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Voices. Knowledge. Solutions.

​South Carolina has an acute shortage of qualified candidates for local government management positions. In response, the Municipal Association of SC, in partnership with host municipalities and the Master of Public Administration programs at the College of Charleston and University of South Carolina, developed the "Build the Bench" Initiative to identify and prepare individuals who wish to pursue careers in local government management. The first phase of the project involves developing a sustainable internship program. The goal for 2024 is to place up to 10 MPA students in internships with municipalities in South Carolina. The host municipalities are expected to expose interns to the profession and foster the student's interest in local government management.

About the Internships

The internships are paid positions with a recommended pay of $15 per hour. To meet MPA program requirements, the intern must work a minimum of 280 hours — 14 weeks at 20 hours per week or an equivalent number of hours over a different time period. The internship period may occur at any time in 2024, based on the student's and host city's preferences, subject to MPA program approval. Host municipalities will be limited to the Charleston and Columbia metro areas to maintain short commuting distances. At the request of an intern candidate, other locations may be possible.
 

Requirements

Applicants must be actively enrolled in the MPA program at the College of Charleston or the University of South Carolina and have an interest in pursuing a career in local government, preferably at the management level. To apply for an internship opportunity, applicants must submit 
  • a one- to two-page cover letter applying for an internship that includes a statement of interest in a local government management career and preferred location; 
  • a resume;
  • three references, and 
  • unofficial transcripts showing the student’s enrollment in the MPA program and GPA.

How to apply

Submit all required information by mail or email.
 
By mail:
Build the Bench Internship
C/O Eric Budds
PO Box 12109
Columbia, SC 29211
 
By email: