2020 Summer College Intern

This program is specifically geared towards CURRENT, FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS. Seniors who graduated in December 2019, or will graduate in May/June 2020, are eligible to apply for the 2020 Summer College Internship Program.

The Port of Oakland is thrilled to celebrate our 23rd year in hosting summer college interns. Our Summer College Internship Program will run from Monday, June 15, 2020 through Friday, August 14, 2020. We are looking for ambitious, creative, and outgoing undergraduate college students to join us for this exciting paid summer internship opportunity.

We are offering internship opportunities in a variety of fields:

Interns will gain professional work experience and exposure to the Port of Oakland's three business lines and operations; develop an understanding of the Port of Oakland's mission and business objectives; and interact with the Port team, including senior leadership, as well as internal and external stakeholders. Interns will perform a wide range of critical assignments and projects that vary from general administrative to technical and project-based. The varied expertise and skills of Port staff allows interns to gain insight into a wide range of public sector careers.

Interns will have the ability to showcase and strengthen skills, like organization, planning, time management, working relationships, decision-making, oral and written communication, adaptability, and analytical ability. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including MS Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel is required. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in various activities, workshops and trainings to broaden their experience.

Please review all the minimum qualifications before applying. Please make sure that you meet all requirements.

Reside in the San Francisco Bay Area during the internship period. SF/Bay Area includes these nine counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.  Preference will be given to residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

2. Education

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be currently enrolled in and attending college. Those who have graduated from college within six months prior to the start of the program are also eligible to apply.  All applicants must meet a minimum GPA of 2.75. Copies of college transcripts dated within the last term are required. Information for where to send your transcript is included in the online application.

Applicants must send a personal statement containing a maximum of 500 words. Please include information about your connection to the Bay Area and how an internship with the Port of Oakland would support your career goals. Information for where to send your personal statement is included in the online application.

Contact information for two references must be included in your application. One reference must be for a school counselor, official or advisor that you know.

Please send a resume with your online application.  Applicants who do not send a resume will not be considered. Information for where to send your resume is included in the online application.

Applicants will be allowed to select up to three (3) internship offerings. All applicants that meet the eligibility requirements will be offered an interview with one of their top three choices, based on the selection by the Summer Internship Program Committee’s review of the most qualified applicants.

If you are selected to interview with one of your alternate choices and decide you are not interested, you are welcome to discontinue the process of applying for a summer college internship opportunity with the Port of Oakland. Please note that the most qualified applicants will only be scheduled for one interview. The final selection of interns is based on a thorough review of the applications and the interview results. Not all applicants will be offered an internship.

Hiring of interns is also subject to verification that students do not have prior membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS).

Selected interns are expected to commit to the entire nine (9) week internship period from  Monday, June 15, 2020 through Friday, August 14, 2020. Consideration will be given to students who need to return to school early on a case-by-case basis.

530 Water Street

Oakland, CA 94607

1 Airport Drive

Oakland, CA 94621

8500 Earhart Road

Oakland, CA 94621

Interns may work up to 25 hours per week within normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Interns may adjust their schedules with their supervisors.

The program pay rate is $20 per hour. Sick leave and holidays, such as Independence Day, are not paid.

Visit the 2020 Summer College Internship Program Application