Pathways to Public Service Fellowship

The City of Raleigh operates Partnership Raleigh, which is built on collaboration across City of Raleigh departments to provide college and university students with meaningful, introductory professional development opportunities while exploring careers in public service. Through cross-departmental partnerships, students gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build relationships with public service professionals, preparing them for future careers that make a positive impact in their communities. 

Pathways to Public Service Fellowship is a cohort-based paid fellowship program designed for college juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent graduates (ages 18–30) seeking meaningful, real-world experience in municipal government. Fellows are placed within City of Raleigh departments where they contribute to impactful projects, develop professional skills, and gain firsthand insight into careers in public service. Through structured professional development, mentorship, and cross-departmental collaboration, the program prepares participants for successful careers dedicated to serving their communities. 

We are seeking personable and highly motivated fellows to work 15-30 hours a week during a 5-month fellowship from March 1, 2027 through August 6, 2027.

Please Note: You MUST include/attach a (1) resume and (2) essay to be reviewed (3) letter of recommendation. Your application will not be reviewed if these 3 items are not attached. 

• Essay Prompts (Minimum 200 Words) 

1. How will this fellowship program benefit your career aspirations?
2. What strengths, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to your City department and your fellowship cohort?

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

This fellowship will equip undergraduate college juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students 18-30 who are interested in a public-sector career with the skills to excel in local government roles. Throughout the fellowship, fellows will identify and address issues while working on a capstone project to provide opportunities for improvement and/or solutions in local governance. Overall, fellows will use problem-solving and critical thinking skills to deepen their understanding of local government operations for effective decision-making. 

Fellows will work with City staff from various departments, which could include the City Manager's Office, Community Engagement, Housing and Neighborhoods Department, the Office of Sustainability, Transportation, Stormwater, Planning and Development, Solid Waste Services, Engineering Services, Procurement, IT, and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources.

Typical Qualifications

This internship program has the following requirements:

• Access to a computer and a reliable internet connection, as well as access to reliable transportation for commuting to work
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and databases, with the ability to navigate Microsoft Teams
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills
• Working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work 15-30 hours a week for the duration of the 5-month program
  • You MUST include/attach a (1) resume and (2) essay to be reviewed (3) letter of recommendation. Essay Prompts (Minimum 200 Words) 
    • How will this fellowship program benefit your career aspirations?
    • What strengths, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to your City department and your fellowship cohort?

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to gather, interpret, and present information effectively
• Commitment to professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
• Currently live, work, or attend college/university in the Raleigh and/or Triangle Region (this is not required to apply)

Additional Information

Strong candidates will have academic majors in political science, public administration, business administration, urban planning, policy, economics, sociology, psychology, environmental science, communications, public relations, information technology, social work, criminal justice, geographic Science, earth sciences, sustainability, geographic Information systems, data analytics, engineering, and parks, recreation and tourism, or a related field. ALL majors are encouraged to apply.

Additional interests may include:

• Strong desire to pursue a career in municipal government
• Gaining familiarity with municipal government processes, a passion for public service, and a desire to make a positive impact on the community
• Public affairs, community engagement, leadership, innovation, problem solving, sustainability, technology, public speaking, data analysis, and/or GIS and project management