Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) Public Service Weekend
September 20-22, 2024 • University at Albany Downtown Campus
Challenge and prepare yourself to change the world by attending this exciting weekend conference hosted by the University at Albany’s nationally ranked Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy! You will learn from and interact with prominent local, state and federal officials and gain a better understanding of career options in public service and the knowledge and skills needed to get you to where you want to be.
- Panels on effectuating change and confronting complex policy issues led by public policy and nonprofit leaders and faculty experts.
- Keynote speeches from prominent individuals: hear about the difference between public service and partisan politics, the ethics of being a public servant, finding fulfillment in your work and the perseverance needed to achieve your goals.
- Learn about working as an advocate for social change, using data to inform policy-making, differentiating good sources of information from fake news, confronting public policy and global challenges in a divided country, and more!
- Learn by doing: work with a team to develop a solution to a current real-world policy challenge.
- Professional development sessions on professional etiquette, networking, resume writing and interviewing.
- Social events, including a tour of the state capitol and group meals with students and alumni.
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND!
Students must provide their own transportation to and from Albany, NY. Participating students may be eligible to receive financial support to help supplement the cost of their travel.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Undergraduate sophomores through recent graduates (1 year) with an interest in public policy and working in the public sector, both domestically and abroad.
- Traditionally underrepresented students are encouraged to apply.
- All majors are welcome!
For additional information about PPIA and Public Service Weekends, visit the PPIA website.
Applications will be accepted from the end of June through July. Check back in June for more details.
FAQs
What is PPIA Public Service Weekend?
PPIA Public Service Weekend will introduce students to a wide variety of professions and sectors in a concise three-day conference format. During this time, students will hear from panels of policy professionals, participate in networking opportunities, and more!
Public Service Weekends ensure students walk away with an expanded policy knowledge base and relationships with like-minded peers and potential employers. Students also learn and practice practical skills that enhance their leadership potential.
Who may apply?
Undergraduate students at every level and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
I am not part of a historically underrepresented community. Does that make me ineligible or otherwise affect my application?
All individuals are welcome to apply. If you can demonstrate involvement with diverse communities or convey how your cross-cultural experiences enable you to contribute to PPIA’s goal of building a diverse and more representative generation of leaders then your application will tend to be considered more favorably.
What can I do to make my application stand out?
The application review team is interested in knowing your aspirations in public service, how your background informs your goals, and how attending a Public Service Weekend may help facilitate said goals. Try to capture these narratives in your resume and short answer responses.