Ever wondered what working life is like in the Public Service?  The Public Service Division (PSD) runs the Internships@Gov programme (formally known as CSIP – the Civil Service Internship Programme). Offered twice a year, Internships@Gov provides Singaporean/PR undergraduates with a first-hand feel of working in the Public Service and an insight into the challenges of a Public Service career. We hope these experiences will give you more reasons to consider joining the Public Service after graduation.

What You can Expect

We have a wide range of challenging and dynamic projects that you can choose to participate in. With hands-on experience in these projects, you will get a better understanding of the public service values that drive public policymaking and implementation.

As a Internships@Gov intern, you will have the opportunity to visit two to three public agencies during your internship. These learning journeys allow you to gain invaluable exposure to the workings of the Public Service.

Midway through the internship, you will be invited to a dialogue session hosted by a senior Public Sector Leader.  There will also be a sharing session for us to hear your suggestions and feedback on the programme. At the closing ceremony, you will each be assigned a group to share your group’s learning experiences. Internships@Gov also provides you great networking opportunities through the various exciting activities lined up throughout the programme.

Internship Period
Internships@Gov is offered twice a year, from May to July, and July to August. If you are studying overseas and are not available during these periods, do let us know. We will try to accommodate your schedule, subject to the agreement of the agencies.

What We Look For

Mindset
Have an open and inquiring mind! To get the most out of the programme, you are encouraged to maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Should you face any problems, feel free to approach your supervisor or the Internships@Gov administrators.

Attendance
You are expected to attend all Internships@Gov activities. If you are unable to attend any of the activities, please inform the Internships@Gov Administrator in advance, with your reasons and/or your supervisor's approval.

Punctuality
You are expected to report for official duties punctually. For Internships@Gov activities, please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

Attire for Internships@Gov
You are required to report for your internship in office attire. Ties are not necessary for gentlemen. For Internships@Gov activities, you will be informed on the appropriate attire accordingly.

Undertaking to Safeguard Official Information
You will be required to sign the "Undertaking to Safeguard Official Information" form when you report on the first day of the programme.

Leave of Absence
Eligibility for paid leave depends on the internship duration. If your internship duration is within 3 months, you are not eligible for any paid leave during the programme. However, if you need to go on leave to attend to personal matters, you should obtain prior approval from your supervisor. Your allowance will be deducted accordingly for the period of absence.

Allowances

Monthly Rates
A monthly internship allowance of S$1000 will be paid to you. Your internship allowance will be deducted accordingly for absences from any Internships@Gov activity.

Transport Expenses
You will be reimbursed for transport expenses incurred for official duty. Please check with your supervisor for acceptable mode of transport and transport claim procedures.

How to Join

Eligibility
You are eligible if you :

• Are a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident;
• Have a good Co-Curricular Activities record;
• Have excellent university and high school academic results;
• Are not a recipient of any scholarship with a specified bond obligation;
• Meet the requirements for the projects as specified by the Agencies;
• Have a positive attitude and interest in this programme

Application Process
If you are studying at a local university
You will be identified for the Internships@Gov by your university. The University liaison officers will disseminate information on the programme and the application procedures to you. You will also be provided with a user account to view available projects on the Internships@Gov website. As part of the selection process, you may be interviewed by your Faculty's Head of Department/ Senior Lecturer.

If you are studying overseas

The next round of applications for projects will open from 23 February 2012 to 7 March 2012.

Please register for an account here first. You can apply for internship projects from 23 February 2012 onwards by accessing the internship portal at this webpage.