Maine Government Summer Internship Program
Maine Government Student Interns spend a summer contributing to Maine state agencies and municipal and county governments, gaining professional experience and networking. Supervisors benefit from hardworking interns with new ideas, energy, and skills. Internships are full-time, paid work experience for 12 weeks of the summer. The internship program is a collaborative process involving the Office of the Governor, the Maine Bureau of Human Resources, numerous Maine state government agencies, local governments and the state and municipal employees who serve as intern supervisors. The program is administered by the MCS Policy Center at the University of Maine.
Student Experiences
My name is Isabel Harkins. I am a political science and international relations student at Northwestern University and I am working as a training content intern with the Maine Public Defender’s Office. This summer I have been editing recorded attorney training videos and creating smaller, more digestible content to upload onto a training database for attorneys to access. This aids in training more attorneys throughout the state so the number of unrepresented clients decreases from the approximately 800 at present.
In addition to content editing, I have been able to sit in on meetings with attorneys and even state-wide legal trainings. This internship has been extremely beneficial in giving me hands-on experience in the legal field and in state government, and I am 100% remote so my schedule is very flexible. Big thanks to the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center for this opportunity!
Important Information
Students and supervisors apply at the same time. The internship selection committee reviews applications and makes final selections by identifying those students who best match the requirements for each position. Consideration is given to education, skills and interests of the applicant, and previous work experience in relation to requirements of the internship positions available.
Most interns will be placed in the Augusta area. Students interested in placements outside of Augusta should mention this in their cover letter. There will be a select number of municipal internships throughout the state; locations include Houlton, Gray, Bethel, Union, Bridgton, Saco, Auburn, Winthrop, Wiscasset, Portland, Old Town, Bath and others.
In 2023 interns received a minimum of $15.00 per hour, funded by the state or local agency (withholding and contributions will apply). Interns are considered temporary unclassified state or municipal employees.
The program will host a required educational component for interns during one full day in July in Augusta. The summer concludes with a reception and awarding of certificates by the Governor or a designee.
The 2024 Maine Government Summer Internship Program will run full-time for a total of 12 weeks between Tuesday, May 28, and Friday, August 16. The application forms for students and for supervisors will be linked from our website beginning February 1st. We start reviewing applications on March 3. We will accept late applications until all positions are filled.
Application Information
The 2024 application opens February 1st and review begins March 3 and continues until all positions are filled.
Click here to access the online portion of the application process.
After submission you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not, your application may not have been received. Please contact margaret.mckee@maine.edu if you are unsure.
The complete application requires the online form, a cover letter, a resume, and an unofficial transcript. (Your cover letter is important. We encourage you to see your school’s career office if you want guidance writing your cover letter or resume. (See also these UMaine resources on cover letters and resumes.)
The 2024 Maine Government Summer Internship Program will run May 28 through August 16 for a total of 12 weeks, during which time students are employed full-time by the hosting state or municipal/county governments.
Location-Most interns will be placed in the Augusta area. Please carefully consider where you will be able to work for the summer. Potential and past municipal internship locations include Lincoln, Bethel, Bridgton, Bowdoinham, Caribou, Dover-Foxcroft, Gray, Hallowell, Kennebunkport, Portland, Saco, South Portland, South Thomaston, Rockport, Union, Vassalboro and others. Students interested in locations outside of Augusta should mention this preference in their cover letter.
Student Eligibility-Applicants currently must either be enrolled in a Maine college or be a Maine resident enrolled in college elsewhere. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of two years of college by the start of the internship. Students currently graduating from undergraduate and graduate programs also are eligible. While students who previously have participated as interns in this program may apply again, applicants who have not previously participated will be given preference.
Apply
Step 1: Fill out the online form to request a summer intern. The deadline is March 3rd.
Step 2: Speak with your HR representative to establish the position.
Step 3: Fill out a 2024 State Agency Signature Form and send it to us.
Program Dates-The 2024 Maine Government Summer Internship Program will run May 28 through August 16 for a total of 12 weeks, full time. The program begins with an opening group meeting for students and supervisors and it includes a mid-summer, in-person educational component for students. The program will conclude with a reception in the last week of the internship during which interns and supervisors will be recognized by the Governor or her designee.
State interns are not eligible for holiday pay for Independence Day. In the alternative, and to the extent scheduling and work requirements allow, the employing agency should allow interns to work extra hours to make up for lost hours as the result of an absence or an unpaid holiday. Arrangements must be made directly with the intern’s supervisor to make up those hours.
Compensation-All interns will receive at least $15.00 per hour, funded by the state agency (maximum 480 paid hours for the 12 weeks). Agencies may choose to pay a higher wage. Withholdings will include: federal and state taxes (approx. 25%); 7.65% contribution to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (partially refundable at end of Internship Program); and Medicare cost of 1.45%. Interns are considered temporary, unclassified employees of the State of Maine and are not paid for holidays or other non-work time. In addition to wages and benefits, participating agencies pay a fee of $250 per intern to the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center to defray a portion of the Center’s administrative costs.
