Deirdre Cummings

We all want to make a difference, but too many internships require students to leave their conscience at home. At MASSPIRG, our interns can put their ideals front and center.

That’s because interns with MASSPIRG work to achieve concrete, practical changes that benefit the public.

This year, we are looking for interns to work with us on the following campaigns:
• Promoting public transportation and alternatives to driving.
• Increasing recycling and reducing waste.
• Protecting consumers from unfair fees and practices.
• Promoting public health by stopping the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms.
• Improving our democratic process by getting big money out of politics.

Our staff of attorneys and advocates provide interns excellent training by assigning them significant and meaningful responsibilities. Here’s our approach:

• Work side by side with the staff of MASSPIRG, focusing on real problems that affect people in their daily lives, whether funding public transportation or fighting for democracy.

• As a MASSPIRG intern, you help our staff develop a program around one or more of these issues. You help study the problem and then break it down into a manageable project, one in which the outcome can be influenced by the right combination of careful research, a smart political strategy, and demonstrable public support.

• While much of MASSPIRG’s work centers on the legislative arena, MASSPIRG takes issues to whatever forum offers the best hope of winning concrete results. We file lawsuits. We testify at administrative hearings. We sponsor shareholder resolutions. We do whatever it takes to get things done.

Internship Overview and How to Apply

• Candidates must commit to 10-20 hours per week. Schedules are flexible and interns can work anytime during our normal work hours of Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm. Interns must work in our Boston office.
• All years and majors are welcome to apply and there is no minimum GPA. Ideal candidates will have strong communications skills, an interest in social and political issues, and previous campaign experience.
• Send an email to Deirdre Cummings at dcummings@masspirg.org stating your interest. Include your resume, a compelling cover letter, and the campaign issues that interests you.

Our approach requires each intern not only to develop expertise in public policy, but also to become skilled in the political process. Here are some areas you may develop expertise in:

• Devising an effective strategy for a political campaign. Whether a MASSPIRG proposal becomes public policy is often a matter of how the problem is framed for public debate. You will work to identify shifting reasons why the public supports public transportation and reform across the state.

• Conducting investigative research. Facts, figures and examples are the bedrock of any intelligent public policy debate. As a MASSPIRG intern you will pull together the research necessary to illustrate s problem sand demonstrate the viability of the proposed solution.

• Media outreach. MASSPIRG interns work to get our issues and opinions covered by the media, through news releases, press conferences, interviews, "op-eds," online, and more.

• Organizing political support. MASSPIRG interns help to broaden the constituency for our proposals, assisting in building, organizing, and managing a coalition of support that works to sway decision-makers.

What qualities and abilities does being a MASSPIRG intern require?
• A strong commitment to public interest issues.
• Strong organizational abilities.
• The ability to engage others, whether one-on-one or in a group.
• The ability to think strategically.
• A willingness to engage in creative conflict, to persevere, and to lead by example.
.Strong writing and communication skills.

We have MASSPIRG internships available for undergraduate and graduate students in law, political science, public policy, sociology or environmental studies, but students in any area of study may apply. Intern supervisors provide ongoing training. Previous campaign and/or advocacy experience is a plus.