Internships are an increasingly popular part of the college experience. A good internship exposes you to real world opportunities and complements your coursework in economics. To complete an internship you must have earned at least 45 credits and have a GPA no lower than 2.5.
You may receive credits for internships either through the ITR course managed by the Office of Experiential Learning and Community Engagement or by registering for ECN 351 and/or 352. The ITR course code makes it possible for you to earn up to 24 credits for an internship. It also requires simultaneous enrollment in a three credit colloquium course.
The Center for Career and Experiential Education conducts annual career fairs where students are given the opportunity to network with employers. Information on upcoming career fairs can be found on the CCEE page.
State of Rhode Island Government Internships
Students at the University of Rhode Island can apply for internships with the legislature and agencies of the State of Rhode Island. In the Summer and Fall of 2024, there will be in-person, hybrid, and online options. These internships are unpaid, but you can get academic credit. (See below.) Information about the program can be found via this link. You can apply online through the tab on the upper right side of that page. Note that the resume and cover letter are required on the application, but the letter of recommendation is not required on the application. You can provide references later. Here are the program dates and deadlines for the upcoming programs:
Summer 2024 Program
- Duration: June 10 – August 2
- Deadline to apply: April 12
Fall 2024 Program
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- Duration: September 16 to December 6
- Deadline to apply: July 26
Summer 2025
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- Duration: February 3 to April 25
- Deadline to apply: December 13
Note : You are encouraged to apply early because interviews and placements are done on a rolling basis, so an earlier application will give you a better set of options! Research state agencies at www.ri.gov before you apply so that you can express your preferences.
Secretary of State for Rhode Island Summer Fellowship Program
The Secretary of State offers a paid fellowship during the summer. The application deadline was April 25 in 2021. In the Spring you will find a description and and link to the application here:
https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/civics-and-education/fellowship/
City of Providence Mayoral Internships and Fellowships
Unpaid internships have been available with the City of Providence in the past.
web-page. The Mayor’s office normally offers a paid summer fellow program. If the programs resume, information about the programs and application processes should be available through the link above.
Internships with the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation
Students at the University of Rhode Island can apply for internships at the Rhode Island and Washington, DC offices of our members in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. Descriptions of the available opportunities and online application links are available at the following websites:
Senator Jack Reed– There is a Summer 2024 program! Deadline to apply: April 15th
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse – There is a Summer 2024 program! Deadline to apply: March 17th.
Congressman David Cicilline – No deadline posted for Summer- but act soon!
Congressman Seth Magaziner – No deadline posted for Summer- but act soon!
Congressman Gabe Amo – No deadline posted for Summer- but act soon!
There are part-time and full-time internships for Spring 2022. If you are available 12+ hours per week, there is a stipend. If interested send resume, writing sample, and availability to: Katherine Riordan (Katherine.Riordan@mail.house.gov) and Lindsay Russell (Lindsay.Russell@mail.house.gov).
Internships with the state of Massachusetts Government
The state of Massachusetts offers many internship opportunities. Check their website for more information : https://www.mass.gov/topics/state-government-internships
Americorps
Americorp is a federal government program that was created as a means for Americans to serve local communities. You have probably heard of Teach for America, but there are many other programs, including summer opportunities. To learn more and start the application process, go to:
https://americorps.gov
Arranging Credit for Internships and Other Career Planning Assistance at CCEE
Most government internships are unpaid, but you can earn credit – even for an out-of-state summer internship (for in-state tuition). The Center for Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) can help you with this! For more information, check out the website: https://web.uri.edu/career/itr-internship-programs/
- The Career Education Specialist for Economics students is Audra Lavoie (contact information/links at https://web.uri.edu/career/meet/audra-lavoie/. She can help you find private sector and government internships, create or edit your resume, and create or edit your cover letters. You can make an appointment with her through Starfish.
- Are you eligible for Work Study? If you would like to learn more about using your award to work for a government agency or a nonprofit, contact Amy Albert at aealbert@uri.edu!Questions about the above? Please email me (Terri Devine) at Theresa_Devine@uri.edu. Be sure to sign up to receive emails from the Economics Student Association (ESA) by sending an email to esa@rhodysenate.org.