Summer Internship (7102-06-i)

MDRC is seeking rising undergraduate seniors of diverse backgrounds for paid summer internships at our New York City office. The internship, which is part of the MDRC Gueron Fund Scholars Program, seeks to engage and encourage individuals from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the social policy research community.

The selected summer interns will be part of multidisciplinary teams developing evaluation research on current social policy issues. Each intern will have the opportunity to support a range of projects within MDRC’s five policy areas: Family Well-Being and Children’s Development, K-12 Education, Young Adults and Postsecondary Education, Low-Wage Workers and Communities, and Health and Barriers to Employment.

Responsibilities:

The eight-week paid internship provides the opportunity to work with MDRC teams on a range of organizational and analytical tasks, including but not limited to:

• Assisting with program operations and program development activities for sites enrolled in MDRC research studies.
• Supporting qualitative research design and, if possible, assist with field research at local NYC research sites.
• Processing qualitative data.
• Conducting literature reviews.
• Close involvement in various stages of producing reports, proposals, and other written deliverables.
• Assisting with innovative ways to communicate our findings to practitioners and policymakers.
• Providing general project and management support for project teams, such as note-taking at meetings.

In addition to these project responsibilities, candidates will participate in regular networking meetings with various MDRC staff to learn more about topic areas of interest and to understand the context of MDRC’s policy work. Interns will also have the chance to attend trainings and talks to develop specific skills and knowledge areas.

Qualifications:

• Rising undergraduate senior in public policy, sociology, communication, or other related field
• Demonstrated interest in social policy issues
• Basic understanding of research methods and/or program operations work
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Comfortable working in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Comfort with and interest in learning to use new software and technology
• Very strong writing and communication skills

How to Apply:

Please submit the following document by the application deadline of March 15, 2017, via our on-line application system:

• Resume
• A personal statement (no more than 1,000 words) that discusses (1) your interest in policy research, (2) your career interests and goals, (3) how this internship, coupled with your academic pursuit and prior experience, will contribute to your personal and professional growth, and (4) how your academic pursuits and prior experiences align with the expressed mission of the internship
• A copy of your transcript should be submitted as an attachment with your application

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Candidates will be expected to secure their own housing.

Coordinated by MDRC’s Diversity Council

MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. MDRC does not discriminate, and all qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race; color; national origin; religion; creed; sex or gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression); sexual orientation; citizenship status; pregnancy; disability; age; military or veteran status; marital or partnership status; genetic information, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; prior unemployment status; consumer credit history; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Legal work authorization is required.