Recent Tufts graduate Cody shared the following about being an Intern to the Director of Policy with Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development …
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
I gathered background information for the Director’s current projects, conducted research on long-term projects, and organized Excel data. I frequently sat in on office meetings, watched as our bills were discussed in the State House, and occasionally attended significant groundbreaking events.
How did you find this internship?
I knew that the previous mayor of my town had gone into state government and found out that her position in the EOHED was relevant to my interest in international economic development. I was friendly with her through attending school committee meetings, so I emailed her and set up an interview.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
The ability to see state policy implemented from the top down was extremely interesting, and it made the internship rewarding because the work I completed contributed to the well-being of millions of people in the state of Massachusetts. Being in the executive office allowed me to influence much broader policies than if I had interned with a local entity.
What did you find challenging?
At times the work would dry up, leaving me feeling rather useless in the office. While I wanted to help more significantly, the office staff were often too engrossed with their own high priority projects, which they could not assign to interns. Patience is a must, but persistently offering to help was just as important.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
The best way to apply is through the MA Governor’s Office Internship Program. If accepted, be prepared to tell a supervisor which office responsibilities most interest you. Areas within the office included policy, communications, legislation, legal, innovation, business development, and community development.
About the Organization
Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) oversees all of the agencies of the Commonwealth charged with policy and program responsibility for housing and economic development across the state. These agencies include the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. About 850 employees work within the EOHED and its agencies, and the operating budget is approximately $500 million annually. In addition, the Office and its agencies are responsible for administering almost $500 million in grant programs per year.
