The Office of the Secretary of the State continuously solicits applicants for internship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students seeking an internship in the fall or spring semesters, as well as during the summer months. Our mission is to provide students interested in the areas of law, government, communications and business with a rewarding educational experience. The Secretary of the State of Connecticut is one of six elected constitutional officers in Connecticut and is responsible for overseeing a number of government functions through several divisions.

 

Placement Opportunities: Executive Offices (undergraduate interns of any major, graduate interns studying public policy or survey research); Legislation & Election Administration Division (undergraduate interns of any major, law students).

 

Job Description: 

 

Undergraduate Interns: Interns assist the office staff with specific daily tasks like processing citations, organizing files, maintaining databases, and other general office work. They may be asked to work on more involved projects for the Secretary and her staff, such as assisting with survey research projects, staffing meetings, and researching various topics of interest to the office. Interns also assist with reception duties, including greeting visitors and answering the phone. 

 

Interns are assigned one larger project during the semester, in which they choose a topic of relevance to the Office of the Secretary of the State. They research the topic, identifying policy choices, evaluating the pros and cons of the policy, and making a recommendation to the agency based on that research.

 

Graduate & Law Interns: Interns are assigned to work with a professional attorney (law students) or a professional public administrator and survey researcher.  These internships are tailored more closely to the field of graduate study and involve more complex research. As with all interns, graduate and law interns are required to assist with daily office activities as needed and appropriate.

 

Candidate Qualities: A good candidate for this position will have a positive attitude, be eager to learn, and proactive in finding ways to assist the office.  He or she should maintain a professional appearance and manner, as well as work well under pressure and be well-organized. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office required. Previous experience in a professional office setting is helpful but not necessary.

 

Available shifts: The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is some flexibility with shift start/end times, and the availability of a specific shift depends on the current staffing needs of the office. Interns should plan to work between 15 and 20 hours per week. It is preferred that interns accomplish this by working at least two shifts per week. 

 

School Credit: This is an unpaid internship. However, arrangements can be made with many schools for students to earn credit for their work.

 

Application Procedure: Internship placements are available for the summer as well as during the school year. Please email your résumé with a cover letter including your availability to adam.richardson@ct.gov or fax to 860.509.6131.