Summer Internship Program
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey through the inner workings of city government?
The City of Boston Summer Internship Program invites motivated, service-driven individuals to dive into the fascinating world of municipal government. This is more than just a summer internship, it's an opportunity to launch your career while making a real difference in the communities where we work, live, and play.
The application window for the 2025 Summer Internship Program cycle is now closed.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Human Resources
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1 City Hall Square
Room 612Boston, MA 02201-2017
Program Details
INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES
Internships provide hands-on work responsibilities in a variety of City departments. You’ll work on real projects, solve hard problems, and gain valuable feedback along the way.
Here are just a few of the ways summer interns contribute to our City of Boston teams:
- Creating presentations, drafting reports and informational materials;
- Designing content for social and digital media channels;
- Compiling research and analyzing data;
- Providing direct assistance to constituents in need;
- Supporting and participating in special events and community meetings;
- Designing marketing and promotional materials for print and digital use; and
- Supporting the department’s administrative functions.
INTERN Qualifications
This application process is competitive as we have limited internship positions available. We seek candidates who meet the following qualifications:
- Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or have 2 - 4 years of post-secondary school work experience;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to collaborate with individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives;
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines; and
- A demonstrated interest in serving the community and a willingness to learn and take initiative.
Boston residency is required.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application window for the 2025 Summer Internship Program cycle is now closed.
The application form requires you to:
- Create an account on our Career Center OR log into a previously created account.
- Upload a current resume along with a cover letter responding to the prompt written in the job description. Please be sure to carefully review the Minimum Entrance Qualifications to ensure your application is complete and eligible for consideration.
- Answer person and job-specific screening questions, including information about your academic institution and educational background.
Please note that the application includes an optional section for you to share demographic information and languages spoken, which will help us understand our audience better and ensure a diverse and inclusive experience; this section will not impact the evaluation of your application.
SELECTION PROCESS
APPLICATION REVIEWThe Office of Human Resources will review all submissions to ensure each candidate meets the internship qualifications. Special consideration will be given to graduates of Boston Public Schools and Community Colleges, aligning with our commitment to nurturing local talent.
SCREENING CALLCandidates who meet our criteria will be contacted by HR for an initial screening call. This is a chance for us to learn more about your interests, experiences, and suitability for the program.
Virtual Group InterviewA competitive number of finalists with strong skills and experience match will be invited to a virtual group interview, allowing for a dynamic interaction and a deeper insight into each candidate's capabilities and potential fit within the program.
Cohort Selection and PlacementHR will select the final cohort based on the interviews, curating a diverse and talented group ready to embark on this enriching experience. Selected interns will be thoughtfully matched with City departments, considering their skills, interests, and the specific needs of each department.
MEET LAST SUMMER'S 2024 COHORT
2024 Cohort
Last summer, we were thrilled to host an extraordinary cohort of interns from over 14 universities and community organizations. These talented individuals dove into meaningful work across 25 different departments, including making history as the first summer intern with Boston Public Schools in the Office of Capital Planning. Our interns made an impact at six dynamic locations throughout the city, including City Hall, the Bolling Building, and 1010 Mass Ave.
We also launched an innovative Professional Development program designed specifically for our Summer Interns and Fellows. This program offers a structured, immersive learning journey that delves into the heart of city governance and public service. Through four meticulously crafted sessions, our interns gained invaluable insights and strategies to navigate the public sector with confidence and effectiveness. This initiative not only enhances their professional growth but also fosters a vibrant community of future leaders committed to making a difference.
Last SUMMER, OUR INTERNS:
- Led Youth Lead The Change Participatory Budgeting
- Managed Mayor's social media, including drafting posts and designing graphics
- Created a city-wide plumbing parts bid and streamlined MPS payroll and interviewing processes
- Contributed to API creation, data analysis, and survey responses
- Coordinated Summer Block Parties and Neighborhood Clean-Up programs
- Worked on BPS Great Starts Integration and Boston Plays: Soccer Pilot Program
- Maintained a $250,000 mini grantee program and managed social media communications
- Developed LCA translation services form and conducted a language data project
- Worked on street infrastructure projects like bike lanes and raised crosswalks
- Published neighborhood newsletters
- Managed departmental social media accounts and handled grant work
- Assisted in organizing events and meetings, serving as an Executive Assistant to the Chief of Policy
And so much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQsClick on the link above to be taken to the job posting on our Career Center. Review the job description carefully, ensuring you follow all steps necessary to complete your application. Click the blue "Apply for this job" button to begin your application. After completing each step, click "Submit" to finalize your application.
You do not have to be a current resident of the City of Boston to apply. However, all interns must be residents of Boston and provide proof of residency within City limits by May 30, 2025. Further details about residency requirements are available here.
This year’s internship program runs from June 2, 2025, to August 15, 2025. Interns must commit to participating until at least August 8, 2025, though it is preferred that interns complete all 11 weeks of the program.
Yes, interns are paid an hourly wage. However, they are not eligible for employee benefits (health insurance, transit benefits, etc).
The internship program is designed to provide hands-on experience. Interns are expected to report to their assigned office for the duration of the program. However, the intern’s department and manager/supervisor may approve requests to work remotely as needed per the City of Boston’s Hybrid Work policy.
This is a full-time internship opportunity and interns will be scheduled to work 35 hours per week. Please make any schedule preferences known as soon as possible, in case these can be accommodated based on department needs.
Printable Resources
Resources-
Still have questions? Contact:
Human Resources
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1 City Hall Square
Room 612Boston, MA 02201-2017
