SECU Public Fellows Internship Program – Ayden Chamber of Commerce
Public Service Fellows Program Overview
The Public Service Fellows (PSF) Program began in 2014 with support from the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation. Since its inception 101 undergraduate students have completed internships with 58 organizations located in 14 North Carolina counties. The goal of the program is to foster workplace experiences for undergraduates at ECU while helping rural communities build professional capacity to address public issues.
Starting in 2020, up to 20 students will be chosen each year for SECU Public Fellow Internships (PFI). PFI participants will take part in 20 hours of leadership and professional development workshops in addition to the 330-hour PSF internship experience. Each student selected for the program receives a stipend of $4,500.
Students will be expected to attend a two day orientation May 14-15 at ECU, attend 2 scheduled workshops one midway through the internship, one at the end within a few weeks of school starting and they will be required to present at SECU advisory board meeting either during or after their internship.
Position Summary
The PFI, under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, will have the opportunity to work on the largest event the chamber hosts each year, Christmas Town in Ayden. Planning, organizing, and creating will be a large part of this assignment. The intern may also work on an inventory of all properties in the business district, work on a membership drive, help with a new incubator space and help with other tasks as needed.
Internship Location & Supervisor Information
The Ayden Chamber of Commerce exists to serve the businesses and community of Ayden. They have an 11-member board and one part time employee. Together with the town of Ayden employees, they partner to provide the businesses information, education, connections, awareness and host several events to bring guests to the area.
The Chamber of Commerce is located at 235 3rd Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. The PFI will report directly to Laura Todd, Executive Director Ayden Chamber of Commerce.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Applicants should be comfortable interacting and communicating with various community stakeholders, hosting government, community, local business, and public and non-profit organizations. Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment, can multi-task, demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate time management skills, and work collaboratively in a diverse, team-based environment.
Start & End Dates
May 15th, 2020 to August 15th, 2020
Majors Targeted
Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Political Science, Engineering and Technology, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Public/Business Administration, Accounting.
Application Process
Applicants must complete a PFI application and submit a resume to be considered. Applications are available at https://rede.ecu.edu/engagement/programs-and-initiatives/secu-pfi/.
All students selected for the PFI program must have undergraduate status and meet the following eligibility requirements by the internship start date:
- North Carolina resident
- 0 GPA or higher in major field of study
- Completion of at least 60 semester credit hours
East Carolina University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and as such encourages applications from qualified women and minorities.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at 252.737.1016 (voice/TTY).
Federal law requires proper documentation of identity and employability at the time of employment.