State of North Carolina Internship Program Goes Virtual for Summer 2020 | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH, N.C.     For the first time in over 50 years, the State of North Carolina Internship Program is modifying its standard hands-on learning approach to provide a virtual learning experience to students this summer due to COVID-19. This year, students are only interning on state agency assignments where teleworking is an option, narrowing the original number of summer projects for students this year from 100 to 44. Students who applied for work assignments at state facilities such as museums, where social distancing is difficult, were encouraged to reapply for the summer 2021 State Internship Program.

    "While this time is difficult for all of us, as a state we continue to remain strong, moving forward with enrichment opportunities such as the State Internship Program that lends real work experience to students outside of the classroom, preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow and strengthening the future of our state," said NC Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders. "It is imperative that we all continue to follow recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the NC Department of Health and Human Services so that we can continue flattening the curve and ease the spread of COVID-19."

    Starting Monday, May 18, 44 students, representing 18 of North Carolina's 100 counties, will participate in a virtual program orientation including DOA's Secretary Sanders and members of the Internship Council Panel among the list of guest speakers. The State of North Carolina Internship Program is coordinated by the NC Department of Administration's Council for Women and Youth Involvement, offering college students across the state an opportunity to connect lessons learned in the classroom to potential career choices all while serving the people of North Carolina.

    For 10-weeks students will intern for one of North Carolina's state government agencies, providing a platform to develop practical workplace skills in a variety of professional areas ranging from auditor to legislative researcher to communications assistant. Last year, in addition to obtaining hands-on work experience, students engaged in site visits, tours and other networking opportunities. This year, as an alternative, students will have the chance to immerse in executive chat sessions with state government leaders for career development.

    "Whether it be hands-on or a virtual learning experience, the State of North Carolina Internship Program remains a viable program for students across the state to learn about state government while serving the great people of our state," said NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement Executive Director Mary Williams-Stover.

    Since its establishment in 1969, more than 4,000 internship opportunities have been awarded to North Carolina residents attending a college, university, technical institute or community college.

    The internship program is open to community college students, undergrads, graduate students and law students. Interns are selected through a competitive process overseen by the NC Internship Council.

    Selection is based on a thorough review of applications, including academic records and interest in state government. Internship positions are based on project proposals submitted by agency personnel and are designed to provide substantive and career-relevant learning experiences.

    For more information on the State of North Carolina Internship Program, please visit the NC Council for Women & Youth Involvement website.

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