Opportunities

We all want to make a difference, but too many internships require students to leave their conscience at home. At MASSPIRG, our interns can put their ideals front and center. Thats because interns with MASSPIRG work to achieve concrete, practical changes that benefit the public. We are currently working to impact issues ranging from consumer protection to improved public transportation. Our advocates and organizers give interns significant responsibilities & training. Heres our approach: Work side by side with the staff of MASSPIRG, focusing on real problems that affect people in their daily lives, whether increasing recycling or fighting for democracy. As a MASSPIRG intern, you help our staff develop a program around one or more of these issues. You help study the problem and then break it down into a manageable project, one in which the outcome can be influenced by the right combination of careful research, a smart political strategy, and demonstrable public support. While much of MASSPIRGs work centers on the legislative arena, MASSPIRG takes issues to whatever forum offers the best hope of winning concrete results. We file lawsuits. We testify at administrative hearings. We sponsor shareholder resolutions. We do whatever it takes to get things done. This approach requires each intern not only to develop expertise in public policy, but also to become skilled in the political process. Here are some areas you may develop expertise in: Organizing political support. MASSPIRG interns help to broaden the constituency for our proposals, assisting in building, organizing, and managing a coalition of support that works to sway decision-makers. Conducting investigative research. Facts, figures and examples are the bedrock of any intelligent public policy debate. As a MASSPIRG intern you will pull together the research necessary to illustrate the problems and demonstrate the viability of proposed solutions. Reaching out to media. MASSPIRG interns work to get our issues and opinions covered by the media, through news releases, press conferences, interviews, op-eds, and social media. We have MASSPIRG internships available for undergraduate and graduate students in law, political science, public policy, sociology or environmental studies, but students in any area of study may apply. Intern supervisors provide ongoing training. Previous campaign and/or advocacy experience is a plus. How To Apply Interested students should submit a compelling cover letter and resume to Patrick Nagle, Internship Coordinator: Email patrick@masspirg.org. Interns are expected to commit 15-20 hours every week