The University of New Mexico is partnering with the City of Albuquerque to offer students opportunities to experience city management and the policy project.

“This is an outstanding chance for our students to take what they learn in the classroom, and see how it translates to the real world,” said Tim Krebs, chair of the UNM Political Science Department. “We’re also very excited for this chance for UNM to partner with the City of Albuquerque to advance the career interests and skills of our students.”

The Department of Political Science recently paired up with the Mayor’s office to create the Mayor’s Select Internship Program. Through the program, students experience different facets of municipal government while taking part in department rotations, a speaker series and community service.

“With over 20 departments working on everything from aviation to zoning, city government impacts the everyday lives of residents,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This is the perfect learning lab for students to experience firsthand how City government works to address the needs, challenges and opportunities in our own community, while also having the opportunity to network with and make connections with city and community leaders.”

Up to five interns will be selected each semester, and will earn 3 credit hours in addition to the real-world experience. Isez Roybal, who was part of the first cohort to go through the program, says it the UNM/City partnership was instrumental in launching her career.

“The overall experience, concrete skills, vast knowledge and connections I gained from the internship served me exceptionally well, as I received job offers from both the Mayor’s Office and Legal Department, upon its ending,” Roybal said.

The Mayor’s Select Internship Program encompasses three major components:

Department Rotations
Each 16-week program places interns in specific departments for four four-week rotations. All interns will have one rotation in the Mayor’s Office (communications, government affairs, constituent service), plus three additional City departments. Interns will work on a range of projects and tasks including, but not limited to: conducting research, attending meetings, managing incoming inquiries, data analysis, drafting briefings, staffing events, outreach and special projects.

Government Engagement
Interns will have the opportunity to interact directly with City leaders at the highest levels through a weekly speaker series that will include presentations, facility tours and more. 

Community Service
In conjunction with the First Lady’s One Albuquerque Challenge, interns will come together as a group to coordinate a service project for our City that impacts as many populations in need as possible. 

Requirements
Prospective interns shall be undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Ideal candidates must communicate well, display a record of academic achievement, demonstrate a commitment to public service and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Candidates shall also maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity. Interns must have at least 10 hours per week available. Interns must complete at least 160 total internship hours by the end of the semester to earn 3 credit hours.

Prospective interns will be required to complete an application as well as an in-person interview.

How to Apply
Complete the application by Aug. 1. Students are required to answer three short questions, and attach a resume, recent writing sample, and one letter of recommendation. Writing sample can include academic paper, letter to the editor, etc.

Send all required documents via email to Helen Maestas at hmaestas@cabq.gov by the due date with subject line: “Mayor’s Select Internship Applicant: YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME.”