Background

Thorpe Undergraduate Internships

This internship program is named for former Chapel Hill Council Member Bill Thorpe, who served the Chapel Hill community for nearly 40 years. Mr. Thorpe was first elected to the Town Council from 1977 to 1981. He was elected to serve another term from 1983 to 1987 and again in 2005. He served as Mayor Pro Tem from 1985 to 1987. Thorpe passed away on September 27, 2008. 

In 2006, Council Member Thorpe initiated the Town's first paid undergraduate internship program to encourage student participation in the Town and community. In 2009, the Town of Chapel Hill officially named the program the "Bill Thorpe Undergraduate Internship Program" to honor him. The Thorpe Internship program is funded annually through the Town of Chapel Hill's budget process and offers undergraduate internship opportunities during the spring and fall semesters.

Thorpe interns earn an hourly wage over one or two semesters; maximum compensation equals $2500.00. Each department sets hours and other requirements and will be included in the job posting.

To be considered for an undergraduate internship position with the Town of Chapel Hill, candidates must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate program from an accredited college or university.
• Possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Be proficient with computers and software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Be eager to learn and able to work independently.

Town Manager’s Office - Equitable Relations Internship Description

We are looking for a self-starter with a knack for communications and graphic design to foster understanding at the intersection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Relations. This internship will be an opportunity to experience the impact a career in local government can have while working alongside a high performing, energetic team. The intern will be empowered to take on meaningful projects related to equitable strategic initiatives.

The Manager’s Office is committed to talent development and provides opportunities for interns to build a portfolio of technical skills and experiences needed to advance their careers. 

A successful Intern is going to need: 

• A commitment to public service and contributing to positive community solutions
• A passion for equitable community engagement 
• Excellent research, analysis, and collaboration skills 
• Ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously 
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Be proficient with computers and software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, other design tools
• Be eager to learn and able to work independently
• Model behaviors that are consistent with our values of RESPECT. 

All of our interns will have the opportunity to manage one or more projects related to equitable communications and relationship building and have additional opportunities to learn about our team’s work and gain experiences in the following areas:

• Providing project management support
• Assembling department reports, infographics, and communications
• Assisting with quantitative and qualitative research
• Assisting with data collection and analysis
• Conducting surveys
• Attending department meetings and events 
• Assisting with some administrative work including data entry tasks, filing, copying, etc.