Ignite Internship (College) - Summer 2025

Orientation: Orientation for the Ignite Internship is tentatively scheduled for Friday, May 30 or Friday June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendance is mandatory, as participation in this session is a requirement for formal admission into the program 

Duration: 

May 30, 2025 - August 8, 2025 (Tentative)

Work Hours: The standard hours per week will be 20 hours. Work hours are between 8am to 5pm, subject to variation based on departmental needs, project requirements, and student’s class schedule.

Compensation: Interns participating in the Ignite Internship Program will receive a competitive hourly wage of $15. This compensation reflects our recognition of interns’ dedication and contributions to their assigned projects and tasks. Interns will work for a total of 20 hours per week for a period of up to 10 weeks, allowing them the potential to earn a total stipend between $2000 - $3000 for the duration of the program.

Term:

• Summer: Aligned with the summer break of colleges and universities, this term provides interns with an intensive 8 to 10 week experience during the summer months.

• March 1, 2025 - March 31, 2025

Listed below are tentative departments accepting interns, please see more information about each department by visiting our website cumberlandcountync.gov:

• Animal Services

• Budget & Performance

• Community Development

• Emergency Services

• Employee Wellness

• Engineering

• Human Resources

• Innovation and Technology Services

• Justice Services

• Planning & Inspections

• Public Health

• Public Information Office

• Public Library & Information Center

• Solid Waste
• Tax Administration

Duties and Responsibilities will vary by department, but may include the following:

Assisting with Projects: Interns will work closely with project teams to support the planning, execution, and monitoring of various projects. This may include conducting research, gathering data, preparing reports, and contributing to project deliverables to ensure timelines and objectives are met.

Supporting Daily Operations: Interns will assist in the smooth running of day-to-day departmental functions. Tasks may include handling correspondence, managing documentation, updating records, and responding to routine inquiries. Interns will ensure that all activities align with departmental goals.

Attending Meetings and Trainings: Interns will participate in team meetings, project discussions, and departmental training sessions. They will be expected to take detailed notes, contribute ideas, and follow up on assigned tasks. These meetings and trainings are essential for gaining insights into the organization's culture and operations.

Conducting Analysis: Interns may be asked to perform various forms of analysis, such as financial, market, or performance-related data. This will involve collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to generate actionable insights. Interns will also be expected to present their findings in a clear and concise manner.

Providing Administrative Support: Interns will offer administrative assistance, which may include tasks such as scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, managing calendars, preparing presentations, and maintaining accurate documentation. This support ensures the department runs efficiently.

Collaborating with Team Members: Interns will work alongside colleagues and cross-functional teams to achieve common objectives. They will engage in brainstorming sessions, provide feedback, and contribute to team-based projects. Collaboration will enhance their problem-solving and communication skills within a professional environment.

• Be an undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited college/university for spring, summer, and/or fall of 2024 or a recent college graduate, having graduated within the past year.
• Be a graduate student enrolled in an accredited college/university for spring, summer, or fall of 2024.
• Possess a strong academic record and demonstrate a genuine interest in gaining hands-on experience in governmental operations.
• Available to commit to the full duration of the internships program, which is typically an academic semester.

ALL of the following documents are required to be considered for the internship:

• Academic Transcript: A transcript providing a clear record of your academic performance allowing an accurate assessment of your qualifications for the internship. The transcript must be in PDF or another commonly accepted file format (e.g., .doc, .jpg). Both official and unofficial transcripts are accepted.

• Resume: A comprehensive resume highlighting academic achievements, relevant work experience, skills, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant information.

• Cover Letter: A personalized cover letter expressing interest in the internship program, outlining relevant experiences, skills and why the candidate is a suitable fit for the position.  

• Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from a professor, academic advisor, or employer who can speak to your qualifications and readiness for this internship. The letter should highlight your strengths, skills, and relevant experience. The letter should be on official letterhead and signed by the recommender. The letter can be uploaded directly by the applicant or sent to us via email at igniteinternship@cumberlandcountync.gov.

• Additional Documents: Any additional documents or work samples requested, such as portfolios, writing samples, or project reports, should be submitted in PDF or another accepted file format. Please ensure these materials are relevant to the position and showcase your skills and qualifications. *These documents are optional and NOT required*  

• Aid in project completion through active assistance
• Assist in ensuring the seamless operation of daily activities
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required
• Conduct thorough analysis to inform decision-making
• Offer administrative support to assigned department
• Collaborate effectively with fellow team members
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures diligently
• Seek feedback eagerly and embrace opportunities to gain experience
• Represent the organization with professionalism and integrity
• Ensure timely completion of all assigned tasks

Conditions of Employment:

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary : $15