Blog Description

The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at UIC is the University of Illinois System's home for the study of public policy and contemporary urban challenges. We are CUPPA.

In the heart of Chicago, we offer degrees in fields of study that can change your life and change the world. CUPPA students and alumni are uniquely skilled to build and transform sustainable urban neighborhoods and communities and to address the challenges presented in the 21st century. Find our more about our Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees at cuppa.uic.edu.

Follow our student internships and student opportunities below. For post-graduation job postings head to the CUPPA Careers Blog or follow us at @CUPPACareers on Twitter.

Have a job or internship to post? Send an email with the title, location, job description, and contact information to cuppa@uic.edu.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Internship, Construction and Compliance Divsion - Chicago Department of Housing

Who: Chicago Department of Housing

What: The Housing department is seeking students who want to acquire knowledge and valuable work experience in public sector/city government operations while assisting with various duties in the Construction and Compliance Division. The Construction and Compliance Division ensures that City Supported affordable housing and TIF developments comply with applicable construction and programming requirements, and is responsible for ensuring federal, state and local monitoring requirements for housing and economic development projects are met. The Division develops and implements policies and procedures for the department's affordable housing programs and services. As an intern, you will gain a unique insight into the workings of city government. The ideal student is highly motivated and dedicated to improving public service while obtaining “hands-on work experience in a fast paced environment.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Graduate Student Internships - Heartland Alliance

Who: Heartland Alliance

What: Heartland Alliance is grounded in over 130 years of experience providing housing, healthcare, jobs and justice to individuals living in poverty and seeking safety. Heartland Alliance’s Research & Policy Department engages in research on social issues and solutions, policy and systems change, and field building nationwide. The department is home to the Social IMPACT Research Center, Heartland Alliance’s Policy & Advocacy team, and Heartland Alliance’s National Initiatives on Economic Opportunity team. Our policy and research efforts strengthen communities, advance human rights, and foster equity and opportunity. The Research & Policy Department’s work is rooted in and informed by people with lived experience, and the experiences of Heartland Alliance program participants. Internship Descriptions We have three types of internships available:

1. Research Internship: Heartland Alliance’s Social IMPACT Research Center (IMPACT) conducts applied research for Heartland Alliance and organizations including nonprofits, foundations, advocacy groups, government entities, and socially-conscious private-sector companies. We focus on research related to human services, health care, employment, homelessness, nutrition/hunger, asset building, and poverty. Research interns work in a highly collaborative learning-oriented environment on a wide variety of research project components, including literature reviews, secondary data mining/analysis, database design, dashboard design, data entry, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, fact sheet development, infographic design, GIS analysis, data collection, study recruitment, assisting with report writing, thought work, data quality assurance, and research dissemination (including media work, social media, and presentations).

2. Communications Internship: We leverage strategic communications, including websites, newsletters, action alerts, social media, and press engagement, to advance our research, legislative priorities, and systems change goals that address poverty, advance human rights, and foster greater equity and justice. This position will support strategic and effective external communications to promote our research and policy priorities. This intern will be able to gain exposure and support communications across a wide range of issue areas, including health care, financial security, human services and the social safety net, criminal justice, employment, homelessness, and more. The work of the Communications intern may include projects such as reporter and news research, creating content for social media, drafting legislative thank you letters, promoting events and webinars, drafting press pitches, and providing hands-on support such as taking photos, transcribing interviews, and email listserv management.

3. Coalition Support Internship: Our work to achieve social change is accomplished through coalitions, collaboration, and relationships. This position will work to support events, learning opportunities, and engagement with our partners on our policy and systems change priorities. This intern will be able to gain exposure and support work across a wide range of issue areas, including criminal justice, employment, homelessness, and more. The work of the Coalition Support intern may include supporting virtual and in-person policy learning opportunities, coalition notetaking and support, planning advocacy and other events, and publication support for fact sheets, reports, and comment letters on proposed policies.

