Application Package
Candidates must submit the intern application package to the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) by 4:30 pm on February 1, 2010. Candidates must include the following documents in their application package (incomplete packages cannot be considered):
- Intern Application Package checklist [DOC - 504 KB];
- Cover letter;
- Resume;
- Summary of how candidate matches the intern position profile;
- Transcripts from post-secondary institutions attended (photocopies are acceptable). Candidates who will meet the academic criteria but do not yet have their transcripts should advise of this fact at the time of application;
- Local government preferences list [DOC - 508 KB];
- Two reference letters (e.g. character, work, educational or volunteer related).
Your application package will be photocopied for distribution to the host local governments. Faxed copies do not reproduce well; therefore, mailed, couriered or e-mailed application packages are recommended.
The cover letter provides you with an opportunity to state why you should be considered as an intern. It also allows you to explain your desire to become a senior local government administrator. The cover letter should be concise and include pertinent information about the attached documents that comprise the application package. Note, if you have not completed your post-secondary work but will meet the academic criteria (as set out below) for consideration as an intern, please indicate this in the cover letter. The letter should be addressed to "Dear Selection Committee". If you wish, you may submit a customized letter for each local government you have selected on your local government preferences list.
The resume should contain information on your educational background, work experience, relevant skills and attributes and any other information that may be of interest to a potential host local government. The skills and attributes referenced should highlight those skills you think are relevant to local government administration. Ensure your resume contains current contact information, including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address.
The profile should specify how you meet each of the areas outlined in the intern position profile. This is your opportunity to tell the host local governments your career plans and why you think you should be selected as an intern.
The local government preferences list indicates which host local governments you would like your application sent to. Candidates are asked to indicate their first and second choice of host local government they would like to work in. However, candidates are not limited to just two choices and can put their application forward to be considered for the internship in all five host local governments, if desired. If a candidate is not willing to relocate to a particular host local government, that information should also be indicated in the preference list.
Transcripts are intended to provide potential employers not only with your course marks, but also with the types of courses you have taken. Preference may be given to applicants who have developed local government knowledge and competencies through coursework. Examples of studies related to local government can be found in the curriculum for the Board of Examiners Certificate Program. Candidates who will meet the academic criteria but do not yet have their transcripts should forward current coursework information for consideration by the Selection Committee.
The two letters of reference should be current and can be from any source. Reference letters provide an additional way for potential employers to verify and assess your skills and personal attributes. It is recommended that original letters of reference be sent directly to the Local Government Management Association, Internship Program. The letters should be addressed to "Selection Committee".
Minimum Recruitment Criteria
Academic Criteria
- Completed Masters or Bachelors degree or diploma within previous two years of proposed start date of the internship. Individuals graduating in May, 2010 are eligible; or
- Will have completed Masters Degree requirements by the end of the internship; or
- Completed diploma or undergraduate coursework by the proposed start date of the internship and will have completed diploma or undergraduate co-op requirements by the end of the internship.
Note, bullet two refers to students who may have substantially completed their schooling and are nearing completion of thesis or management report work. Upon approval by the host local government and post-secondary institution, the internship may provide an opportunity for a student to complete the thesis or management requirements through the intern work.
Note, bullet three refers to undergraduate or diploma students who have completed their coursework and who must undertake their final co-op work term to meet graduation requirements. Upon approval by the host local government and the post-secondary institution, the internship may provide an opportunity for a student to meet the co-op requirements through the intern work. Students will need to provide evidence that pre-approval in principle has been obtained from the post-secondary institution as part of the application package.
Other Required Criteria
- Willingness to relocate to host local government if necessary;
- Two reference letters (work, educational or volunteer related);
- A valid BC driver's license;
- Ability to work in Canada for duration of internship;
- A satisfactory criminal reference check (to be undertaken upon acceptance of intern position with host local government);
- Must not be already permanently employed in local government (seasonal and auxiliary employees of local governments permitted to apply for an internship).
Additional Desired Criteria
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, research and program management skills;
- Willingness to apply theory to practical application;
- An understanding of local government in BC;
- Experience working with community groups or involvement with voluntary organizations;
- Flexibility in terms of work hours and job requirements;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Comfort with uncertainty.