Internship Opportunities

We provide students with meaningful and enriching opportunities to gain real-world experience as well as contribute to our community and participate in local government. Our flagship programs, the Bill Thorpe Undergraduate Internship program and the Mayor's Internship program, offer paid positions that allow students to work closely with town leadership and departments, gaining valuable insights and skills.  

Bill Thorpe Undergraduate Internship Program

This internship program is named for former Chapel Hill Council Member Bill Thorpe, who served the Chapel Hill community for nearly 40 years. Mr. Thorpe was first elected to the Town Council from 1977 to 1981. He was elected to serve another term from 1983 to 1987 and again in 2005. He served as Mayor Pro Temp from 1985 to 1987. Thorpe passed away on September 27, 2008. 

In 2006, Council Member Thorpe initiated the Town's first paid undergraduate internship program to encourage student participation in the Town and community. In 2009, the Town of Chapel Hill officially named the program the "Bill Thorpe Undergraduate Internship Program" to honor him. The Thorpe Internship program is funded annually through the Town of Chapel Hill's budget process and offers undergraduate internship opportunities during the spring and fall semesters. 

Thorpe interns earn an hourly wage over one or two semesters; maximum compensation equals $2500.00. Each department sets hours and other requirements and will be included in the job posting. 

To be considered for an undergraduate internship position with the Town of Chapel Hill, candidates must:

  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate program form an accredited college or university
  • Possess good oral and written communication skills
  • Be proficient with computers and software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Be eager to learn and able to work independently 

Application Process 

Available internship opportunities are posted by the Town's Human Resource Development Department. If you have additional questions about this program, please get in touch with the Human Resource Development Department at (919) 968-2700 or email us at hr@townofchapelhill.org.

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Mayoral Internship

An internship with the Mayor’s Office provides a valuable opportunity to gain a unique view of the inner workings of Town government, as well as gaining professional-level public sector experience. The Mayor’s Office works with residents, elected officials, local businesses, community groups and organizations, and federal and state agencies. 

 
Mayor’s Office interns work part-time for no more than 15 hours per week and depending on budget availability may be eligible for up to $1,000 per semester (Summer interns are not available for funding).  

Interns assist with general administrative support, including: 

  • Answering phones
  • Opening and distributing mail
  • Filing and typing
  • Preparing proclamations and special recognitions
  • Drafting welcome/congratulatory/support letters
  • Assists with constituent correspondence
  • Assists on special projects 

 Program Outline:

  • Attend Town Council business meetings
  • Attend Boards and Commissions meetings
  • Track State and Federal legislation
  • Attend one press conference and report on experience
  • Tour Town Hall and meet Town staff
  • Attend at least one Senior Management Team meeting
  • Research Mayor's projects/initiatives and write report
  • Research event Mayor has agreed to attend and write mock speech/talking points
  • Meet with Mayor and Senior staff members to ask 

 Qualifications/Desired Qualifications:

  • Internships are open to undergraduate students only
  • Excellent communication, writing and organizational skills
  • Experience editing/writing web pages (or willingness to learn)
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a high-paced environment
  • Comfortable with working independently and autonomously
  • Intern must be able to work during business hours (M-F 8:30am - 5:00pm) and occasionally on nights and/or weekends
  • Intern must provide their own transportation 

 Application Process 

The Town's Internship program is posted by the Human Resource Development Department in August of each year. 

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