CPT Policy Jobs
Policy roles at think tanks, federal agencies, and advocacy organizations regularly take CPT students, but your authorization must tie directly to a course or program requirement your DSO approves. Most placements run one semester, so lining up your curriculum documentation early is what keeps the offer from falling through.
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The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is a state agency within the Executive Office of Economic Development and is responsible for protecting consumers through advocacy and education. The Office of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that the businesses our agencies regulate treat all Massachusetts consumers fairly. The Division of Banks ("DOB"), Division of Insurance ("DOI"), Division of Occupational Licensure ("DOL"), Division of Standards ("DOS"), and Department of Telecommunications and Cable ("DTC") all fall under the OCABR umbrella and help us to fulfill our critical mission of building better businesses and smarter consumers.
OCABR as a regulatory agency also manages several statewide programs in accordance with applicable General Laws. These include the Home Improvement Contractor Programs, Lemon Law Arbitrator Program, Data Breach and the Massachusetts Do Not Call Program. OCABR is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. OCABR values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
The OCABR is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.
About the position:
The Public Policy Specialist Co-op (PPS) is responsible for conducting research regarding emerging public policy questions in the area of consumer protection and business regulation and offering recommended paths to decision makers. The PPS Co-op will become well versed in a wide range of topics in consumer protection and business regulation and with the composition, construction, and responsibilities of OCABR and its constituent agencies. This role may be assigned or delegated at the discretion of leadership to units within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, the Division of Occupational Licensure, Division of Insurance, Division of Banks, Division of Standards, or the Department of Telecommunications and Cable for varied special projects or tasks.
Specific duties include:
- Conduct research on public policy issues relevant to OCABR, constituent agencies, impacted industries, consumer protections, and priorities set by Administration, Office, and agency leadership.
- Draft policy briefs, memos, background materials, talking points, and stakeholder communications, identification, and mapping.
- Attend and participate in internal and external engagement events, including but not limited to consumer outreach events and special projects, as scheduled.
- Help prepare and maintain internal policy trackers, briefing materials, and other resources.
- Collaborate with colleagues across legal, communications, business, research, and other teams on policy-related projects.
- Support and perform additional relevant duties as assigned.
Preferred qualifications:
- Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
- Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, concise written materials.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, government, regulatory affairs, or civic engagement.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when working with sensitive information.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs.
- Interest in learning about consumer rights and business regulation and assisting businesses and consumers of the Commonwealth.
Benefits of this co-op:
We foster an environment of learning and empowerment. This is an opportunity to develop excellent communication skills, confidence and a professional demeanor through daily interaction with diverse industry stakeholders and consumers; acquisition of knowledge of consumer related rights and regulations in Massachusetts; and make a positive contribution to consumer education, enhance your research skills, and work in a collaborative, supportive, upbeat office environment where you are a valued member.
Pay: $19/hour
The expectation is that this position may be, but is not guaranteed to be, eligible for a hybrid work schedule following an initial period of training on office policies and processes which will be in-person.
The Public Policy Specialist Co-op will work Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm with a 30-minute lunch break. All government holidays will be unpaid days off. This is a 6-month co-op.
Location
Office Location: One Federal Street, Suite 720, Boston, MA 02110
Job Function
Government – Policy and Legal
Workplace Type
Primarily on-site work, Hybrid
Compensation Currency Type
US Dollars (USD)
Compensation
$19/hour per hour
Hours Per Week
Full Time (32+ Hours Per Week)
Transportation
Accessible by public transportation
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Please see Preferred Qualifications.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Contracted Student Interns
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Boston - 1 Federal St
Job
: Administrative Services
Agency
: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift
: Day
Job Posting
: Sep 22, 2026, 12:01:48 PM
Number of Openings
: 1
Salary
: 19.00 - 19.00 Hourly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kelly LaBrecque - 8572755530
Bargaining Unit: Non
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
Description
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is a state agency within the Executive Office of Economic Development and is responsible for protecting consumers through advocacy and education. The Office of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that the businesses our agencies regulate treat all Massachusetts consumers fairly. The Division of Banks ("DOB"), Division of Insurance ("DOI"), Division of Occupational Licensure ("DOL"), Division of Standards ("DOS"), and Department of Telecommunications and Cable ("DTC") all fall under the OCABR umbrella and help us to fulfill our critical mission of building better businesses and smarter consumers.
OCABR as a regulatory agency also manages several statewide programs in accordance with applicable General Laws. These include the Home Improvement Contractor Programs, Lemon Law Arbitrator Program, Data Breach and the Massachusetts Do Not Call Program. OCABR is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. OCABR values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
The OCABR is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.
