cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

BUMP - Fellows Program

What is the Boston Urban Mechanics Program Fellows Program?

Mayor Thomas M. Menino established the Boston Urban Mechanics Program Fellows to attract the next generation of leaders to careers in public service.  Candidates are recent graduates of master’s degree programs in public policy, public administration, urban planning and related fields who have a strong interest in public service.    Fellowship assignments are two-year appointments with four six-month rotations correlating with the sub-cabinets agendas.  In addition to generating new ideas, fellows will learn about the mission and work of City departments working along side Cabinet Chiefs, Department Heads and senior staff, while participating in professional development and educational seminars.

How do I apply?

Applications for the July/September 2010 cohort are due/or postmarked February 1, 2010.  To apply, candidates must complete an application form which includes official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a resume, writing samples, and references.  All applicants must be present for a series of interviews.  Applications for 2010 are available on the web (update link).

Who is eligible?

Candidates must have recently earned their graduate degree.  All areas of study are encouraged to apply, MPP, MPA, MBA and Urban Planning graduate fields are preferred.  Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to public service and an interest in public policy and  management. In addition, Fellows must be residents of the City of Boston at start of their fellowship.

What is the process for selecting Fellows?

A selection committee reviews all applications and invites applicants to an all-day interview session held at Boston City Hall in February (candidates are required to pay their own way to the interview.)  In March, a second round of interviews will take place.  Final candidates are notified of their status in April.  Fellows begin work on September 2010. 

Do Fellows go through an evaluation after each rotation?

Fellows receive performance evaluations at the end  of each six-month rotation. Evaluations are based on individual’s goals and performance established with their  supervisor at the beginning of each rotation.  If a Fellow is not living up to the expectations of the Fellowship,  s/he will be dismissed from the program.

How much are Fellows paid?

All Fellows earn the same rate of $50,000.  The salary is non-negotiable.

Does the City of Boston pay for Fellows' relocation and/or housing expenses?

Fellows are responsible for their own relocation and housing expenses.  All fellows are required to live in the  City of Boston during their entire fellowship.

When is the start date?

Fellows start date begins on September 1, 2010.

Additional Information

Patricia.BoyleMcKenna@cityofboston.gov
www.cityofboston.gov/internships
(617) 635-1397

BUMP - Policy Institute

What's the difference between the BUMP Policy Institute and a City of Boston Internship?

Policy Institute interns are a limited number of highly selective, summer positions with the City of Boston to encourage bright, skilled graduates to work in public service. Summer interns work in a cohort generating and implementing creative and thoughtful new policies to benefit the City of Boston.

What are the dates of the BUMP - Policy Institute?

The BUMP - Policy Institute is eight  weeks beginning on June 14th through August 6th 2010. Interns will work 35 hours per week, and are expected to complete the entire eight week program.

What are the qualifications?

Applicants must be graduate students currently enrolled in a Boston area college or university. Boston residents attending any accredited college or university are eligible to apply. The program seeks students who demonstrate leadership skills, academic achievement, excellent communication skills and a passion for public service.

What majors are eligible?

All areas of study are encouraged to apply for the Policy Institute.  MBA, MPA, MSW, City and Urban Planning graduate fields are preferred.

Does the Policy Institute offer a stipend?

Full-time summer interns are paid a stipend of $4,000.  The stipend is paid out in bi-weekly increments in accordance with the City's payroll and is subject to regular taxes.

What are the program objectives?

Successful applicants will:

• Identify emerging challenges and opportunities facing Boston;

• Research best practices nationally and internationally in response to these issues;

• Develop innovations strategies and programs for the City;

• Collaborate with City staff to apply policies or implement programs to keep Boston residents safe, healthy, and engaged in their community.

Topic areas can include but are not limited to youth development, housing, federal recovery funding, business development, city operations, and the environment.

How do I apply?

Applicants are expected to complete the Policy Institute application, including the submission of an official school transcript(s), resume, and two essays. Completed applications are due by March 1, 2010.

Additional Information

Patricia.BoyleMcKenna@cityofboston.gov
www.cityofboston.gov/internships
(617) 635-1397

City of Boston Internships

What is the difference between a City of Boston Internship and a summer job?

City of Boston Internships provide students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program a rigorous learning experience, while gaining valuable skills from a City Department.

What are the qualifications?

Undergraduate interns must be currently enrolled in a credited college or university. Graduate interns must be enrolled, or accepted in, a graduate program. Unless specified, the internship is open to both undergraduate and graduate applicants. Please reference the "Areas of study needed and/or proficiency" section to determine if you are eligible for the internship position.

What internship positions are available?

Internship positions have on-going availability throughout the Academic calendar and summer. Not all departments may offer internships, if you are interested in interning at a specific department that does not have a posting, email a detailed description of your interest to internships@cityofboston.gov

What is the duration of the internship?

There is no standardized start or end dates for internship placements. Internship durations depend on the specific department, matching their project needs.

Are City of Boston Internships Paid?

Salary positions range by the hosting department and position. All salaried internship positions require Boston Residency.

Some internship positions are unpaid, while some offer academic credit or volunteer opportunities. Please refer to the specific internship postings page.

How do I apply?

Applicants reference the internship postings page and submit an application based on the requirements of the specific opening.

Additional Information

Patricia Boyle-McKenna
Director, Boston Urban Mechanics Program
Patricia.BoyleMcKenna@cityofboston.gov
www.cityofboston.gov/internships
(617) 635-1397