We are always looking for motivated, hard-working interns with an interest in public service to take part in our Internship Program. As an intern in any of the Governor's Offices you will get a first-hand education in the inner-workings of how government works, meet state and local leaders, and gain valuable insight into the legislative process.
(Note: If you cannot find an answer to your question below, please contact Internship Coordinator Rory Clark.)
What can I expect to learn as an intern in the Governor's Office?
Is the internship paid?
Are part-time positions available?
What is the time commitment for an internship in the Governor's Office?
Is the Governor’s Internship Program open to Graduate Students?
Are high school students eligible to apply?
What kind of writing sample is acceptable?
Can letters of recommendations be sent separately?
I attend school out-of-state, are phone interviews acceptable?
What can I expect to learn as an intern in the Governor's Office?
Career Exploration: Most applicants of this program possess a commitment to public service and an interest in the political and governmental processes. For those students as well as students that come into this program with other aspirations, this internship gives them insight into how state government operates, how the individual departments within the Governor's Office operate towards a common goal, and various paths within public service. Students will be encouraged throughout their internship to attend topical legislative hearings and public events around the State House and the Commonwealth.
Skill Development: Through this program students will develop the professional skills that will be required in their future careers. Interns will enhance their ability to communicate in a professional manner, manage time and deliverables, complete tasks that are critical to a busy team, and become familiar with the software used by each department. Interns will be encouraged to take initiative on projects within their offices and develop leadership skills.
Is the internship paid?
No. Many of our interns find funding through alternate sources such as grants and stipends provided by their schools. We encourage interns to speak to their career services departments to inquire about available options.
Are part-time positions available?
Yes, we offer full- and part-time positions during the summer and part- time positions during the academic year. Please indicate at the time of your interview which you prefer.
What is the time commitment for an internship in the Governor’s Office?
The time commitment during the academic year is 10-15 hours per week and 15-20 hours per week during the summer. An intern’s schedule must be consistent throughout the entire semester.
Is the Governor’s Internship Program open to Graduate Students?
The Governor’s Internship Program is limited to full time undergraduate or associate degree students who have completed at least one year of college. Some of the Executive Offices in the Administration have had graduate students as interns who typically focus on substantial tasks related to their fields of study. To the extent that we can facilitate a connection between a strong graduate student intern candidate and the appropriate Secretariats, we would be happy.
Are high school students eligible to apply?
No. Full-time undergraduate or associate degree students who have completed at least one year of college are encouraged to apply. Prospective high school applicants that are interested in an internship at the State House for the summer should visit the Secretary of State's Tour Division, which does accept high school students on a full-time or part-time basis during the summer months. Students learn about the history, art and architecture in the building, and give tours to visiting residents and tourists.
What kind of writing sample is acceptable?
The writing sample is a 2-3 page sample of something that you may have previously written. It does not have to be specific to the internship program.
Can letters of recommendations be sent separately?
Yes. Letters of recommendation will be accepted prior to the deadline. Sending letters of recommendation with the application materials (cover letter, resume and writing sample) is preferred. The letters can be emailed to Rory Clark
I attend school out-of-state, are phone interviews acceptable?
Whenever possible, personal face-to-face interviews are strongly preferred. For students studying out of state, personal interviews when you are in Massachusetts on breaks are accommodated and if you know that you are going to be studying abroad, interviews the semester before are also preferred to phone interviews. If none of those options are feasible, then a phone interview can be arranged.