Leonard Schaeffer Fellows Internship - City of Richmond
The Leonard Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service Program
The Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows Program provides talented undergraduates with a unique government service experience through 10-week, full-time, high-level summer internships with elected officials and agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Five UVA students will be selected as Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows for Summer 2019.
Students can apply to up to three of the Leonard Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service internships. The internship opportunities include:
1. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight | Payment Policy and Financial Management Intern
2. Department of Energy, Office of Policy | Energy Policy Intern
4. Self-Obtained Unpaid Internship in Government | This year we are pleased to offering funding for two students who have secured their own unpaid internships in government (local, state, federal or congressional internships excluding political campaigns).
The following application materials are required for each application:
- Application Form (the same form can be used if applying to 2 or 3 internships)
Short answer essay (maximum of 500 words; see prompt in form)
Contact information for two references (one academic and one professional who can serve as references to be called upon if needed regarding your application; recommendation letters are NOT needed)
- Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
- Resume (maximum 2 pages)
- Unofficial SIS Transcript
Do you have questions? Please visit https://career.virginia.edu/Schaeffer%20Fellows%20in%20Government%20Service%20Program
This internship is part of the Leonard Schaeffer Fellows program. Students selected for the internship will receive a $5000 grant to participate in the internship. Additionally, students who participate in the program will be invited to participate in a 3 day conference with Leonard Schaeffer Fellows from 6 other universities. If selected to intern, we request that all students clear their schedule to participate in the conference from June 20th – June 23rd (if the internship is outside of DC, then the student will be provided a travel stipend to cover travel and housing for the conference)
Purpose
The city demonstrates its dedication to the growth and development of our future workforce by offering internship opportunities to undergraduate students, graduate students and select undergraduate program graduates (see eligibility requirements below). The internship program provides a professional environment by which these students and graduates can gain meaningful work experience as they prepare for their intended careers.
Role
Assist with administrative tasks such as planning and advancing Mayoral events, front desk coverage, assisting constituents with requests, opening and responding to constituent letters, and handling special projects. Interns may also take on projects in accordance with their policy interests and the needs of the team. The Mayor’s Office seeks a candidate with an interest in the City of Richmond and strong communication and organizational skills. Interns will learn about the operations of Mayor’s Office and should be available to work Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm with a few evening and weekend hours as needed.
What You Will Give
The city has embraced a set of values that are expected to guide an intern's experiences during their time spent with the city. Those values are:
- Customer Service: The adoption of the city's promise to "treat everyone as we would wish to be treated"
- Employee Ownership: A commitment to, and an understanding of the link between one's work and the department's and the city's strategic goals
- Positive Outlook: A way of working to meet or exceed performance expectations despite obstacles
- Technical Skills: The application of knowledge, judgment and skills to accomplish one's job effectively and efficiently
- Leadership: Creating a positive environment through influencing others to reach the department's and the city's strategic goals
In addition, the internship program requires interns to immerse themselves in the process of public service and to make significant contributions toward the completion of an important task or project, one that is meaningful to them and to the division in which they are working.
What You Will Get
Interns work under the direction of a designated city leader performing specific and general job duties that prepares them successfully to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Where You Can Go From Here
As a graduate of the internship program, you may use your experience in any career field you choose. Some alumni have chosen to continue in public service and apply for open positions with the city while others will go on to private, nonprofit and academic careers.