Next Step, Auburn Internship Program

Explore local government



The Human Resources department has created the "Next Step, Auburn" internship program to allow current college students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months) an opportunity to explore local government

This is a 10-week program that provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and exposure to the daily challenges and rewards of public service. Interns will be given a new hire orientation, as well as an opportunity to tour the city and network with City of Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus.

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What to expect:

  • Time Commitment 

    While some departments are hoping to expand their position outside of the formal program, we are asking for a commitment to a 10-week program beginning mid-June and ending at the end of August. If a department is considering hiring outside of this timeline, it will be noted on their job announcement!

     

  • Break to Educate Activities 

    Throughout the 10-week program, we will be asking our departments to host a Break to Educate event once a week. These opportunities will give you a chance to meet staff in other departments, as well as continue to build connections with your fellow interns! The idea behind these activities is exposures to all aspects of the City, not just the department/division you'll be working in.

     

  • Let's get Social!  

    The interns will take over the City of Auburn's social media accounts for a period of time to create authentic and engaging content from their perspective. This can include sharing videos, photos, and personal stories about their workday and colleagues. 

     

  • Observing Outreach 

    Learn more about “Observing Outreach” from Kent Hay, our Human Services Director. Kent will lead interns through one of Auburn’s parks, providing an up close and personal look at the homelessness issues our City is facing. 

    As public servants, our mission is to combat homelessness and serve our community diligently. As an intern you will gain firsthand insight into how each City department is impacted by these pressing issues.

     

  • Community Event 

    We are asking that each intern selected for our Next Step, Auburn program volunteer for (at least!) one community event while employed with us. Volunteering will give you an appreciation and understanding of several areas of community service that the City provides. Not only will this be great volunteer experience for your resume, but it will provide another example of what it really means to serve our community.

     

  • End of Summer Project 

    Think of this like a capstone project (but not quite as formal) or overview of the work that you did over the summer. We will be asking each intern to present their project to the Director team at the end of the summer. How often do interns get to present to the executive level?! This will be great practice for future experiences, and the Directors will be encouraged to give you feedback in an effort to support your development.

     

Hear from our 2024 interns...

Mayor Nancy Backus sits down with Next Step Auburn interns Angee Pogosian, William Olson, and Emma Blanton, who started in June 2024 for their 10-week internship with the city. The quartet talks about their favorite moments (so far), lessons learned, and goals for the future!  

Advice from our 2024 interns...





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Interested in Next Step, Auburn?

Right now, we don't have any internship opportunities available. If Next Step, Auburn sounds like a program you're interested in, please provide some basic information to the left and your information will be saved for future contact regarding these opportunities.

Meet the Recruiters!

Photo ofBrianna Winters

Brianna Winters

HR Recruiting Coordinator

Photo ofChardae Gillespie

Chardae Gillespie

HR Recruiting Coordinator

Our Vision and Mission

Hear from the recruiters who run the program! Mayor Nancy Backus is joined by City of Auburn Human Resource Department's Chardae Gillespie, Brianna Winters and Melissa Medisch, as they discuss the vision and mission for the program. 

Proud moments from our interns...

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Image 1 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2023 Interns-Next Step, Auburn. .Image 2 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is White River Valley Museum Tour- 2023 .Image 3 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Observing Outreach- 2023 .Image 4 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Final Presentations- 2024 .Image 5 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Final Presentations.Image 6 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024 Intern Presentations .Image 7 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024- Next Step, Auburn. Interns .Image 8 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is HR Interns .Image 9 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024-Data Analytics Intern .Image 10 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Legal Break to Educate .Image 11 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Break to Educate: Office of Equity, Engagement & Outreach .Image 12 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Break to Educate: Parks .Image 13 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024-IT Intern .Image 14 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Break to Educate: Public Works Department .Image 15 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Break to Educate: Administration .Image 16 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Meet & Greet with Mayor Backus .Image 17 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Break to Educate: IT .Image 18 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is That's So Auburn! Podcast.Image 19 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024-Recreation Intern.Image 20 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Break to Educate: Community Development .Image 21 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is Break to Educate: HR .Image 22 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024-Engineering Intern Presentation .Image 23 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024-Interns First Day .Image 24 of 24 in gallery section. Image title is 2024-Recreation Intern Presentation .