Jeffrey A. Finkle Ohio University Economic Development Internship now accepting applications

The Jeffrey A. Finkle Ohio University Economic Development Internship offers undergraduate and graduate students affiliated with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs with the opportunity to intern at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and gain practical, hands-on experience in local economic development issues and trends. Thanks to the addition of a new three-year gift to the Ohio University Foundation, the IEDC has funded $123,000 toward the internship since it was first created in 2011.

The establishment of this internship more than ten years ago recognized 25 years of national leadership in economic development by Jeffery A. Finkle, a graduate of Ohio University and University Medal of Merit recipient. Jeff Finkle is a recognized leader and international authority on economic development. As President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest economic development membership organization, he contributes his expertise on community revitalization, business development and job creation to projects nationwide.

Since the establishment of the internship, several students affiliated with the Voinovich School have had the opportunity to participate, including Francis Anagbonu, Maggie Clark, Kendra Green and Hannah Burke. Click on their names to learn how each of them applied their education at the School to gain hands on experience in economic development during the internship.

ORGANIZATION PROFILE: The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to helping economic developers do their job more effectively and raising the profile of the profession. When we succeed, our members create more high-quality jobs, develop more vibrant communities, and generally improve the quality of life in their regions. Their Mission is to “provide leadership and excellence in economic development for our communities, members, and partners.” They embrace the following core values. They reflect and support our mission, and guide our decisions, actions and provision of services:

• Social responsibility and a dedication to building healthy, just, and competitive communities
• Creation of wealth for individuals, businesses, and communities
• Advancement of both the economic development profession and economic development professional
• Cooperation and collaboration
• Diversity, tolerance, and equity

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Jeffrey A. Finkle Ohio University Economic Development Intern will work closely with the staff at IEDC as part of a team in a fast-paced environment to help advance IEDC’s mission. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the subject of how communities recover economically through hands-on research. You will network with experts in economic development and related industries as well as gain an insider’s view on career opportunities in economic development. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct and compile research on latest trends in economic development. This often involves a heavy amount of verbal phone interviews with practitioners and research institutions, in addition to internet and journal-based research.
• Assist with best practice research and case study development on various economic development subjects
• Assist in the preparation of forums on various economic development subjects/topics
• Help with site visit preparation and background research for economic development assessments for communities

Interns at IEDC play an integral role in the organization and are treated as such, with content-based activities significantly outweighing administrative tasks. As such, interns are expected to be self-starters and have comfort with taking ownership to see tasks and projects through to completion.

This competitive internship is geared for students who wish to learn new subjects, expand current knowledge, and gain valuable work experience, particularly in the area of economic development. Interns often have the opportunity to attend local IEDC conferences, brown bag lunches and professional development webinars.

Summer interns are expected to work up to a 40-hour workweek and commit 10 weeks of their summer to the internship.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Jeffrey A. Finkle Ohio University Economic Development Internship is available to both undergraduate (Junior or Senior status) and graduate students who have worked with or have an affiliation with Ohio University’s Voinovich School. In addition to MPA, MSES, and Voinovich Scholars, those students who have had a current or past work placement at the Voinovich School through the applied Centers and Consortium are eligible to apply. All applicants must be Ohio University students in good academic standing at the time of application.

Students must be pursuing a field related to economic development, city and regional planning, public administration or public policy.

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

NOTE: If you are a graduating senior, your last eligible date for employment in this internship is July 3, 2021. You remain eligible for consideration of the internship but your last day in the position will be July 3.

NOTE: If you are a graduating international student you must have the authorization to work post-graduation.

INTERNSHIP PERIOD: Summer

LOCATION: Washington, DC

NOTE: This internship may take place virtually. The nature of the internship will be determined at a later date closer to summer.

SALARY: $13.00/hour (Housing and transportation is the responsibility of the intern)

STIPEND and TUITION ASSISTANCE: No (travel assistance is provided but is considered taxable income)

COLLEGE CREDITS: This internship is eligible for college credit with a maximum of six credits available. Intern is required to submit a weekly journal to their faculty sponsor as well as a final paper.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 12, 2021, 5 p.m.

TO APPLY:
Submit the following materials via e-mail to Amista Lipot at lipot@ohio.edu :

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. One writing sample (not to exceed 15 pages, typed and double spaced)
4. Two letters of reference
5. One faculty sponsor form (internship agreement form, linked here [PDF]) 

For questions contact Amista Lipot via email at lipot@ohio.edu or by phone at 740.597.1558.