Shape the future of the Portland region with Oregon Metro! As a Council Support Office Intern, you’ll gain valuable experience in local government while assisting the Metro Council in serving the community. This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn about regional planning, policy development, and constituent engagement.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program (political science, public policy, or related field preferred)
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
- Interesse in local government and regional planning (a plus)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on policy issues and prepare briefing materials for Metro Council members
- Assist with constituent correspondence and inquiries
- Track and analyze legislation relevant to Metro’s work
- Support Council meetings and committee hearings
- Draft reports and presentations
- May have the opportunity to participate in outreach events
Benefits:
- Gain firsthand experience in local government operations
- Learn about regional planning and policy development
- Develop research, writing, and communication skills
- Network with local government professionals
- Make a positive impact on the future of the Portland region
Location:
Metro Council Office, Portland, Oregon
Deadline: 27 June 2024
Internships are fantastic opportunities for students (and sometimes even recent graduates) to gain valuable experience in the professional world. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Experience: Internships provide hands-on experience in your field of interest. This is crucial for overcoming the hurdle of “entry-level experience” that many recent grads face [1].
- Skill development: You’ll get to apply what you learned in school to real-world situations. This helps you develop and refine both technical skills specific to your field and transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving [2].
- Exploration: Internships can be a great way to explore different career paths. Maybe you’re unsure about what you want to do after graduation, or you’re curious about a particular industry. Internships allow you to try things out and see if they’re a good fit for you [4].
- Network: Internships connect you with professionals in your field. You can build relationships with mentors who can provide guidance and advice, and you might even make some valuable connections that could lead to future job opportunities [3].
- Confidence: Successfully completing an internship can give you a real boost of confidence. You’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses [2].
- Job prospects: Interns who impress their employers often get offered full-time positions after graduation. Even if you don’t land a job at the internship company itself, the experience will make you a more attractive candidate to other employers [5].
In short, internships offer a chance to bridge the gap between academics and the professional world. They can be a stepping stone to a successful career.