The OIG offers internships and co-op opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students year round.
Below are examples of types of internships and co-ops that the OIG has offered in the past. Although a student may be accepted for a specific internship or co-op, the OIG strives to expose each student to the wide range of the OIG’s work. Further, the following is not an exhaustive list and the OIG encourages students to indicate in their cover letter if they are interested in an area of work that is not listed below.
Examples of OIG internship and co-op opportunities
Accounting
Students who are interested in accounting may help with financial reviews and program evaluations, including examining audited financial statements, collecting and analyzing data and developing data-based findings and conclusions. The goals of this work are to promote fiscal management, assess internal controls, and recommend improvements for program performance.
Data Analytics
Students who are interested in data analytics may help with data mining and analysis to identify fraud, waste and abuse. Responsibilities may include identifying data relevant to studies and programmatic reviews, using data visualization to explore data and communicate results, performing data mining techniques and statistical analysis, making recommendations and contributing findings to reports.
Investigations
Students who are interested in investigations may help look into fraud, waste and abuse in the expenditure of public funds or the use of public resources. Responsibilities may include reviewing case files, compiling data, helping draft recommendations and conducting background research.
Legal (law students or recent law school graduates)
Law students or recent law school graduates may research and draft memoranda on civil or criminal matters, provide legal support to investigations and reviews, and assist with in-house legal matters. Legal interns and co-ops may have the opportunity to observe court hearings and other legal proceedings.
The OIG also participates in the Government/Public Interest Program hosted by the Massachusetts Law School Consortium. More information on the program can be found on the Consortium’s website.
Communications and Marketing
Students who are interested in communications and marketing may conduct market research, help develop marketing strategies and create promotional and educational materials for the OIG’s public education programs. Responsibilities also may include creating content for the OIG’s website and other resources the OIG uses for its educational programs.
Public Policy
Students who are interested in public policy may review legislation and assist with legislative proposals. They may also contribute to investigations, reports and performance reviews of state agencies. While working on investigations, reports and reviews, students may engage in business and data analysis, research best practices and identify recommendations for improving processes.