Here’s what three former interns have to say about their experiences:
Caleb, now an Analyst in the Economic Strategy Directorate
I chose the Treasury internship programme because it hit most of my interest areas.
I studied economics at University and the Treasury seemed like a fantastic high-level place to get involved and do some practical analysis.
During my time in the Treasury, I worked on two projects. One was helping my team prepare for the Future of Work Tripartite Forum which involved a lot of research and report writing. My longer term project was completing a literature review examining the role distance plays in affecting trade and productivity outcomes. It was a super interesting experience.
The Treasury summer internship is a great opportunity to work in one of the most important public sector institutions in the country surrounded by incredibly intelligent people. You may feel a little out of our depth at times but it is a rewarding experience.
Mariam: Intern, Economic Strategy and Productivity
I started my role at Treasury through the Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Sector Internship Programme. As a Summer Intern, I was involved in all aspects of life at the Treasury. I was welcomed instantly and found that staff members were really friendly and always willing to meet with me, share resources and discuss projects I was working on.
Alongside working on the Living Standards Framework and the Future of Work in the Economic Strategy & Productivity team (ESP), I was also able to get involved in Pacific capability and strategy initiatives – matters that are close to my heart. This made my time at Treasury feel even more meaningful – I knew the work I was doing was important and would give back to our communities.
Working as a Summer Intern at the Treasury is a great opportunity for anyone who isn’t afraid of a little responsibility and feels passionately about making a difference towards a better, more inclusive New Zealand.
Rose, now the Treasury Private Secretary in the Minister of Health’s office
At the Treasury, you are given a lot of responsibility. Your views and opinions are valued and considered equal.
You can speak up in a meeting and people will listen to you. I was a part of the Office of the Chief Economic Advisor working on developing the Living Standards Framework’s dashboard including choosing the indicators and gathering submissions.
I had an amazing opportunity: I met ministers and senior officials from Treasury and other agencies and wrote Treasury reports and a cabinet paper. Writing the first Wellbeing outlook section of the budget policy statement was one of the highlights – pulling it all together for the first time for the Minister of Finance and my work being used in the final version.
You come in and you do not realise the work that you are doing has such an impact on people. One thing that I love about the Treasury is that you are working as part of an organisation and part of the machine that improves people’s lives.
Every day is very different. In terms of the internship – you do not realise the variety of work the Treasury does. It is cool being exposed to it all and the awesome talks that happen and forums that you can go to. Everyone wants to help you with your learning and development.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the graduate programme or the application process, please email us at [email protected]