Internships with Elected Officials

The City of Winston-Salem is offering unpaid internships to assist the Mayor and City Council in their role as elected officials for its citizens.

Purpose

Internships are designed to:

  • Give students an opportunity to learn first-hand how city government works
  • Provide city council with additional staff support
  • Provide an opportunity for elected officials to mentor future leaders for the City
  • Provide students with valuable professional public service experience that will enhance their skills, competencies and classroom experience
  • Provide work experience that applies towards college credit if approved by an academic advisor

Responsibilities

Each Intern works under the close supervision of Mayor or Council Member.

Responsibilities may include duties as assigned by the mayor or individual city council member, including:

  • Answering and responding to constituent calls
  • Attending community meetings and events
  • Gathering requested information from city departments
  • General administrative tasks
  • Providing research assistance on specific topics or projects
  • Staff support

Interns may also be invited to attend city council and other city-related meetings.

Job Requirements / Benefits

  • All work is subject to Public Records Rules and Regulations
  • Business cards provided at the request of an elected official
  • Compliance with the City of Winston-Salem Ethics Policy and applicable policies outlined in the City Employee Handbook
  • Irregular, but flexible work hours of up to 20 hours per week as determined by Mayor or Council Member
  • Partisan political activity is strictly prohibited
  • Professional business attire
  • Use of elected official office space, desktop computer, and desk phone in City Hall as authorized by the elected official.

Requirements

  • Have an interest in city government and public service
  • Must be an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university
  • Must provide own transportation. Authorized travel will be reimbursed at the standard Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rate from Elected Officials' travel budget
  • Permanent or temporary residency in Forsyth County
  • Possess excellent customer service skills
  • Possess self-motivation and initiative
  • Possess strong oral and written communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

To Apply

If you wish to apply for an internship with elected officials, please fill out, print, sign, and send in the Internship/Volunteer for Elected Officials (PDF) and submit with your resumé to the Human Resources Department:

Other Criteria & Details

Applicants may request internship opportunities with specific elected officials but are not guaranteed. Successful applicants are subject to the standard City of Winston-Salem employee background check.

Interns will not be guaranteed or entitled to a job with the City of Winston-Salem at the completion of the internship.

Other Internships

If you are looking for a paid or unpaid internship with other departments, visit the Internships page.

For more information, please call 336-747-6807.