The Bureau of Human Resources will provide agencies with policies and procedures (see below) for implementation of the Program. Questions concerning these policies and procedures should be directed to your HR Director or to Jessica Crosby, Director of Talent Management, State of Maine Bureau of Human Resources, 207.624.7775.
For Supervisors
- 2023 State Program Description from Maine HR
- 2024 State Agency Signature Form (pdf) (to be completed after the above intern request form)
- 2022 Internship Annual Report (pdf)
- Maine State Government Guide to Internships
- UMaine Internship Guide (pdf) for students and employers
- NACE Internship Best Practices
The MCS Policy Center places talented Maine undergraduate and graduate students in temporary paid positions in Maine municipal and county governments. An important benefit to town/city governments is that the Policy Center performs the recruitment and selection processes and has access to an extensive applicant pool, last year receiving 150 student applications for summer internships.
Policy Center staff will work with municipal officials in developing the position descriptions to help ensure appropriate intern placements. To get qualified applicants for your location, we need to inform students that a position is being offered in your area before they apply. The earlier you can contact us, the better chance we have of recruiting a student for your location.
Apply
Step 1: Fill out the online intern request form (linked here starting Feb.1). We encourage you to talk with us during this process. The deadline is March 3rd.
Step 2: Fill out the 2024 Municipal/County Signature form (to be completed after the application form above).
Program Dates-The 2024 Maine Government Summer Internship Program runs May 28 through August 16 for a total of 12 weeks. The program begins with an opening day meeting for all and includes a mid-summer educational component for students which may be remote or in-person. The program concludes with a reception during which interns and supervisors are recognized by the Governor or her designee.
Compensation-Municipal/county governments will be responsible for employing interns, including wages (2023 wages were a minimum of $15.00/hr. for 480 paid hours for the 12 weeks), and all locally appropriate federal and state withholdings. Interns are considered temporary, unclassified employees and are typically not paid for holidays or other non-work time. In addition to wages and benefits, participating agencies pay a fee of $250 per intern to the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center to defray a portion of the Center’s administrative costs.
Grants are available to help with the costs of employing an intern if your municipality is an MMA member. Read about the Summer Intern Grant Award from Maine Municipal Association (pdf)
For Municipal/County Supervisors
- See a sample internship job description (pdf)
- Read a sampling of projects done by past municipal interns
- UMaine Internship Guide (pdf) for students and employers
- NACE Internship Best Practices
Am I Eligible to Apply?-Applicants must currently be enrolled in a Maine college or be a Maine resident enrolled in college elsewhere, and must have successfully completed a minimum of two years of college by the start of the internship. Students currently graduating from undergraduate and graduate programs also are eligible. While students who previously have participated as interns in this program may apply again, students who have not previously participated will be given preference. We encourage all eligible students to apply, including traditional and non-traditional students from all backgrounds.
Are Foreign Students Eligible?-Students who are not US citizens or permanent residents must have a visa which allows them to work off campus for pay. If you are uncertain, please check with your school’s international office.
Are Positions Available for Students with My College Major?-Job areas include education, engineering, social media, conservation, law, data analysis, finance, and everything in between. All majors may apply. Intern selections are made by identifying students who best match the requirements for each position. Each year is different, but take a look at the 2022 and 2021 Internship Reports to see the variety of college majors and intern projects. Here is a sample listing of previous internships (pdf).
Are There GPA Requirements to be an Intern?-While there are no minimum GPA requirements, the selection process is competitive. Selections are based on the quality of application materials, coursework and experience in relation to the requirements of the positions available.
What Materials Do I Need for the Application?-The student application is on-line through our website and will require a cover letter, resume and unofficial transcripts. The supervisor request for an intern is online and will require a job description and list of skills and experience desired from a candidate.
What is the Application Deadline and When Will I Hear Back?–March 3rd is the application deadline for students. We make offers to students starting in mid-March and lasting until all positions are filled (usually mid to late April). Feel free to inquire at any time.
Can I Receive Academic Credit for my Internship?-The Maine Government Summer Internship Program does not grant academic credit. Students seeking academic credit must make arrangements with their academic advisor at their own college or university.
What Positions Will be Available This Summer?-State and municipal agencies request interns at the same time as students submit their applications, so at this time we do not know which positions will be available. Students with the skills best fitted to each position are identified by a selection committee. The availability and types of positions are dependent on agency funding and particular needs. Here is a sample of past internships (pdf). Note that state internships are in the executive branch of government.
How Many Internships are Available This Year?-Each year varies: in 2023 there were 48 internships and 139 applicants from 40 different schools; in 2019 there were 63 internships and 265 applicants.
What are Some of the Projects Interns Work On?-Each year brings a different selection of internships. Most internships consist of at least one major project and many smaller ones. You can see some representative projects that previous interns worked on (pdf) here.
How Much Does the Internship Pay?-Internship positions are full-time (40 hours per week). In 2023 interns earned at least $15.00 per hour over 12 weeks (withholdings and contributions will apply).
