Organization Name/Information: New Mexico Public Interest Research Group Student Chapter

Contact name/Information:
Jamison Tessneer – UNM Campus Organizer
Phone: 277-2757; 218-831-4118
jamison@nmpirg.org

Information about the Internship

What tasks will the intern perform; what specific/general skills/experience do you seek?

The students participating in internships with New Mexico PIRG gain extensive knowledge on important issues facing New Mexico and the U.S. Things like Hunger and Homelessness, Global Warming, and the increasing cost of higher education are all issues that students learn about in the classroom. New Mexico PIRG offers students the opportunity to have a real impact on these issues on campus, in the community, and in the state and federal government. Students learn a variety of skills such as public speaking, working with media, writing professional documents, and conducting professional meetings. Not only do students learn these skills, but students also learn leadership skills to teach other students the importance of the issues and how they too can have an impact.

What specific documents/communication projects will the intern work with and be able to present in a portfolio (or otherwise substantiate) upon completion of the internship?

Students will write professional documents and endorsement forms that will be used with faculty and administrators on campus, as well as with community leaders and politicians. Students will learn how to write opinion editorials for local newspapers, in addition to news advisories and press releases. The students will learn all the aspects of organizing a press conference by actually organizing one. Developing messages for campaigns, running group meetings, coordinating volunteers, and training other students are all required in the New Mexico PIRG Internship Program.

How much supervision/mentoring will the intern likely receive or have available?

Each student will be required to have a mandatory weekly meeting with New Mexico PIRG's Campus Organizer to discuss their plans for the week. In addition, a weekly class with all the interns is required in which students will receive skills trainings, present updates for the group, participate in discussions on relevant current events, and listen to guest speakers. Outside of the mandatory requirements the student is able to set up meetings with the organizer as they are needed.

Is the internship paid or a volunteer opportunity? Volunteer

Expected range of hours worked per week (cannot exceed 20)

Students with one credit hour are expected to complete 64 hours for the semester which is just under 4 hours a week. Students with two credit hours are expected to complete about 8 hours per week and students with three credit hours are expected to complete 12 hours per week.

Expected duration (normally cannot be less than 4 weeks)

The duration of the internships is for the entire semester except for the last two weeks of the semester where students will complete the work for their class.

Location of the work:

Students will work on campus and in the community since some of the work will involve community members and organizations.

Other pertinent information:

Website

NMPIRG is offering a number of internship. Students are encouraged to read through the details carefully.
Details on the internships offered (pdf)