SSI Internship Program
For all SSI alumni and other interested college-age students, this one-year position is an excellent way for young people to gain hands-on, intensive training in an exciting ministry, within a dynamic work environment. This is a one-year unpaid internship opportunity starting during the fall. In certain circumstances, a shorter timeframe may be possible. Housing arrangements with a local family and/or part-time work opportunities may be available. Ample training time is given, so interns are not expected to come with prior knowledge of all duties.
Former Intern Testimonies
Erika Annis / 2008 SSI Summer Intern
"I really enjoyed my internship experience at SSI. The working atmosphere at the office truly reflected the fact that SSI is a Christian organization. We prayed before staff meetings and meals, discussed moral questions in the hallways, and everyone was treated with the respect and love of a sister or brother in Christ. Additionally, SSI is a very congenial place to work, and even as an intern I felt like I was a vital part of an organization where everyone was pulling together toward a common goal. This created a rare sense of comeraderie between staff members.
"It was stressful at times, but I feel like I gained a great deal of valuable experience. I learned how to work in a variety of different jobs, how to work under and with a variety of different people, and how to work more independently than I was used to. I also got to meet several state Representatives and Senators. Overall, I learned a great deal from my internship with SSI, and I encourage students to try interning themselves and see what they can learn from the experience. I guarantee that it will be well worth your while!"
Christina Handrich / 2005-2006 SSI Intern & Alumna
"Interning with SSI is a wonderful experience and has helped prepare me for whatever God has in store for
the rest of my life. This past year has been one of the best, most exciting, and hardest in my life. Doing
an internship like this one removed me from my comfort zone and really helped me allow God a chance to
teach me things and stretch me in ways I never imagined.
"Over the year I went through hard times, good times, times of confusion, times of craziness, times of
calm, and just about everything else, but each contained a lesson to learn. After dedicating a full year
of complete service to God, I now have a better knowledge of what I can do and who God is."
Charlie Rivard / 2004-2005 SSI Intern & Alumnus
"I can assuredly and unabashedly say that SSI is a good and Godly organization. Through my experience at
the summer program and this year-long internship, I have come to know that this is truly a God-focused
organization with God-focused people running it. People here are not co-workers, but family, and that's
what makes this place great.
"Being an intern at the age of 18, I got a taste of the workforce before I truly entered it. I experienced
responsibility before I was truly independent. It gave me direction, focus, and useful job skills, too. I
promise that this internship will prepare you, challenge you, and grow you in ways you never expected. I
highly recommend this! Take the leap of faith--you will not regret it."
Michael Jefferies / 2003-2004 SSI Intern & Alumnus
"The year-long, unpaid, un-accredited internship I did with Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI) was one
of the most beneficial investments I've ever made in my life. The work God gave me during that year and the
people I connected with paved the way for my professional life afterwards, as I now find myself a Regional
Director for Dick DeVos' campaign for Governor of Michigan.
"It also laid a very clear foundation that a Christ-centered work environment is to be cherished and
appreciated when found and that it is my duty as Christ's Ambassador to create such an environment wherever
I find myself vocationally.
"The people at SSI tailored the internship to enhance my talents and correct my faults. In the process,
I was able to positively impact this dynamic, growing, and blessed organization that reaches young people
with an important message. I truly owe a debt to SSI for the skills that I now possess due to my decision
to spend a year of my life in their internship program."
Job Description
Depending on the selected intern's interests and abilities, duties may include:
- Coordinating the Ambassador League program
Communicate with 'agents' and mentors, read reports, track and issue points, alert agents to opportunities, and answer questions about the program. - Working within the Development Department to help raise support for SSI
Assist the Outreach/Development Director in preparing and mailing grant proposals, researching new funding sources, etc. - Coordinating the SSI President's speaking engagements
Act as liaison between Mr. Muffett and event organizers, scheduling engagements, handling all details, researching directions and other details, etc. - Assisting Communications Director
Work with media productions, including archiving event photos, video footage, etc., possible video-editing projects or assisting with SSI website administration, contacting media, promotional opportunities, etc. - Assisting Program Director
Working with Program Director to plan and prepare for the Summer Program and On-sites. This could include coordinating and assisting at each On-site, and serving in various roles at the Summer Program. - Assisting at SSI Events: Banquet, Seminars and other presentations
Duties could include: working registration, taking photos/video, coordinating volunteers, etc. - Data Management
Doing data entry and managing information for events and programs. - Other duties as assigned
Send your resumé!
Those interested should submit this application along with their resumé and at least one letter of recommendation to ssi@ssi-online.org
or mail it to:
SSI Internship
Student Statesmanship Institute
PO Box 80108
Lansing MI 48908-0108
Please call Jeff Visscher for further information at 517-321-6233 ext. 105, or email him at
jeff@ssi-online.org.
