The Town of Clayton announced on March 11 that it is accepting applications for several paid internship positions for summer 2026. These temporary roles are designed to give students and young adults the chance to work with professionals, gain practical experience, and explore careers within local government.
Internships play a significant role in helping individuals develop professional skills and understand their future career options. With National Internship Awareness Month approaching in April, communities nationwide are emphasizing the value of internships. Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers indicates that most college graduates complete at least one internship before graduating.
Clayton is offering internship opportunities across various departments, including budget and performance, communication and outreach, criminal justice (police), document digitization, GIS and asset management, engineering, inspections, planning, town clerk duties, and fire data analysis. Some positions are open to individuals aged 16 and up while others require applicants to be college juniors or seniors. The Town encourages interested candidates to review specific requirements for each position before applying.
“These internships give participants a chance to see how local government operates while contributing to projects that serve the Clayton community,” said Human Resources Technician Anthony Brown-Davis. “It’s a great way to build practical experience and learn directly from professionals in the field.”
Brown-Davis also highlighted the long-term benefits of participating in an internship: “Internships are often the first step toward a long-term career,” he said. “The relationships interns build and the experience they gain here can open doors for future opportunities, including careers in public service.” According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, about six in ten interns receive full-time job offers from their employers.
Applications must be submitted online by Tuesday, March 31. More information about these internships and other career opportunities with the Town of Clayton can be found at townofclaytonnc.org/humanresources.
