research. GPSI represents a continuum of opportunities for top-flight interns.
When does the internship begin?
Your GPSI placement will begin August 16, 2008 and end May 15, 2010, or earlier depending on your term for degree completion.
Is there a minimum grade point average required to be eligible for GPSI?
Yes. To be eligible for the GPSI applicant pool, you must be admitted to a UIS graduate degree program by the application deadline, and your cumulative GPA must be at least 2.50. If you have already earned an advanced degree, you are still welcome to apply.
How are interns selected?
Remember, GPSI is a competitive internship program. Participating agencies will consider the strength of your GPA, resume, letters of recommendation, undergraduate areas of study, previous work experience, career goals as defined in your educational goal statement, honors and awards, and any other special skills that might enhance your internship performance. If you have computer skills, such as the Microsoft Office products, you are strongly encouraged to list the skills and your proficiency level on your resume.
Your GPSI file will be sent to participating state agencies for interview consideration. Interview and final hiring decisions are made solely by the agencies with no input from the GPSI office.
If you are selected for a first round interview(s),we will send you the interview schedule and position descriptions by email. Interviews are scheduled by the GPSI office and conducted by agency representatives. Interviews range from 30 to 45 minutes. If you are selected for multiple interviews, every effort will be made to schedule your interviews on the same day.
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements and expenses to participate in the interview process. We do not schedule telephone interviews.
We strongly encourage you to wear professional attire for the interviews. The interview is your time to shine!
Do interns receive academic credit for the internship experience?
No. You will, however, receive one hour of academic credit per fall and spring term for the GPSI Seminar. Some academic programs will allow you to apply the seminar credit towards degree requirements.
Are textbooks and mandatory fees covered by this program?
No. Textbooks and mandatory fees are your responsibility.
Do interns receive health insurance benefits?
No. You are, however,eligible to purchase UIS student accident and health insurance.
Are GPSI interns eligible for additional financial assistance?
Yes. To determine if you are eligible for additional financial assistance, please visit the UIS Office of Financial Assistance.
Does the GPSI program guarantee interns a job after graduation?
No. You may,however, have the opportunity to continue working in state government or in the private sector through contacts established during the internship experience. As a result of the GPSI experience, many interns have advanced to careers in state government. Many of the agency supervisors working with current interns had their start as a GPSI intern.
What about housing at UIS?
For on-campus and off-campus housing information, we encourage you to contact the UIS Housing Office.
How do I request additional information?
We welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Please give us a call today if you have questions or would like to request an information packet. The GPSI office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm (CST). We can be reached by phone at 217.206.6158, by fax at 217.206.7508, or via email at sshurs01@uis.edu