NYC-SRD- Paid Public Policy Summer Internship
This internship is designed for a current junior or senior with a strong interest in learning about social or education programs, policies, and research? Are you curious how program evaluations can inform public policy? Are you considering graduate education or a career in public policy or education policy? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be an ideal candidate for a paid summer internship at MDRC, one of the nation’s premier social and education policy research firms.
The mission of the internship, which is part of the MDRC Gueron Scholars Program (GSP), is to provide an opportunity for individuals from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the social and education policy research community with an opportunity for professional experience in the field.
The selected summer interns will support multidisciplinary teams to develop and evaluate programs focused on current social and education policy issues. Interns will have the opportunity to support a range of projects within MDRC’s five policy areas: Family Well-Being and Children’s Development; K-12 Education; Postsecondary Education; Low-Wage Workers and Communities; and Youth, Criminal Justice, and Employment. Interns may also support projects within MDRC’s Center for Applied Behavioral Science and Center for Data Insights.
Responsibilities:
The eight-week paid internship provides the opportunity to work with MDRC teams on a range of organizational, administrative, and analytical tasks, including but not limited to:
- Assisting with program development and operations activities for MDRC research studies
- Supporting qualitative research design and, if possible, assisting with field research at local NYC research sites
- Processing qualitative data
- Conducting literature reviews
- Participating in various stages of producing reports, proposals, and other written deliverables
- Assisting with innovative ways to communicate our findings to practitioners and policymakers
- Providing general project and management support for project teams, such as taking and synthesizing meeting notes
- In addition to these project responsibilities, candidates will participate in regular networking meetings with various MDRC staff to learn more about topic areas of interest and to understand the context of MDRC’s research and policy work. Interns will also have the chance to attend trainings and forums to develop specific skills and knowledge areas.
Qualifications:
- Current college junior or senior as of spring 2020
- Demonstrated interest in social and education policy issues
- Basic understanding of research methods
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
- Comfort working in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
- Comfort with and interest in learning to use new software and technology
- Very strong writing and communication skills
Timing: Applications should be submitted by February 3, 2020. All materials will be reviewed after the application deadline.
How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents via our on-line application tracking system (below):
- A resume
- A personal statement (up to two single-spaced pages) that discusses (1) your interest in public policy issues and research, (2) your immediate career interests and goals after graduating from college (3) how this internship, coupled with your academic pursuits and/or prior experiences, will contribute to your professional growth, and (4) and how your background and life experience will bring greater diversity to the field. *Note: The personal statement should be submitted in lieu of a cover letter.
- Unofficial college transcript
Important Information:
The eight-week position is based in MDRC’s New York City office and is expected to begin in mid-June 2020 and last through mid-August 2020. Exact start and end dates are flexible.
- Each intern will be expected to work a 35-hour work week and will receive an hourly rate of $15.00 per hour.
- Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Candidates will be expected to secure their own housing.
- The GSP undergraduate internship is coordinated by MDRC’s Diversity Council and the Office of Outreach, Diversity, and Inclusion.
MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. MDRC does not discriminate, and all qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race; color; national origin; religion; creed; sex or gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression); sexual orientation; citizenship status; pregnancy; disability; age; military or veteran status; marital or partnership status; genetic information, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; prior unemployment status; consumer credit history; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Legal work authorization is required.
PAL listing shared by Skidmore parent Dan Bloom.
NOTE: Candidates are eligible to interview for this position at Skidmore Recruitment Day in New York City on Friday February 28, 2020. This listing is for members of the Class of 2020.