Depending on the year and needs of our departments, CEI and our subsidiaries may offer project-based internship opportunities across the organization for undergraduate and graduate-level students. The summer-long experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the CDFI industry and to gain real, practical knowledge and understanding of CEI and our mission to create economically and environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially those with low incomes, can reach their full potential.
Who we are:
Headquartered in Maine, CEI is a community development finance institution that is a national leader in rural economic and business development. CEI’s mission is to build a just, vibrant, and climate-resilient future for people and communities in Maine and rural communities We do this by integrating finance, business expertise, and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably.
Over 70 percent of our financing and advice go to businesses expanding opportunities for low-income communities, communities of color, and others who have been left behind by our economy. Learn more about working at CEI here
The application timeline for summer internships is currently closed. We post our internships at around January-February each year. Thank you for your interest in CEI!
COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
CEI staff is working on a hybrid schedule, two days at the office, and three days at home. CEI continues to place a high priority on the health and safety of our staff, our clients, and our communities. We continue to monitor and follow guidance from the Maine Centers for Disease Control and the US Centers for Disease Control.
What we believe:
- Stewardship: As careful, responsible managers of the resources entrusted to us, we recognize that our decisions and actions have near – and long-term impacts on people and the planet
- Equity: We work to ensure that all people, especially those facing individual or systems barriers to opportunity, can secure a livelihood that enables them to build assets and share prosperity.
- Diversity: We engage diverse staff, board members, and partners who bring lived experience, community connections, and know-how to the problems we aim to solve.
- Innovation: We foster creativity and entrepreneurial spirit at CEI, through our networks, and in the communities we serve.
- Collaboration: We share knowledge, practices, and resources, and partner with people and organizations to deepen our mission impact.
CEI believes that our economy should work for everyone. As a mission-driven investor, CEI works closely with the businesses we finance and advise to address operational, workforce, and environmental challenges, while deepening our impact in key industries, such as childcare, farming, aquaculture, clean energy and food manufacturing, that can contribute to an inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy. We also provide counseling and training for individuals and families, recognizing that building assets and managing debt, as well as a good job, are key ingredients for family financial security.
What to Expect
While learning about our industry, you’ll get hands-on experience in community development financing, business and programmatic consulting, professional development, knowledge sharing, and team collaboration. As an intern at CEI or one of our subsidiaries, you’ll participate in departmental initiatives and complete a summer-long project that addresses issues within our sector.
We also know how to have fun! While the projects and the work can be intense, we like to ensure there is a balance between work and enjoying Maine in the summer. Interns have many chances to get together with each other and CEI staff for in-the-office and offsite activities, enjoy weekends off, paid holidays, and can flex their work schedules when necessary.
Coastal Enterprises, Inc. is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture and workforce reflective of our mission, values and communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or ability status, familial status or genetic information.