1. Who is Eligible?
The New New York Leaders: Student Intern Program will attract talented students from undergraduate and graduate programs at colleges and universities throughout New York State, as well as New York State residents enrolled elsewhere. Undergraduate students must be currently enrolled at a degree-granting two or four-year College or University with a minimum of one year as a student and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Applicants may come from any academic discipline. Candidates must be available to work at assigned New York State offices.
2. How Does It Work?
Students will use an internship portal to submit applications, upload resumes, and review and denote preferences for internship proposals.
Each host office or agency reviews applicants, conducts interviews, and offers Student Intern positions to selected candidates. As an internship candidate, you will be contacted by agency personnel.
Once you have been selected for an internship, you are accepting a position with the agency. Many of the rules of normal employment will apply to you, and your hiring agency will provide an orientation when you start.
The Student Intern Program is divided into two sessions, the academic session and the summer session. The academic year session, beginning in September, accepts applications twice per year, during the months of June and November. The academic year session requires Student Interns to work for 12 or 13 weeks per semester; the number of hours per week will vary based on the needs of the student and agency.
The summer session, beginning in May, offers Student Interns a condensed and intensive experience. Applications for the summer session are accepted in March each year, and interns begin work in late May. Summer session requires Student Interns to work for 8 to 10 weeks; the number of hours per week will vary based on the needs of the student and agency. During working hours, Student Interns enjoy close supervision by program staff at their host agencies. Supervision begins when program staff provides Student Interns with orientation materials relevant to their assigned duties, a confidentiality agreement, an organizational chart for the host agency, and general materials describing the New York State government. Supervisors within each host agency provide one-on-one performance feedback to Student Interns. These meetings provide a forum for discussions about each intern’s strengths and areas for professional development. At the end of each session, interns evaluate the New New York Leaders: Student Intern Program and their experience. Intern suggestions ensure that New York State constantly improves the Student Intern Program.
3. How long is the Intern Program?
The academic session requires Student Interns to work for 12 or 13 weeks per semester. The summer session lasts eight to 10 weeks. The number of hours per week will vary based on the needs of the student and agency.
4. Where in the State could I be placed?
Internship positions are available in various locations around the state including, but not limited to, Albany, New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Utica, Watertown, Binghamton, and Syracuse.
5. Do I get paid? Can I receive academic credit?
Monetary compensation may be available for some internship opportunities. Colleges and universities may grant academic credit.
"For credit" internships will require an understanding between your educational institution and your agency. You will be responsible for facilitating that understanding, as well as fulfilling all the requirements agreed upon.
6. What Qualifications Should a Student Intern possess?
- Good analytical and evaluative skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Good organizational skills, efficiency and flexibility
- Computer skills, including facility with Microsoft products (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email software, internet searching, and other programs relevant to job placement
7. How do I apply?