Internships & Professional Development

There are any variety of student clubs at the link. For skill building, you might want to especially consider organizations that emphasize public speaking such as Moot Court, Mock Trial, and Model U.N. (There is also a formal Moot Court 1 credit class that runs in January.) Student government and journalism also build skills.

Volunteer work can be a good starting point for students who lack professional experience. It is also a good option for students who have many demands on their time and are seeking a limited commitment through which they can build their skills and knowledge.

• Advocates: The Medicare Rights Center, Housing Court Navigator (the Bronx is more active), and Legal Hand will all train you in an advocacy role. Bellview/NYU has a program that provides support and legal assistance for Victims of Torture. The Welfare Rights Initiative (WRI) at Hunter College and Union Semester at the CUNY Murphy Institute each involve both class time and a leadership training opportunity.
• Translators: Consider being a student volunteer interpreter at Catholic Charities (immigration court helpdesk screeners), New York Legal Assistance Group, NYC Mayor’s Office on Immigrant Affairs (for know-your-rights forums), or other organization that would benefit from your language skills. If you “Google” the following search string, you will get many, many hits: volunteer interpreter New York City {insert your language}
• Elections: For those who are politically minded, elections can be a great way to get first experience on your resume and gain responsibility. Candidates running in your district will be especially glad to have your help.
• General: Not sure? Check Idealist.org.

• If you already work, and need to work to pay for school, is there an alternative context that might give you more exposure to the issues and areas you care about? If you are a receptionist at a doctor’s office, have you thought about being a receptionist for a non-profit, government agency, or law firm where the organization focuses on matters that are of interest to you? Law firm jobs are commonly posted on Indeed, for roles like legal assistant, paralegal, and business development.
• New York has a one year intensive skill training program that is full time employment M-F. The program, Year Up New York, targets low-income adults ages 18-24. This opportunity is a good alternative for students who are carrying a full time job and also attending school.
• New York City Government has a category of PAID part time worker called “College Aide” in virtually every agency; aides are full time matriculated students, work no more than 20 hours per week, and live in the 5 boroughs. Search the NYC.gov website for “College Aide” postings. In particular, you might want to look for “College Aide” positions and other PAID positions in:
  • Citywide Administrative Services (Procurement and contracts)
  • Health & Mental Hygiene (Environmental investigations)
  • New York City Law Department
  • New York State Attorney General Student Mediator (Consumer fraud - Not “College Aide” since NYS, but PAID)
  • Office of Administrative Trials & Hearings (OATH)
  • Public Administrator (In any of the 5 boroughs, administers estates of deceased persons)
  • America Needs You Fellow

• Hunter College Pre-Law Summer Internship Program: Students who participate in our Spring Resume Drop and Pre-Professional Development Programming may be placed in exclusive opportunities provided through the Hunter College Pre-Law Advisory Board.
• Hunter’s “Care for the Future” offers dedicated internships and (at times) funding on a competitive basis for unpaid internships during the academic year.
• Other potential internship opportunities are noted at the links below. Before you review them, think about your interests. Do not default into applying for an internship because you can “do it” or it has not expired yet. Apply because it is the right opportunity for you.
• Taking an internship for academic credit requires coordination with your academic department. In general, you will need to have the credit approved before you begin the role. For more information on pursuing academic credit, see page 2 of the Hunter College Career Development Services Internship Guide.
  • Civil Rights & Equality
  • Governance, Legislation & Electoral Politics Note that CUNY has a special Rogowsky program in Government & Public Affairs
  • Courts, Enforcement & Criminal Justice
  • Social Service & Advocacy
  • Business & the Regulatory Environment

Have you spoken to professors? Have you attended conferences or talks where you might have the chance to create an opening to get involved? The National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions is associated with Hunter College and hosts a conference every year. They are eager to involve Hunter students as volunteers, interns, and research assistants.

Brief conversations with recent alumni about their work and current path can be informative. Be sure to discuss with the Pre-Law Office who might be helpful to you. Also be sure to attend campus programming (which are networking opportunities in addition to informational opportunities).

Big law firms recruit seniors for formal paralegal programs in the late fall, for start after graduation. These are very competitive programs. Check individual firm websites and speak with the Pre-Law Office. Smaller firms routinely hire as their needs develop, and those positions are posted on general recruiting sites like Indeed.