Frequently Asked Questions
The following are common questions JSGS students have regarding the Executive Internship Program
- How does the program work?
- What will interns do?
- What will coaches do?
- Do I qualify?
- Are prospective candidates interviewed?
- How are successful candidates matched with government departments?
- When do successful candidates start their internships?
- How will I be paid?
- Can I take classes during my internship?
- Will I have to relocate?
- Is there travel involved in the internship?
- Will I have a job offer at the end of the internship?
Interns will enter into a mentoring/coaching partnership with a senior leader (deputy minister, senior executive or senior manager) of a government ministry, department or public agency. In addition to providing valuable work experience, the program increases the number of experienced individuals available to compete for future vacancies in the public service.
| Placement | Application Deadline | Start Date | Length | Remuneration | Location |
| Federal | Jan 1 - Feb 1 | May | 4 months | Hourly | Regina, Saskatoon & Ottawa |
| Provincial | Jan 1 - Feb 1 | September | 8 months | Scholarship | Regina |
| Municipal | Jan 1 - Feb 1 | September | 8 months | Scholarship | Regina & Saskatoon |
| Saskatchewan School Boards Association |
Jan 1 - Feb 1 | September | 8 months | Scholarship | Regina |
| Provincial Auditor Saskatchewan | Jan 1 - Feb 1 | September | 8 months | Scholarship | Regina |
Interns will apply their knowledge of government processes, while learning first-hand the nature of government, including the internal workings of government, the reporting and governance structure, legislation and interface with the political structure. Interns will be exposed to a broad range of activities, such as budget development, strategic planning and reporting, as well as policy and program development and the migration of this development to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages. While tasks may vary, interns will gain first-hand experience in the day to day activities of public servants, such as writing reports, gathering and analyzing public opinion, preparing briefing notes, preparing decision items and conducting research.
What will coaches do?
Coaches provide direction and guidance to the intern and design and monitor the placement to ensure the work involved is rewarding and valuable. In addition, the coaches share their knowledge, experience, and understanding of procedures at both the government and department level.
Do I qualify?
You must be a current (not graduated) MPA or MPP student with 50% of your degree completed prior to the internship start date, including the core program courses. While the internships are designed primarily for MPA students, MPP students may be placed if an appropriate internship is identified.
Are prospective candidates interviewed?
All eligible applicants will be invited to an interview with the assessment panel. The interview will focus on areas such as leadership, knowledge of government, analytical thinking and understanding, teamwork, dealing with conflict, problem solving and other relevant areas. Students must be prepared to demonstrate their knowledge of government and government processes which they have learned during the course of the program and an ability to interact with senior government officials in a confident, helpful manner.
How are successful candidates matched with government departments?
Representatives from JSGS and the federal, provincial and municipal public service will make a tentative match between successful candidates and the departments that request interns. Prospective provincial candidates may be asked to provide a letter of introduction to the ministry they have been matched with and the ministry provides a letter of introduction to the prospective intern(s). Internship candidates may be asked by a specific department to meet with them for another interview.
When do successful candidates start their internships?
Provincial, municipal and local government interns start in September and are eight months in duration. Federal internships are generally four month placements starting in May, with the possibility of extension.
Eight month provincial, municipal and Saskatchewan School Boards Association internships receive a scholarship of $25,000 each, to be paid out in monthly increments. Federal interns are paid at an hourly rate of pay determined by the federal government.
Can I take classes during my internship?
On occasion, interns have been granted permission to take classes while completing an internship. Requests to take classes during an internship requires the approval of the intern’s mentor/coach, therefore, students should not come into the internship counting on this.
Some interns have chosen to relocate to pursue internship opportunities in Regina, Saskatoon or Ottawa.
Is there travel involved in the internship?
Some internships have required travel, primarily within the province. Interns have had the opportunity to attend professional development events, conventions and conferences. Some former interns have traveled to facilitate housing consultations, participate in site visits or to attend a management forum.
Will I have a job offer at the end of the internship?
Being offered a job at the end of an internship is not a guarantee, however completion of an internship better positions students to compete for government positions.