Official Site of The State of New Jersey
DCA Government Internship Program
The objective of the DCA Government Internship Program is to encourage talented and motivated college students at accredited colleges or universities to consider careers in State Government by:
- Providing the student with insight into the practical aspects of various state government units’ operations through observing and participating in day-to-day activities.
- Learning and participating in state government management activities to assist in determining if the profession or occupation selected is compatible with the student’s personal goals.
- Making academic work more meaningful for the student through observing the practical application of principles and exchanging information with practitioners.
- Introducing the student to the rewards of working in the public sector to improve the quality of life for the residents of the community.
Academic areas of study in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, pre-law, urban planning, urban policy, political science, public policy, computer science, disaster recovery or other relevant course of study specific to the work of the division/office hosting the internship.
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The internship program will begin to provide the Department of Community Affairs with a potential talent pool from which to hire upon graduation.
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The student is thoroughly exposed to established employer practices while they are still at a formative level to improve their social and professional skills in a “real world” setting.
Spring (January – May) applicants should apply no later than December 1
Summer (May – August) applicants should apply no later than April 1
Fall (August – December) applicants should apply no later than July 1
Student interns will be paid at an appropriate hourly rate, as determined by relevant guidelines.
- Student interns must work a minimum of 12 hours per week.
- All DCA assignments will be in-person either on-site at the Department of Community Affairs, 101 South Broad Street, Trenton or a field location as determined by the hosting division/office.
- Interns are not permitted to telework.
Please refer to the division/office internship on DCA Government Internship Program Description - printable
If a student is seeking to earn academic credit for the internship, it is the student’s responsibility to request and obtain credit from their academic institution, if applicable.
Preference will be given to Graduate Students and Undergraduate Students who are in their Junior or Senior Year of study, but Freshmen and Sophomores are welcome to apply.
Students should apply to the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
- Candidates must submit
- a cover letter describing why they are interested in a career in government service.
- Cover letter should also indicate 3 preferred areas of interest, based on the information provided for each division/office along with a current resume, and
- three (3) references to DCAinternships@dca.nj.gov.
- Candidates should include a transcript.
- Non-US citizens applying for an internship must include required identification and employment authorization along upon application. A “List of Acceptable Documents” is included on the Employment Eligibility Verification (USCIS Form I-9) form.
Form I-9 List of Acceptable Documents - Candidates will be evaluated or screened based on the information submitted and may be asked to participate in a short virtual interview via Teams.
- We reserve the right to interview and select successful candidates as applications are received during applicable semesters.
Internship deadlines to apply:
Spring (January – May) applicants should apply no later than December 1
Summer (May – August) applicants should apply no later than April 1
Fall (August – December) applicants should apply no later than July 1
The student selected for the internship, as a condition of participation, is required to adhere to the following:
- The student is expected to comply with all pertinent university rules and regulations and all policies, rules, and regulations of the Department of Community Affairs.
- Submit bi-weekly timesheets detailing their time worked along with assignment reports to their Intern Coordinator. If the student is requesting academic credit, the assignment reports will be prepared in conformity with the academic institution’s requirements.
- Observe regular attendance and punctuality on the job.
- Be cooperative and conduct oneself in a professional and responsible manner.
- Dress appropriately for an office environment (business casual).
- Adhere to a Code of Confidentiality with respect to all information in which the student is exposed.
- Maintain a positive and cooperative attitude toward the work assignments.
- Student interns are responsible for travel to and from their location including parking expenses, when applicable.
- If requested, prepare a short presentation at the completion of the internship which includes:
- A summary of the assignments they completed during the internship program, and whether the internship satisfactorily met their expectations and utilized aspects of their academic background.