We are looking for reliable individuals to help us turn Boston into America’s number one cycling city. The Boston Cyclists Union accepts applications year round but we prefer that applicants commit to working with us for a full semester or summer term, for at least 10 hours a week. All summer interns can expect to spend part of their time working on our Bike to Market program, which offers free bike tune ups at farmers markets around the city.
Experience fixing up bikes is not required for any of our internship positions but if you posses those skills, we can certainly put them to good use.
Internships available:
Urban Planning Intern — This intern will gain valuable skills in networking with planners and leaders across all of Boston’s neighborhoods and will develop an in depth understanding of how public works projects are carried out. He/she will attend important evening meetings on roadway and major construction projects and confer with the executive director on steps that can be taken to ensure better bicycling infrastructure is included. Urban planning background or interest is required, as is availability in the evenings and a willingness to travel to all corners of the City of Boston (many areas are not easily accessible by the T.)
Outreach Intern — This intern will help manage and recruit new members of the union, work with volunteers to plan and organize fundraising house parties all over Boston, and table at bike events and farmer’s markets. The ideal candidate will have event planning, sales, or other related experience and have strong communication skills and be comfortable talking with new people.
Communications Intern — This intern will assist in growing BCU’s online presence via website, Facebook, Twitter, and Google calendar. May also be asked to edit and/or write articles for The Union Rider, the Union’s monthly e-newsletter. Familiarity with social media is a plus. Writing, editing, photography or video experience is preferred.
Graphic/Web design Intern — The Graphic/Web design Intern will help maintain and improve bostoncyclistsunion.org, create flyers for upcoming events, help distribute and coordinate Outreach efforts, event promotions, and new publications. Strong InDesign and Constant Contact skills and a good eye required. Web design and GIS skills helpful but not necessary.
Qualifications for all interns:
- Commitment to the BCU mission
- Strong communication skills
- Organized and self motivated
- Ability to work without direct supervision
- Sense of humor
- Residence within the greater Boston area
Bonus Points for:
- Graphic design or writing skills
- Fluency in Spanish, Haitian, Vietnamese, Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin), Cape Verdean Criolo, or Portuguese.
- Sales or customer service experience
- Bike mechanic skills
- Tech savvy
- City planning background
- Familiarity with biking in Boston
Please send applications to noelle@bostoncyclistsunion.org with a resume and statement of purpose. The email should include the internship for which you are applying, your availability (hours per week), your academic and career goals, the skills and experience you possess and their relevancy to the internship you are applying for.
Internships are unpaid but we are happy to help students get academic credit. Interns who leave the organization in good standing may request a letter of recommendation from our staff.