John S. Watson Institute Student Summer Intern

Summer Internship Job Description 2025

Overview

With more than 30 years of experience, the Watson Institute is committed to linking people to policy by conducting research, analyzing critical issues, building strong relationships, and working with community members to enact solutions. The Institute is comprised of six integrated policy centers:

• The Center for the Urban Environment is dedicated to solving environmental justice issues plaguing communities of color. The Center has led the charge in finding policy solutions to address the disproportionate amount of pollution found in low-income communities and communities of color.
• The Center for the Positive Development of Urban Children amplifies the voices of teachers, practitioners, families, and advocates improving the lives of urban children through strategic policy initiatives, focusing on pre-K to 12th grade education policy.
• The Center for Health Policy Development works with health organizations and elected officials across the state to advance equity in public health policies. This Center is focused on ensuring that the social determinants of health are at the core of all health policies.
•  The New Jersey Urban Mayors Policy Center supports urban leadership through the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, utilizing insights from local leaders to analyze policies, address issues, and identify opportunities to improve the quality of life for New Jersey residents living in urban municipalities.
• The Center for Urban Policy and Research positions social equity as a lens through which to research issues facing urban centers and analyze legislative and regulatory actions impacting urban spaces. The Center collaborates with partners in government and the private and non-profit sectors on data-driven, evidence-based action to improve the lives of residents of urban communities throughout New Jersey.
• The Kean Center for Business, Workforce Development, Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship is focused on enhancing small business resiliency (given the impact of unpredictable occurrences such as COVID-19), social entrepreneurship, workforce development, and agribusiness development, with a focus on public policy analysis, technical assistance and applied research. This Center was created because Kean was awarded one of 25 U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center grants to promote innovation and strengthen regional economies.

To learn more about the Watson Institute and the Centers, go to https://www.kean.edu/watson-institute 

Summer Internship Position Summary: John S. Watson Institute Student Assistant/Intern will be assigned to work on various projects, including events, research data collection, and analysis. 

Responsibilities:

• Data collection by conducting research, conducting interviews/observations, and/or administering surveys
• Transcribing qualitative data
• Proofreading of publications for the repository, including the development of references and bibliographies
• Conducting literature reviews and analysis
• Preparing data for analysis by cleaning, coding, and merging data.
• Supporting the development of project deliverables
• Creating presentations using web-based design software like Canva and Prezi
• Building and tracking electronic survey tools.
• Presenting research results to staff and stakeholders
• Participation in meetings with staff, collaborators, and stakeholders
• Creating, sorting, and managing documents
• Assisting staff with virtual and in-person events
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student at Kean University (All majors will be considered)
• Some experience conducting research and evaluation
• Interest in public policy as it intersects with race, class, gender identity/expression, and other social identities
• Attention to detail and ability to problem-solve
• Some experience using Microsoft Office and/or Google Document Management
• Ability to work with minimal supervision with the confidence to ask for support needed to complete 

assigned responsibilities

Compensation: Hourly $16 per hour up to 20 hours per week

Watson Institute locations: 

• Kean Union Office – Hynes Hall, 5th Floor
• Kean University – Trenton Office, 10 W. Lafayette Street, Trenton, NJ

For more information or to apply:  Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to watson@kean.edu