Creating a Successful Local Government Internship - Summer 2014 NCLGBA Conference

1. Managing a Successful
Internship Program
Lee Worsley
Deputy County Manager
Durham County Government
lworsley@dconc.gov

2. • Interns are an investment in the
future of the profession
• Interns bring energy and new ideas
to the organization
• Interns can do high-quality work!
Value of Hosting Interns

3. • Develop relationships
with MPA programs
and local universities
• Begin recruitment
early
• Consider benefits of
paid vs. unpaid
internships
Laying the Groundwork

4. • Goal: A variety of meaningful work
• Offer opportunities to explore interests
and develop skills
 “What specific skills/experiences can the
intern take away?”
 “What tangible product can the intern
produce?”
 “Given time constraints, what can
realistically be accomplished?”
Developing the Workplan

5. • Set clear expectations up
front
• Check in regularly
• Clearly communicate
project priorities
• Recognize that the intern
may lack particular skills
and/or political context
Managing the Intern

6. • Offer access to
executive leadership
• Try to present a
realistic view of the
profession
• Offer personal as well
as professional support
Managing the Intern

7. • Encourage the intern to get involved
in the community
• Consider joint opportunities with
other departments or agencies
• Institute an exit interview process to
improve future internships
Other Tips for Success

8. If you need more advice…
ICMA’s Guidebook
for Management
Internships
Available as a PDF
at ICMA.org

9. Managing a Successful
Internship Program
Lee Worsley
Deputy County Manager
Durham County Government
201 E. Main St
Durham, NC 27701