Internship Details
  • Internship applications are accepted between January and early March.
  • Summer internships begin in May/June and end in August/September and can be either full- time for 10 weeks or part-time for 15 weeks. School-year internships begin August/September and end in May/June. Priority will be given to individuals applying for both summer and school-year internships. Secondary priority will be given to individuals applying for school- year internships only. As space/project needs allow, summer-only interns may also be considered.
  • These are paid positions at $15 an hour for 19.5 hours per week.
  • Off-campus Federal Work Study program participation may also be available for interns.
Applicant Requirements

Wondering whether you have the right credentials or background to apply? The truth is, we don’t care where you went to school or what your connections are. We value lived experience. We are looking for people who care about addressing poverty and fighting for equity, and who have shown the potential to do great policy advocacy or research. These qualities can come from people with all kinds of experience — not just people who are in school for public policy. If we’re not looking for a specific educational or professional background, what are we looking for? Some of the specifics depend on the position (see descriptions), but the following is a list of qualities and skills we value across the board.
  • Commitment to Human Rights and Equity: We are looking for people who are passionate about ending poverty, advancing racial and gender equity, and ensuring basic human rights for all. We are looking to see these values exhibited in your life and experiences, both personal and professional.
  • Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn: The best researchers and advocates ask good questions, dig deep to understand the details of complex issues, and are always learning and growing. • Basic Communication and Writing Skills: It will be necessary to communicate clearly with teammates and external partners in order to effectively manage projects. We are also looking for people who can synthesize and explain information accurately in their written communication. We expect that interns will develop writing proficiency over the course of the internship.
  • Critical Thinking Skills: We are looking for people who are able to analyze the factors contributing to social problems and their potential solutions.
  • Availability: For summer internship positions, when available, students must be available to work for either 10 weeks full time or 15 weeks part time.
You may have acquired the above qualities and skills through past work experience, advanced education, and/or personal experience with inequity. If you have personal lived experience that you think speaks to your qualifications for this internship, it is okay share this (to the extent you are comfortable) in your cover letter.

How to Apply

If you meet the above requirements and would like to be considered for an internship position, submit a resume & cover letter to Jean Lam at jlam@heartlandalliance.org. Your cover letter must indicate the following:

  • Your Availability: Are you available for 1) school-year and summer, 2) school year only, or 3) summer-only? (Priority is given to candidates available during both the school-year and summer.) 
  • Your Internship Preference: Which of the three internship positions (Research, Communications, and Coalition Support) best fits your interest and qualifications? (If you are interested in more than one, please explain. Interest in multiple positions is allowed).
Interview Process

If you are selected for an interview, someone from Heartland Alliance will reach out to schedule an interview time. We conduct interviews from the end of February through March, and sometimes into early April. Interviews typically last about an hour, and may be in-person or via video conference. Before or after the interview, you will be asked to complete a short writing exercise (laptop provided) that takes about an hour. If applying for a research internship, the writing exercise focuses on data interpretation skills. If you are not applying for a research internship, the writing exercise focuses on an issue area of your choice related to poverty and inequity.

Graduate Management Assistant Fellowship - City of Fort Collins, Colorado

Who: City of Fort Collins, Colorado

What: The City of Fort Collins, CO is accepting applications for the position of Graduate Management Assistant. This position provides future municipal leaders an opportunity to catapult their careers and learn from seasoned professionals in a community consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the country. Come find out the “secret sauce” of Fort Collins in a position that is equal parts work and fun. The Management Assistant will have the opportunity to learn about the inner-workings of a full- service city, make a difference in day-to-day projects, engage regularly with city leaders, and contribute to the organization at the executive leadership level.

