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 15th through August 7th 2009. 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 or be a recent graduate. 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?

Through the Policy Institute, 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 May 1, 2009 and should be mailed to:

Patricia Boyle-McKenna
Boston Urban Mechanics Program
Office of Human Resources, RM 612
Boston, MA 02210

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.