About the position:
The Public Policy Specialist Co-op (PPS) is responsible for conducting research regarding emerging public policy questions in the area of consumer protection and business regulation and offering recommended paths to decision makers. The PPS Co-op will become well versed in a wide range of topics in consumer protection and business regulation and with the composition, construction, and responsibilities of OCABR and its constituent agencies. This role may be assigned or delegated at the discretion of leadership to units within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, the Division of Occupational Licensure, Division of Insurance, Division of Banks, Division of Standards, or the Department of Telecommunications and Cable for varied special projects or tasks.
Specific duties include:
- Conduct research on public policy issues relevant to OCABR, constituent agencies, impacted industries, consumer protections, and priorities set by Administration, Office, and agency leadership.
- Draft policy briefs, memos, background materials, talking points, and stakeholder communications, identification, and mapping.
- Attend and participate in internal and external engagement events, including but not limited to consumer outreach events and special projects, as scheduled.
- Help prepare and maintain internal policy trackers, briefing materials, and other resources.
- Collaborate with colleagues across legal, communications, business, research, and other teams on policy-related projects.
- Support and perform additional relevant duties as assigned.
Preferred qualifications:
- Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
- Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, concise written materials.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, government, regulatory affairs, or civic engagement.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when working with sensitive information.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs.
- Interest in learning about consumer rights and business regulation and assisting businesses and consumers of the Commonwealth.
Benefits of this co-op:
We foster an environment of learning and empowerment. This is an opportunity to develop excellent communication skills, confidence and a professional demeanor through daily interaction with diverse industry stakeholders and consumers; acquisition of knowledge of consumer related rights and regulations in Massachusetts; and make a positive contribution to consumer education, enhance your research skills, and work in a collaborative, supportive, upbeat office environment where you are a valued member.
Pay: $19/hour
The expectation is that this position may be, but is not guaranteed to be, eligible for a hybrid work schedule following an initial period of training on office policies and processes which will be in-person.
The Public Policy Specialist Co-op will work Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm with a 30-minute lunch break. All government holidays will be unpaid days off. This is a 6-month co-op.
Location
Office Location: One Federal Street, Suite 720, Boston, MA 02110
Job Function
Government – Policy and Legal
Workplace Type
Primarily on-site work, Hybrid
Compensation Currency Type
US Dollars (USD)
Compensation
$19/hour per hour
Hours Per Week
Full Time (32+ Hours Per Week)
Transportation
Accessible by public transportation
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Please see Preferred Qualifications.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Contracted Student Interns
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Boston - 1 Federal St
Job
: Administrative Services
Agency
: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift
: Day
Job Posting
: Sep 22, 2026, 12:01:48 PM
Number of Openings
: 1
Salary
: 19.00 - 19.00 Hourly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kelly LaBrecque - 8572755530
Bargaining Unit: Non
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
See all CPT Policy Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Policy Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsPolicy CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Which policy roles qualify for CPT authorization?
CPT is available for policy roles when the work is an integral part of your degree program, not just related to your field. Positions at think tanks, advocacy organizations, government contractors, and intergovernmental bodies typically qualify if your DSO can tie the duties to a specific course or curricular requirement on your I-20.
Can I do CPT at a federal agency?
Federal agencies can hire F-1 students on CPT through pathways like the Pathways Internship Program, but the authorization structure differs. The agency must be able to confirm your CPT start date and duration, and your DSO must list the specific agency on your I-20. Not all federal positions accept CPT, so confirm with HR and your DSO together before accepting an offer.
Does part-time CPT affect my OPT eligibility?
Part-time CPT, defined as fewer than 20 hours per week, does not affect your post-graduation OPT eligibility regardless of how many semesters you use it. Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates OPT eligibility entirely. If your policy internship runs full-time for an extended placement, factor that tradeoff into your plan before accepting.
How do I find policy employers who understand CPT?
Employers with existing experience hiring international students on work authorization are easier to work with during the CPT documentation process. Migrate Mate surfaces policy employers filtered by their LCA filing history, which is a reliable signal that the organization already has HR processes in place for employment authorization documentation.
What documentation does the employer need to provide for CPT?
Your employer needs to provide a written offer letter or internship agreement that includes your title, duties, start and end dates, and hours per week. Your DSO uses this to authorize the CPT on your I-20. Some employers also need to complete a brief letter confirming the role aligns with your degree field, which your international student office may supply as a template.