Mayor’s Internship Program – Summer 2026

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) was created to focus on improving the way the City allocates resources, acquiring goods and services, and the way it hires, trains, and compensates employees. The CAO has an emphasis on improving efficiency and effectiveness across government. The Chief Administrative Officer reports directly to the Mayor. 

The Office of Talent and Employee Success is responsible for the implementation of key strategic HR services such as recruiting, training, onboarding, and process improvements. The Office of Talent and Employee Success oversees the annual planning and implementation of the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Internship Program (MIP). MIP is an opportunity for current college undergraduate and graduate students to learn about and contribute to the City government that manages operations for the nation’s 6th largest municipality. The MIP hosts the best and brightest students from around the country to come to Philadelphia every summer and explore all that our great city has to offer. 

Position Summary 

The Mayor’s Internship Program (MIP) is a ten-week paid internship beginning June 8, 2026, and ending August 14, 2026. The candidate must also be available to work for the duration of the internship program (MIP will, on a case-by-case basis, consider limited exceptions for applicants with exigent circumstances). 

The MIP consists of three main components: 

• Work assignment: placement in a single department completely substantive work assignments under the guidance of a City of Philadelphia leader or area expert. 

• Professional Development Sessions: On select Fridays, interns participate in a series of workshops designed to strengthen both their professional confidence and workplace readiness. Each session builds on the next — beginning with self-awareness and values, moving through communication and collaboration, and culminating in networking, career preparation, and reflection. Through interactive learning, guest speakers, and practical tools, interns explore topics like teamwork, leadership, resume and interview skills, and navigating professional spaces while staying grounded in their identity. By the end of the program, interns leave with the confidence, connections, and clarity to take the next step in their career pathways. 

• Capstone Projects: an interdepartmental issue that a group of interns is assigned to analyze and develop strategies to address. 

• Bonus: Interns are invited to participate in the “My Philly Summer” program with Campus Philly. This program engages interns working across various businesses in Philadelphia over the summer of fun, thought-provoking, and free networking events throughout the summer. 

There will also be potential for occasional after-hours social and networking events for Mayor’s Interns to attend, but such events are not mandatory and by availability provided.  

Essential Functions 

Mayor’s Interns work on projects and tasks providing research, administrative, and staff assistance to City managers. Past interns have assisted City staff in various functions such as: 

• Research and Data Analysis 

• Drafting Presentations, Reports, and Communications Materials 

• Financial Review and Analysis Support 

• Program Planning and Improvement 

• Organizational and Administrative Support 

• Event Coordination and Logistics Support 

• Stakeholder and Community Engagement Support 

• Data Entry and Records Management 

• Process Documentation and Workflow Improvement 

• Team Collaboration and Project Support 

Summer interns come from across the country and represent a wide range of colleges, graduate programs, and majors. Mayor’s Interns have helped complete grant applications, compile and analyze financial data, develop training and policy manuals, improve constituent relations, and plan and implement key City events across various departments and agencies. Examples of past participating departments include: 

• Mayor’s Office 

• Office of Information and Technology 

• Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity 

• Mayor's Office of Education 

• Prisons - Operations -Sustainability 

• Office of the Chief Integrity Officer 

• Office of Immigrant Affairs 

• Office of Emergency Management 

• Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services 

• And more! 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 

• Strong oral and written communication 

Work-Life 

Interns will work between 25 and 37.5 hours each week, depending on their department’s needs. Most of your time will be spent with your host department from Monday through Thursday. Fridays alternate each week—one week you’ll join the Chief Administrative Office for Professional Growth sessions, and the next week you’ll work with your department. 

Professional Growth Fridays are a key part of the experience and include group projects, workshops, guest speakers, and tours around the city. 

Applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• Be current undergraduates who have completed their sophomore year before June 2026. 

• Community college students who have completed their second year before June 2026 are encouraged to apply. 

• MIP will consider a few graduates of the Class of 2026 along with a few graduate students. 

The Mayor’s Internship Program may cooperate with programs under which students earn academic credit. Please let us know in advance if you are planning to do so. 

Applicants must submit all parts of the application (as detailed below) on March 20th.

The application consists of the following items: 

• Resume 

• A brief cover letter that responds to the following: 

1. Why are you interested in the City of Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Internship Program? 
2. Are there specific departments you are interested in supporting? 
3. What skills or qualities will you bring as a Mayor’s Intern? 

Application Timeline 

• Program Dates: June 8 – August 14, 2026 

• Application Opens: February 25, 2026 

• Application Closes: March 20, 2026  

• Application and Phone Screening: Phone screens are performed on a rolling basis until April 3, 2026 

• Department Interviews: April 8 – April 24, 2026 

• Offer Notification: May 8, 2026 

Hourly rate: $18.00

Upon receipt of your application materials, we will contact you to describe the remaining selection process. Selected applicants should be available to participate in an interview with City departments between April 8th – April 24th. Virtual interviews may be requested by the host department or by applicants outside of Philadelphia.

Candidates selected to participate in MIP 2026 will receive an internship offer letter through email by May 8th. They will then have 48 hours to accept or to decline the offer through email. 

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx