One of the best ways to experience the inner workings of government and your community is through an internship with your local City Council member.
Among the chief roles of a City Council member’s district office is to keep the local community connected with the legislative work taking place at City Hall. This is accomplished through community-based events, constituent casework, and correspondence. As an intern, you will support staff with special events, constituent services, and special projects related to general administrative duties of the office.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate must be enrolled in an educational program upon the start of your internship and have an interest in public policy, community organizing, political science, economics, English, communications, public relations, or a similar area of study or career path.
Essential duties include:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work with minimal supervision
- Critical thinking and creative problem solving
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines simultaneously
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Active involvement in monitoring district and City issues, current events and relevant legislation
- Assist in research and planning of upcoming events and projects
- Provide accurate and complete information in response to constituent inquiries and community issues
- Assist with and maintain office procedures, routine correspondence, telephone inquiries and special projects
- Develop clear knowledge and understanding of principals, functions, practices and operations of the New York City Council
- Assist with responding to a variety of constituent inquiries and issues
Requirements
Students participating in our internship program are required to commit a minimum of 12 hours per week for about the duration of one semester (15 weeks). Undergraduate and Graduate level students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits
Although unpaid, interns receive important benefits like working directly with elected officials, community leaders and local residents on issues and events related the the 51st Council District. Interns may also qualify for internship credit from their school, as well as earn a letter of recommendation from Council Member Borelli.