AUGUSTA — Emily Rice of Farmington spent 12 weeks this summer working at the Bureau of Labor Standards for the department’s Research and Statistics Division as a records-keeping assistant. 

It was made possible by the Maine Government Summer Internship Program with the Maine Department of Labor.

Rice, a political science and history major at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, worked on projects ranging from conducting surveys, data collection, editing reports, sorting documents and photos and writing government reports.

“These assignments offered a glimpse into Maine’s colorful history,” Rice said. “I was able to see the development of Maine labor law and government institutions as well as see Mainers at work, ranging from potato farming in Presque Isle to mill work in Cumberland.”

Rice also commented on the value of her internship experience.

“At the beginning of the summer, I had minimal experience with government on a state level. Now, I have gained valuable hands-on experience and have learned about the impact of government, legislature and policy. Gaining an understanding of the effects of policy and its practical applications is relevant to my future goals. It has provided me with invaluable skillsets that I hope to apply on an international scale down the line.”

The department administers Maine’s unemployment insurance system, helps ensure the safety of employees and provides workforce development leadership and vocational rehabilitation services throughout the state. The department has focused on connecting Mainers to jobs and helping businesses create jobs through strengthening their workforce development system, improving outreach to businesses and clarifying employment regulations.

The Maine State Government Internship Program combines paid work experience with education. Administered by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine, it is a collaboration involving the Office of the Governor, the Maine Bureau of Human Resources and other Maine state government agencies.