SUMMER COLLEGE INTERN - DYCD/DFTA/DVS/Nonprofits - job 2 of 2

As a Summer College Intern at the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), you will engage in a variety of responsibilities that primarily focus on data analysis and research related to nonprofits. This includes cleaning and analyzing data for the Indirect Cost Rate funding exercise, and investigating challenges impacting contracted nonprofits within the city. You will also support ongoing initiatives, such as the Workforce Enhancement Initiative and Human Services Cost of Living Adjustment, providing a valuable service to the community.

To qualify for the Summer College Intern position at OMB, you must be currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited college or university and possess strong analytical, research, and communication skills. Familiarity with MS Word and Excel is crucial as these tools will be utilized throughout your internship for data cleaning and quantitative analysis. Ideally, candidates should also exhibit a keen interest in social services.

As a Summer College Intern at OMB, you will have the opportunity to contribute directly to nonprofit initiatives by conducting data analysis and research that informs funding decisions. Your work will support initiatives like the Indirect Cost Rate Initiative and Workforce Enhancement Initiative, ultimately enabling these nonprofits to serve the community more effectively. Your contributions will directly impact the quality of services provided to New Yorkers.

For a Summer College Intern focused on data analysis at OMB, essential skills include analytical abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in data cleaning and quantitative analysis design. Familiarity with MS Excel is a must, along with a foundational understanding of research methodologies. Strong communication skills are important for conveying your findings effectively and collaborating with team members.

The work environment for a Summer College Intern at OMB is inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic. As an intern, you will be surrounded by dedicated professionals who are passionate about public service and social good. OMB values diversity and fosters a work culture that is free from discrimination and harassment, creating a supportive space for all interns to grow and make meaningful contributions.

When answering this question, reflect on your passion for social services and public policy. You might mention wanting to learn how government budgets affect nonprofits and community services, and how this internship aligns with your career aspirations.

Be specific about your previous experiences with data analysis, perhaps discussing projects where you cleaned or analyzed data sets. Mention your proficiency in Excel, detailing any complex functions you are familiar with, such as pivot tables or VLOOKUP.

Show your organizational skills by discussing strategies you use to prioritize tasks, such as breaking down projects into smaller tasks, using lists, and setting deadlines. Highlight any scheduling tools you find effective.

Demonstrate your understanding of the nonprofit sector by discussing relevant issues such as funding cuts, the impact of economic downturns, or the need for innovative service delivery. Be sure to back up your insights with recent examples or trends.

Describe a methodical approach to research, including defining objectives, gathering data, analyzing findings, and presenting conclusions. Highlight how you would leverage colleagues' insights and previous research in your approach.

Show that you understand ICR by explaining its role in allocating costs for services provided by nonprofits. Discuss how this process affects funding decisions and impacts the viability of programs offered to communities.

Share a specific experience where you collected data, analyzed it, and effectively communicated the results. Focus on the impact of your analysis and how it helped guide a decision or outcome.

Highlight key skills, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, research capability, and proficiency in Excel or Word. Provide examples of how these skills were applied in previous experiences.

Express a positive view on feedback, emphasizing your openness to learning and growing. Provide an example of how you've successfully implemented constructive feedback in the past.

Articulate your goals for the internship, focusing on professional development. Mention skills you wish to enhance, knowledge you aspire to gain about nonprofit operations, and how this experience aligns with your future career plans.