If I Am Awarded an Internship Position, Where Will I Be Working?-Most state internships are located within the capital area (Augusta, Gardiner, Hallowell). There will be a select number of municipal/county internships throughout the state; past locations have included Caribou, Presque Isle, Bethel, Bridgton, South Portland, Saco, Ellsworth, Portland, Bangor and others. Carefully consider where you will be willing to work during the summer when completing related questions on the application. The program does not offer housing or transportation (Some positions provide a vehicle if required for work-related travel while others will reimburse for travel in your own vehicle).
How Are Students Selected to be Interns?-A selection committee reviews all student applications along with the positions available and identifies students who best match the requirements for each position. Students are encouraged to be as specific as possible in describing their skills and experience when submitting their application materials. Please make use of the cover letter for describing what type of job you are most interested in and why.
Are These Internships in the Legislature?-No, the Maine Legislature is not typically in session over the summer. State internships are in the executive branch of state government. Municipal and county internships are in their respective locations.
Can I Choose My Internship?-You apply to the program, not the job. The selection committee reviews each job and chooses the each applicant with the best fit based on the information available. Be sure to be clear in your application about what your interests are and which skills you would like to be using. If you are offered an internship you may choose to accept or decline that position.
If I Am Selected, Will I be Working with the MCS Policy Center?-No, this program places students in state government internships and in internships in town and city governments. If you want an internship at the Policy Center, contact the Center directly.
When Are Students Notified if They Have Been Selected?-Selection begins in mid-March and students will be given approximately 5 days to accept or decline the position offered. This process continues until all positions are filled. Students not selected will be notified once all positions have been filled, usually in mid April.
Is There an Interview?-There is no formal interview requirement, though many supervisors will request a phone call with an applicant before a decision is made. Please be sure you include all relevant information in your application documents.
What if I Can’t Start on the Program Start Date?-We recognize that some school calendars don’t coincide with our dates and we try to accommodate this. All else equal, preference may be given to applicants who can work the 12 weeks specified in the program. However, there are sometimes students who need to adjust the dates for various reasons. By mutual agreement a supervisor and intern can determine an exception to the official start or end date, if the nature of the internship allows.
Can I Earn a Credential for My Internship?-If you are a student at one of the University of Maine System campuses, find out more about badges and micro-credentials. Other schools may also have credential programs.
Is This the Only Way to Get a Summer Internship in Maine Government?-Internships may be available through other state programs and some state agencies hire independently. Many municipal governments also hire interns directly.
What is the Application Deadline and When Will I Hear Back?-The application deadline for requesting an intern is March 1st. Please give us as much notice as you can and we will work with you if you can’t make that deadline. After our selection committee meets in mid-March we will offer you our recommended candidate(s) for your input. Then we will offer the job to the student and confirm with you when the intern accepts the job. It is usually mid to late April before all positions are filled. When a student accepts your job, we then put you in contact with the student. Feel free to inquire at any time.
What Types of Projects Do Interns Work On?-You can see some of the sample projects (pdf) here. You should design at least one major project which the intern can complete or contribute to over the summer. Daily office work is often a part of the job, but should not be a majority of the intern duties. Consider that this is a learning experience for the intern and try to provide as much exposure to professional opportunities as you can.
How Much Does the Intern Cost?-Internship positions are full-time (40 hours per week). Interns will earn a minimum of $15.00 per hour over 12 weeks paid by the host agency (withholdings and contributions will apply). Some agencies who are able to may pay the intern a higher rate. An additional administrative fee of $250 per intern will be invoiced by the Policy Center.
How Are Students Selected to be Interns?-An internal and an external selection committee review all student applications along with the positions available and identify students who best match the requirements for each position. Please be as specific as possible in describing the skills and experience needed for your job.
Is There an Interview?-There is no formal interview, though some supervisors may want to have a phone call with an applicant before a decision is made. If you wish to speak with the candidate before we offer the job, we ask that you plan to do so within 2-3 days. Particularly for first time supervisors, we consult with you before final selection to be sure we understand the job requirements. Please be sure you include all relevant information in your application documents.
When Should I Contact My Intern?-Please plan to communicate with your intern within two weeks of selection. During the summer you should plan to meet weekly with your intern.
What If I, or My Intern, Can’t Start on the Program Start Date?-We try to hold to the dates of the program, but there are sometimes exceptions because some schools go into June or perhaps project funding is delayed. By mutual agreement a supervisor and intern can determine an exception to the program start or end date, if the nature of the internship allows.
History
The Maine Government Summer Internship Program was established in 1967 by the 103rd Legislature (1967 Public Law, Chapter 493) “to attract and select college students with ambition and talent for temporary internships within State Government.” Municipal and county internships were added to the program in 2006 (MRS Title 5, Chapter 20).
The program places interns in positions where they contribute to state and municipal/county government as well as benefit from the experience. A major portion of administrative costs is contributed by the Margaret Chase Smith Center Policy Center. Since 1967, close to 2000 interns have participated in the program.
Reports
2023 Internship Report (pdf)
2022 Internship Report (pdf)
2021 Internship Report (pdf)
Contact the Director
Mary Mahoney-O’Neal