Mediation and Case Support
- Coordinate court-referred mediation cases
- Communicate with parties about scheduling
- Support case management processes
- Maintain case information in Salesforce
MWI Internship Program
Build Practical Experience in Conflict Resolution
Work alongside experienced alternative dispute resolution professionals while gaining exposure to mediation, negotiation, ombuds services, and the day-to-day work of a dynamic dispute resolution organization.
MWI internships are remote and unpaid. Interns commit at least 15 hours per week for a minimum of three months.
Remote
Collaborate with MWI staff and practitioners from wherever you are located.
15+ Hours
Commit at least 15 hours each week to projects, learning, and collaboration.
3 Months
A minimum three-month commitment allows interns to take on substantive work.
Real Experience
Contribute to mediation, ombuds, research, training, and operational initiatives.
Learn by Contributing
Why Intern at MWI?
At MWI, interns are more than observers. They contribute to meaningful projects that support courts, organizations, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and individuals while learning how conflict resolution services are delivered in real-world settings.
Whether you are exploring a career in dispute resolution, law, human resources, psychology, public policy, communications, business, or nonprofit leadership, the program can help you build transferable professional skills and develop a deeper understanding of conflict management.
A Former Intern's Perspective
Learning to Facilitate, Not Fix
“Though my time at MWI was short, it was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life.”
During her internship, Karin Okada observed mediations, connected with dispute resolution practitioners, and developed a deeper understanding of how mediators and ombuds help people identify their own paths forward.
Karin interned with MWI while pursuing a master's degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University.
Read Karin's internship reflections →Meaningful Work
What You Might Work On
MWI customizes internships based on each intern's interests and skills as well as the organization's current needs. Assignments may span several areas.
Research and Analysis
- Conduct ombuds and conflict resolution research
- Analyze mediation and training data
- Compile reports and program summaries
- Identify useful trends and insights
Marketing and Communications
- Assist with marketing and educational materials
- Research and draft articles or other content
- Update presentations and client resources
- Support outreach initiatives
Operations and Program Support
- Help maintain online scheduling systems
- Support trainings and workshops
- Assist with internal systems and documentation
- Contribute to special projects across MWI
Who You Are
Who Should Apply?
Strong applicants are interested in learning about conflict resolution and are ready to contribute to a professional and collaborative environment.
- Curious and eager to learn
- Dependable and able to follow through
- Organized and attentive to detail
- Comfortable balancing multiple priorities
- Able to work independently in a remote environment
- Professional when communicating with others
What You Bring
General Qualifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong organization and attention to detail
- Ability to manage short-term and long-term projects
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common workplace technology
- Availability for at least 15 hours per week for a minimum of three months
MWI welcomes university students, graduate students, career changers, and adult learners from all backgrounds. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
The MWI Internship Community
Meet Some of Our Past Interns
Explore some of the projects former interns worked on while building experience in mediation, dispute resolution, ombuds services, and program operations at MWI.
Chloe Vanden Tillaart
Read more
Chloe convened mediation cases, communicated with
parties in Massachusetts District and Municipal
Courts, supported scheduling and presentations,
observed mediations, edited training materials,
and completed MWI's 40-hour mediation training.
Jonathan Masler
Read more
Jonathan supported MWI's Ombuds Team by helping with
ombuds panel marketing, preparing for Ombuds Day,
and editing a monthly newsletter. He also observed
ombuds visitor meetings and participated in mediation
training.
Samantha Milano
Read more
Samantha supported data management and helped
develop processes for MWI's corporate clients,
drawing on experience in international conflict,
project management, and legal administration.
Alex Clarke
Read more
Alex supported programs across MWI, registered
parents for court-mandated divorce education
classes, attended trainings offered through the
divorce mediation program, and wrote articles
for the MWI website.
Grace Rodriguez
Read more
Grace helped launch a virtual court-connected
mediation program, convened Court Program cases,
provided administrative support, and translated
materials from English to Spanish for bilingual
mediations.
Nathanial Graham
Read more
Nathanial supported MWI's Court Program with
small claims mediation and grant proposals while
developing experience in mediation, conflict
analysis, and diplomacy.
Different Paths, Shared Purpose
Where Our Interns Have Studied
MWI interns have joined us from undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in conflict resolution, law, public policy, international relations, psychology, communications, social justice, and other fields.
Boston University
Columbia University
The George Washington University
New England Law | Boston
Suffolk University Law School
UMass Amherst
UMass Boston
Saint Paul University
Sophia University
Brandeis University
Emerson College
Merrimack College
University of Dayton
Tulane University
University of Florida
Leiden University
University at Buffalo
William James College
Take the Next Step
Apply to the MWI Internship Program
Tell us about your interests, experience, availability, and what you hope to accomplish during an internship with MWI. Internship assignments depend on organizational needs and the alignment between available projects and each applicant's skills and goals.
Application tip:
Strong applications clearly explain your interest in
mediation, negotiation, ombuds services, or conflict
resolution; the skills you can contribute; and the dates
and weekly hours you are available.
