Ignite Internship (College) Spring 2026 at Cumberland County, NC

About the Department

Orientation: Orientation for the Ignite Internship is tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendance is mandatory, as participation in this session is a requirement for formal admission into the program. 

Duration: 

January 30th, 2026 - April 10th, 2026

Work Hours: The standard hours per week will be 20 hours for a period of up to 10 weeks. Work hours are between 8am to 5pm, subject to variation based on departmental needs, project requirements, and student’s class schedule.

Transportation:  Transportation assistance available.  

Compensation: Interns participating in the Ignite Internship Program will receive a competitive hourly wage of $15, allowing them the potential to earn a total stipend between $2000 - $3000 for the duration of the program. This compensation reflects our recognition of interns’ dedication and contributions to their assigned projects and tasks. 

• October 13, 2025 - November 10, 2025

Position Duties

Duties will vary by department, but may include the following:

• Assisting with Projects
• Supporting Daily Operations
• Attending Meetings and Trainings
• Conducting Analysis
• Providing Administrative Support
• Collaborating with Team Members

Minimum Qualifications

• Be an undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited college/university for spring, summer, and/or fall of 2025 or a recent college graduate, having graduated within the previous 12-months.
• Be a graduate student enrolled in an accredited college/university for spring, summer, and/or fall of 2025 or a recent college graduate, having graduated within the previous 12-months
• Possess a strong academic record and demonstrate a genuine interest in gaining hands-on experience in governmental operations.
• Available to commit to the full duration of the internship program, which is typically an academic semester.

All of the following documents are required to be considered for the internship:

• Academic Transcript: A transcript providing a clear record of your academic performance allowing an accurate assessment of your qualifications for the internship. The transcript must be in PDF or another commonly accepted file format (e.g., .doc, .jpg). Both official and unofficial transcripts are accepted.

• Resume: A comprehensive resume highlighting academic achievements, relevant work experience, skills, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant information.

• Cover Letter: A personalized cover letter expressing interest in the internship program, outlining relevant experiences, skills and why the candidate is a suitable fit for the position.  

• Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from a professor, academic advisor, or employer who can speak to your qualifications and readiness for this internship. The letter should highlight your strengths, skills, and relevant experience. The letter should be on official letterhead and signed by the recommender. The letter can be uploaded directly by the applicant or sent to us via email at [email protected].

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge in conducting thorough research and analysis 
• Skills in professional integrity while representing the organization
• Skills in providing administrative and operational support
• Skills in excellent verbal and written communication 
• Ability to meet deadlines consistently with effective time management 
• Ability to collaborate within a team with strong interpersonal skills 
• Ability to understand organizational policies and procedures
• Ability to commit to continuous learning and openness to feedback
• Ability to assist in project execution and follow through to completion
• Ability to adapt in attending and participating in meetings and training sessions as needed

Conditions of Employment:

In accordance with Session Law 2025-16, candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.