The City of Fort Collins is nationally renowned for:
  • A strong tradition of community engagement
  • Having world-class staff across the organization
  • Commitment to social, economic, and environmental sustainability
  • Being America’s most satisfied City according to Time Magazine
  • Winning the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
All applicants must provide:
  • Cover letter 
  • Current resume 
  • Three references with daytime phone numbers 
  • Academic or professional writing sample of no more than five pages. 
The Graduate Management Assistant program has contributed to the development of local government leaders. Past Graduate Management Assistants have gone on to become City Managers, Assistant Town Administrators and Assistants to City Managers. Each Graduate Management Assistant learned leadership, honed communication skills, participated on multidisciplinary teams and contributed meaningful (resume-building) work.
The Management Assistant will be involved in research, analytical work, and managing special projects. This position represents a one-year fellowship. Applicants must have completed or substantially completed coursework toward a Master of Public Administration or closely related degree by June 2020. Salary: $42,000 per year with excellent benefits.

For more information and to apply visit https://www.fcgov.com/citymanager/fellowship by February 17th, 2020.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Internship - UPholdings Real Estate

Who: UPholdings

What:UPholdings is a housing development company based in Chicago, working across the United States, focused on building affordable housing. Our portfolio includes a wide range of projects types, targeting various population groups, throughout both urban and rural communities. UPholdings’ portfolio includes affordable multifamily properties and permanent supportive housing properties (each consisting of 18-92 units), along with four (4) new projects currently under construction. Our company employs six talented team members, each with expertise in affordable and supportive housing developments.

Location: 900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois.

Compensation: Interns will be compensated hourly commensurate with experience.

Description: Interns will: (1) work closely with staff on various project management tasks, including compiling financing, due-diligence, compliance, and supportive documentation associated with existing, prospective, and under-development projects; (2) coordinate on-going project tasks with vendors, site managers, and contractors; and (3) assist staff with office administrative duties, including tracking project finances, scheduling appointments, preparing outgoing document deliveries, and maintaining office supplies.

Qualifications: Applicants should:
  • Be enrolled in an educational program concentrating on urban planning and development, real estate transactions, or finance;
  • Prepared to dedicate 15-30 hours weekly working in our office;
  • Have previous professional experience working in an office environment;
  • Capable of managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and working on teams.

Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to petra@upholdings.net.

It is our policy and practice to provide and promote equal opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, medical condition, handicap or disability.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Paul Gerhardt Jr. Intership - 1,000 Friends of Oregon

Who: 1,000 Friends of Oregon

What: 1000 Friends of Oregon is a fourth-six year old public interest organization that advocates smart growth through comprehensive land use and transportation planning, using Oregon’s renowned planning program. We work with citizens across Oregon to enhance the state’s quality of life by building livable urban and rural communities and protecting family farms.

The Gerhardt Internship was established in 1986 to commemorate the life and work of 1000 Friends’ first planner, Paul Gerhardt, Jr.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the internship is to provide an opportunity for on-the-job experience for planning students or those in similar fields, especially for those interested in public service.

TERMS

The position is for 35 hours per week for 10 weeks, at the 1000 Friends’ Portland office. A stipend of $4500 is provided. Limited additional funds are available for assistance with travel expenses to and from Portland.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

SUPERVISION

The intern will work on one or two large projects, such as 1000 Friends’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through linking land use and transportation planning, climate-friendly energy policies, ensuring communities plan for affordable and diverse housing, or to preserve farm land. The intern might also work on smaller, short-term projects to gain a wider acquaintance with Oregon’s land use program. Supervision will be provided by the 1000 Friends’ staff member overseeing each project.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The criteria used in selection the intern includes academic excellence, demonstrated interest in public service, evidence of initiative, and the ability to work independently. Preference will be given to undergraduates majoring in planning or a related field and graduates who have not yet begun graduate school. However, students in a graduate school will be considered. Law students are specifically excluded.

