Intern - Policy (City Management/Infrastructure)

As an Intern - Policy at the New York City Comptroller's Office, your main responsibilities will include conducting and organizing thorough policy research and data analysis on critical public issues such as education, housing, and child care. You will also support various office projects that aim to address these policy areas, allowing you to engage deeply with issues that impact the lives of New Yorkers.

To qualify for the Intern - Policy position at the New York City Comptroller’s Office, you must be a student matriculated at an accredited college or a recent graduate as of June of the program year. This ensures that you have the appropriate academic background and are in tune with current educational trends.

The Intern - Policy position is located at the David Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre St., Manhattan, New York City. This vibrant location provides an excellent backdrop for your internship experience in local government.

The internship for the Intern - Policy position runs from June 2 to July 31, 2025. Interns are expected to work in-person four days a week (Monday - Thursday) for a total of 28 hours. This structured schedule helps facilitate meaningful engagement and contribution to ongoing projects.

While the job listing does not specify wages, internships like the Intern - Policy position at the New York City Comptroller's Office typically come with compensation or academic credit, making it an important opportunity to gain experience without financial concerns.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for public policy and how it aligns with the mission of the NYC Comptroller's Office. Discuss specific issues, such as improving housing or education in New York City, that you are passionate about and how this internship can provide you with the skills to address them.

In responding to this question, emphasize your systematic approach to research — including identifying credible sources, understanding the context of the issue, and synthesizing complex information into actionable insights. Highlight any previous experiences you have that demonstrate your research skills.

Provide a specific example where teamwork was essential to achieving a goal. Discuss your role, the challenges faced, and how the collaboration led to success. Emphasize skills like communication, flexibility, and mutual support.

This is your chance to showcase understanding of necessary skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and an understanding of public policy processes. Give examples of how you have developed these skills through academic or practical experiences.

Discuss your process for data analysis, including data collection, interpretation, and presenting findings in a clear manner. Mention any quantitative or qualitative tools you are familiar with and how you ensure accuracy.

Research the functions and responsibilities of the NYC Comptroller’s Office prior to the interview. Discuss its role in financial health, accountability, and the importance of transparency in government services. This shows your genuine interest in the position.

Choose a public policy issue relevant to New York City that resonates with you. Clearly articulate why it matters, its implications on the community, and how you envision contributing to solutions through your work with the Comptroller's Office.

Talk about the resources you use to stay informed, such as academic journals, governmental websites, or community organizations. Explain how these sources help you maintain a well-rounded understanding of emerging trends and issues.

Express your eagerness to gain hands-on experience in policy development and analysis. Be specific about skills you want to improve, such as data analysis, research methodologies, or understanding governmental processes.

Discuss the significance of community voices in shaping effective public policy. Highlight how listening to constituents can lead to more equitable outcomes and help the government address the needs of its citizens effectively.