Internships

State Services Summer Internship Programme 2008/09

Applications for the 2008/09 State Services internship programme will be published on this website on Monday 11 August and close at 5 pm on Friday 29 August 2008.

Once published, they will be able to be accessed by searching using the category ‘Internship’.

Each internship is expected to run for up to three months from November to February.

On the completion of their studies, students often find it difficult to secure a first interview and get a job relevant to their degree. The State Services Internship Programme is a structured work experience opportunity, allowing tertiary students to gain experience and exposure in different aspects of government work. These aspects include Māori and Pacific perspectives, policy, IT, human resources, commerce and finance.

The internship programme offers paid work experience for the duration of the internship.

Why should I apply for an internship?

You can gain immediate career-related experience that complements your academic credentials

It improves your prospects for getting full-time work

It does not require previous experience – internships are entry-level opportunities

You can see whether a government career is for you

You get support from a mentor who provides you with constructive feedback and advice

You have opportunities to develop your social networks with other interns.

Who should apply?

Open to students from a wide range of academic disciplines, the programme is open to full-time students at any of New Zealand's universities. Ideally, you will be in your penultimate or final year of study and planning to complete an honours year or a postgraduate degree.

You will need to be a strong communicator with good analytical and relationship management skills.

You must be a New Zealand citizen/Permanent resident or hold a valid Work Permit.

Further questions? See the following FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the State Services Internship Programme?
It is a three month programme that runs from November to February. It is designed to give students in their penultimate or final year of study a chance to experience working life in the State Services.

Can I apply?
If you are in your penultimate (second to last) or last year of study your application will be considered.

Do I get paid?
Yes. You will be paid a salary agreed to by your host agency and you prior to commencing your internship. Generally, you can expect to be paid over $30,000 pro-rata.

If I’m successful in a role outside of the city I reside in, will I need to relocate?
Yes. Any associated costs will need to be covered by you.

What agencies will be taking part this round?
A full list of agencies taking part this year will be available from mid-June 2008.

How long will the programme go for?
The programme runs for three months from around 17 November 2008 – 20 Feb 2009. Some positions may run outside of these times.

When do applications open?
Applications will open for three weeks from Monday 11 August 2008 and close at 5 pm Friday 29 August 2008. No applications past this time will be considered.

How many positions can I apply for?
To assist us manage the internship application process effectively, it would be best if you applied for one position only. Chose the internship which particularly interests you and for which you are well qualified. Please ensure you complete all sections of the application form, especially the professional skills questions that relate to the position you are applying for.

Will there be an opportunity to enter a full or part-time role following the end of the programme?
Possibly. If there is a suitable role coming up in your agency and they are confident you could fill it, they may encourage you to continue to work with them (subject to their normal recruitment criteria).

What criteria will I need to meet before applying for an internship?
You will need to be in your penultimate or final year of study. You will need to have strong grades and demonstrate your ability to meet role requirements, and you interest in the work involved.

What is the State Services?
The State Services is made up of many government agencies set up to administer the various functions of the New Zealand Government. See www.ssc.govt.nz/state_sector_organisations for more information.

How many positions might there be?
The number of roles varies from year to year based on agencies needs. In 2007/08, there were 42 spaces spread across 14 agencies.

What if I am an international student?
It makes no difference. As long as you meet New Zealand’s working criteria you will be able to apply. See www.immigration.govt.nz for more information.

Will I need to pass any tests or meet other criteria?
Test no, criteria yes. You will need to be able to pass basic security background tests. You will also need to conform to the Code of Conduct for the State Services – Standards of Integrity and Conduct, or to code of conducts pertinent to the agency hosting you. This will be explained upon job offer or at the Induction Day.

What is Induction Day?
Induction day is hosted by the State Services Commission. It is a day designed to inform you about the various workings of government, your obligations as a State servant and set expectations for you as you carry out your term.

Where are the majority of the roles held?
The majority are held in Wellington. Wellington is the central hub for government and as such, where all of the Government National Offices are located.

Will there be regional roles?
As we get closer to June we will know what roles will be on offer and where they will be based.

What part does the State Services Commission play in this programme?
The State Services Commission is responsible for administering this programme. It’s dedicated project team administers the process through to the interview stage where individual host agencies then take on responsibility.