APPLICATIONS AND DEADLINES

Applications should include a cover letter, resume, academic transcripts, writing sample and two reference letters including at least one from a professor familiar with the applicant’s work. References should offer a confidential evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications as measured against the criteria above and should be sent directly to 1000 Friends’, preferably via email. References should provide full contact information. The writing sample can be on any topic and need not be lengthy. Complete applications, including reference letters, must be received by Wednesday February 12, 2020. The intern will be selected by Thursday March 19, 2020 and will be notified by phone shortly thereafter. Those not selected will be informed by letter. Please send applications to:

Gerhardt Internship 
1000 Friends of Oregon 
133 SW 2nd, Suite 201 
Portland, OR 97204-2515 

Or via email to robin@friends.org

For additional information about the organization, check our website, www.friends.org; or email Robin Jennings, Administrative Assistant, at robin@friends.org.

Administrative Intern - Village of Deerfield

Who: Village of Deerfield

What: The Village of Deerfield, Illinois (Pop. 18,500) seeks applicants for the part-time position of Administrative Intern. This position is a two-year program during which the Intern supports the Village Manager’s office with a variety of professional projects and assignments related to the day-to-day operations of the Village. These duties will include, but are not limited to, coordination of vehicle sticker sales, providing support for special events such as Winter Celebration and the Farmer’s Market, providing research and special reports, supporting non-emergency communications to residents, and assisting Public Works with regulatory compliance. The Intern can expect to gain a wide variety of experience in all Village departments.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Occupational Health Internship Program - Association of Occupational and Health Clinics

Who: Association of Occupational and Health Clinics

What: The Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) is a national summer program dedicated to help students learn about the field of occupational safety and health (OSH) from those most at stake: working people. Since 2004, OHIP has played a key role in training, mentoring, and inspiring a new generation of OSH professionals to prevent job injury and disease through partnerships with worker and community-based organizations. A project of the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC), OHIP has training sites across the country including: the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, DC, and New York City. Visit www.OHIPintern.org for new 2020 sites. A sample of our 2019 projects included a hazard assessment of the Las Vegas casino hotel industry, an investigation of sexual harassment and workplace violence in Los Angeles cannabis dispensaries, an assessment of job hazards and pain reported by women housekeepers in the Philadelphia hotel industry, and an investigation of violence and assaults on transit workers in Hartford, CT.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Administrative Intern - City of Highland Park

Who: City of Highland Park

What: The City of Highland Park is seeking an Administrative Intern to assist in the general administration of local government through special projects and assignments. This internship is approximately 19 hours per week.

The Administrative Intern performs work in the following primary areas:
  • Assists in communicating City policies to departments, City Council members and the general public; this may include drafting correspondence, preparing presentations and formulating new policies.
  • Assists in the preparation and dissemination of press releases and weekly electronic newsletters. Responsible for providing regular updates to the website and writing articles for the City's monthly newsletter.
  • Other communications work may include assistance with the Public Access Studio, public service announcements, developing and maintaining a current library of City videos and photography, and procuring grants for funding.
  • Handles inquiries from citizens regarding refuse and recycling collection, power outages, cable television, and is responsible for coordinating responses to general complaints received by the City Manager's Office.
  • Assists in the planning and implementation of special events including July 4th festivities, the holiday lighting ceremony, and various employee events.
  • Supports and assists in the Sustainability Work Plan.
  • Provides staff support to City commissions as necessary.
  • Special projects will be assigned to provide experience working with other City departments. 
Qualification Requirements 

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Government, Communications, or related field, and active enrollment at an accredited college or university graduate program toward a Master's Degree in Public Administration, or related field.

Additional information, full description, and application available at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highlandpark/jobs/2671823

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Who: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

What: The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Advisory Committee of the Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship Program offer this annual fellowship. As one of the only fellowships of its kind across the country, the Peters Fellowship provides a graduate student with a paid work and enrichment experience at a major regional planning agency in one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas.

The fellowship was established in 1999 to honor the late Phil Peters, the former Executive Director of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC)*. Phil retired in 1999 after completing more than thirty years of extraordinary service to NIPC, during which time he played a major role in the development and implementation of the agency's innovative, comprehensive, and highly-regarded planning program for the Chicago metropolitan area. The fellowship reflects Phil's dedication to NIPC and his personal interest in promoting careers in regional planning.