The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Policy Graduate Programme

On the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Policy Graduate Programme or Internship, you'll be tackling real life problems and make a lasting difference in the life of New Zealanders.

Policy professionals provide the evidence and information Ministers need to make informed decisions on public policy issues. It's exciting and challenging work that could see you looking at how we can make New Zealand businesses more internationally competitive, making sure all regions benefit from tourism or protecting people from loan sharks.

Join our highly sought after programme to kick-start your career in the best possible way. The programme is a 16 month-long development and training programme that builds the skills and knowledge necessary to step into a career in policy. From week one you'll get stuck into real, meaningful work - researching topical issues, analysing key trends and helping us deliver new projects and programmes.

A range of exciting opportunities are waiting for you at MBIE.

* Applications for the 2022 cohort have now closed. Applications for the 2023 cohort will open in March 2022.

Award-winning Diversity Winners of the 2020 NZAGE Award for Best Diversity Strategy

We value our people and reflect, embrace and nurture the communities we serve. Celebrating who we are as well as the work we do makes MBIE a great place to work.

We want our people to be their unique selves, be celebrated for it, and harness our differences to "Grow New Zealand for all".

Our staff-led networks include;

  • Ngai Kahukura - Rainbow Network
  • Te Aka Matua - Māori Staff Network Forum
  • Te Rau Puāwai - Wāhine Māori Network
  • Pacific Staff Village
  • Te Aumangea - Mental Health Network
  • Arahanga Wāhine - Women's Network

Ruia te kanorau kia pūawai a hīkina whakatutuki expresses the concept of our strategy in Māori. This translates to the concept of 'weaving the diverse threads together to create a diverse MBIE'.

What we are looking for

We are looking for grads and interns who have genuine interest working in policy and/or government, and making a difference for all New Zealanders.

  • Skilled writers who write clearly, accurately, and logically
  • Critical thinkers who use well-reasoned logic to solve problems
  • Evidence gatherers who research, identify, and make use of relevant information
  • Nimble learners who are flexible and responsive to change
  • Supportive team players who build partnerships and work collaboratively
  • Persuaders and influencers who gain the trust and support of others
  • Purpose-driven actioners who take on new opportunities and tough challenges
  • Decision-makers who make sound decisions, even in the absence of complete information.

Minimum requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Programme you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You can have no more than 1 year post-graduation full-time work experience
  • You must have graduated, or will finish your study, before February 2022.
  • You must have achieved at least a B average (please use the Victoria University GPA calculator to calculate your GPA).
  • You must have the ability to legally live and work in New Zealand.
  • You must pass all our employment vetting and approval standards.

To be eligible for the Summer Policy Internship you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must be currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, and continuing your study in 2022.
  • You must have achieved at least a B average (Please confirm your GPA using the Victoria university GPA calculator).
  • You must be eligible to live and work in New Zealand.
  • You must pass all other employment vetting and approval standards we require.