Student Engagement at CPS

An important goal of the Center for Public Service is to develop public service leaders at all career stages to serve their communities. One way we do that is to offer PSU students paid opportunities to work on our project and programs teams, helping them to develop relevant professional experience. While employed at CPS, students contribute to the Center's work in a variety of position types with different kinds of responsibilities including conducting research, supporting professional development programs, and providing administrative support.

“CPS has provided me with so many opportunities to use what I have learned in my MPA coursework and directly apply it in the field as a local government graduate research assistant. I am really grateful for the experience of being a graduate assistant at CPS, because it has not only allowed me to attend Portland State and complete my MPA program without having to pay for tuition, but I have also gained valuable skills that have prepared me for working in local government. Because of opportunities that I have had as a graduate assistant, I have been able to use my degree to serve others and it has provided a good foundation for a career in public service.”

—Emily Arnold

Student Job Openings

“My time at CPS gave me an incredible hands-on opportunity to apply the design thinking and problem-solving skills that I was learning in the Graphic Design program at PSU. I was able to work with people in many disciplines and from many different cultures—all things that have already served me in my professional life. The experiences and projects I worked on at CPS will serve as a great launch pad for a lifetime and career aiming to improve people's lives through empathy, communication, and design."

—Justin Cory

Student Job Openings

"Working as a graduate research assistant for CPS helped me gain invaluable skills, confidence, and knowledge that extended beyond the MPP program. I was able to apply what I was learning in the classroom to my graduate research assistant position, specifically in the local government sector. CPS is multi-faceted, which provides ample opportunities to be a part of your interests, while simultaneously gaining new experiences and skills. Having tuition remission has allowed me to complete my program without needing to take out loans, which is an immense privilege, but I would not be in this place of privilege, without CPS. Possibly the most important aspect of working at CPS to me has been the work environment. Everyone cares deeply, about your success as an employee, student, and person. Having a people-first work environment makes a world of a difference in your life, and it made a difference in my life. Applying to be a GRA was one of the best decisions of my life, and I would not be the student, employee, or person I am today without, the personal and professional development CPS provides students."

—Elizabeth Braatz

Student Job Openings

CPS Student Staff

Meet Our Student Staff