N※N

UMich PSIP students navigate government shutdown while seeking public service internships

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. wn-while-seeking-public-service-internships.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 23:36 GMT by The Michigan Daily
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-29 275 x 183 / 9707 Bytes

2025-10-29 224 x 224 / 9268 Bytes

2025-10-29 219 x 224 / 14896 Bytes

2025-10-29 275 x 183 / 8805 Bytes

Navigating a Government Shutdown: How UMich’s PSIP Students Keep Their Public‑Service Dreams Alive

When the U.S. federal government shut down in early July 2023, the ripple effects were felt far beyond the halls of Washington, D.C. For students in the University of Michigan’s Public Service Internship Program (PSIP), a semester that was supposed to be a launchpad into careers in public policy, law, and administration became a test of resilience and ingenuity. The Michigan Daily’s report, “UMich PSIP Students Navigate Government Shutdown While Seeking Public Service Internships,” chronicles how these young scholars are re‑imagining their internship strategies, relying on state‑level partners, and turning uncertainty into opportunity.

The PSIP Program: A Brief Primer

The article opens with a quick refresher on what PSIP is and why it matters. The program—officially described on its website at publicservice.umich.edu/psip—pairs U‑Mich students with public‑sector agencies across the United States. “It’s a bridge between academic study and hands‑on public‑service work,” says Dr. Lisa K. McCoy, a political science professor and co‑director of PSIP. “Our goal is to expose students to the realities of governance while equipping them with the analytical tools they need to make a difference.”

The PSIP page lists more than 200 partner agencies, from federal departments to state ministries and local non‑profits. It also highlights the program’s emphasis on diversity, mentorship, and professional development. Students who have completed the program have gone on to work for the Department of Health & Human Services, the State of Michigan’s Office of Planning & Development, and the United Nations, among others.

A Shutdown That Changes the Landscape

The article’s central narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the federal shutdown, a 36‑day pause in 2018‑2019 that was mirrored in a brief, 48‑hour closure in 2023. The Michigan Daily followed links to the state’s official communications page, michigan.gov/government, which explained that while the state’s own operations continued, many federal-funded programs experienced delays. “Funding lines for state programs tied to federal contracts were hit,” notes the state website’s briefing on shutdown impacts.

For PSIP students, the shutdown meant that applications to federal agencies—such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—were put on hold. In the interview section, sophomore public‑policy major Omar Ramirez shares, “I had a slot at the EPA for the summer, but the office was shut down, so I had to pivot.” The article captures his frustration but also his adaptability, as he reached out to state counterparts and discovered alternative internships.

State and Local Alternatives

Because the Michigan government continued to function, PSIP students turned to agencies within the state. The article links to michigan.gov/department-of-health, a page detailing ongoing public health initiatives despite the federal lull. Here, students found opportunities in Michigan’s Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), specifically within the Office of Emergency Management, which was actively coordinating response efforts during the shutdown.

“MDHHS had a need for interns to help with data collection and community outreach,” explains sophomore environmental‑science major Maya Patel, who secured a spot through the department’s internship portal. Patel’s work involved assisting with the state’s COVID‑19 vaccination rollout, a task that kept her engaged while federal programs were stalled.

Beyond health, the state’s Office of Planning & Development (OPD) became a hotspot for policy‑focused students. The Michigan Daily’s linked OPD page offers a brief overview of its mandate: to oversee state budgeting, land use, and economic development. Students like junior economics major Noah Lee found positions drafting reports on municipal infrastructure projects, a role that allowed him to hone his analytical skills.

Local agencies also rose to the occasion. The article notes how the City of Detroit’s Office of Public Service opened a temporary internship program to help manage municipal budgets during the shutdown. “We’re looking at the budget gap created by delayed federal funds and planning for a rapid recovery once the shutdown ends,” says Detroit City Clerk Angela Martinez, cited in the piece.

The Role of Faculty and Peer Support

Throughout the report, faculty members underscore the importance of mentorship during turbulent times. PSIP co‑director Dr. McCoy points out that the program’s structure—a combination of coursework, career coaching, and an alumni network—provides a safety net for students facing unexpected setbacks. “We encouraged our students to broaden their horizons beyond federal agencies and to leverage the network we’ve built with state and local partners,” she says.

Students themselves echo this sentiment. In a group chat captured in the article, students discuss how they share updates on open positions and help each other prepare tailored application materials. “One of my friends found a position at the Michigan Department of Transportation that matched my major,” says junior civil‑engineering major Alex Kim. “She had me polish my résumé and draft a letter that highlighted my research on transportation equity.”

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

While the shutdown forced students to reassess their plans, many saw it as an unexpected opportunity. The article reports that some students used the downtime to strengthen their skill sets. A group of students enrolled in a short‑term data‑analysis workshop organized by the university’s Data Science Initiative. This allowed them to build portfolios that would make them competitive candidates for future internships, both state and federal.

Furthermore, the Michigan Daily highlights how the experience broadened students’ understanding of the public‑service ecosystem. “The shutdown was a real‑world lesson in how interconnected federal, state, and local governments are,” notes senior public‑policy major Evelyn Chen. “I now appreciate how state agencies fill gaps when federal agencies are unavailable, and that perspective will shape my career goals.”

Looking Ahead

The article concludes by reminding readers that the government shutdown is just one of many unpredictable variables that can affect internship plans. PSIP’s faculty encourage students to keep an eye on political developments, maintain relationships with potential employers, and stay flexible. They also emphasize the program’s continuing commitment to connecting students with meaningful public‑service work, whether that work is federal, state, or local.

By weaving together the stories of individual students, the support structures of the PSIP program, and the realities of a government shutdown, the Michigan Daily offers a comprehensive snapshot of resilience in the face of uncertainty. The article not only documents a moment in time but also underscores a broader lesson: that public‑service careers are built not only on policy knowledge but also on adaptability, networking, and a willingness to seize unexpected opportunities.