Summer Internship Program

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2025 Summer Internship Program

About the Program

The Summer Internship Program will be held from June 9 to August 15, 2025. Internship opportunities will be available in various Port divisions and departments, including Airport Facilities, Aviation Terminal Services, Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety/Business Continuity, Environmental Programs & Planning, Commercial Real Estate, Maritime Logistics, Communications, Public Engagement, Community Affairs, Governmental Affairs, Legal, Human Resources/Labor Relations, and Information Technology.

Program Objectives

Interns gain professional work experience in the Port of Oakland’s four business lines and operations, contributing to the Port of Oakland’s mission and business objectives, and work collaboratively with the Port team, including senior leadership, and internal and external stakeholders. Interns complete a wide range of assignments and projects that vary from general operations to technical and project based. The varied roles, expertise and skills of Port staff allow interns to gain insight into a wide range of public sector careers.

Interns showcase and strengthen their skills, including organizing, planning, time management, creating and building professional relationships, decision-making, oral and written communication, adaptability, and analysis. Interns also participate in various activities, workshops, and training to broaden their experience.

Minimum Qualifications College Students

Below are the minimum qualifications for applicants.

1. Residence

Reside in the San Francisco Bay Area during the internship period. There are nine (9) counties in the San Francisco Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. Preference is given to residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

2. Education

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be enrolled in and attending college when applying for the program. Applicants must be pursuing their undergraduate degree from a two year or four-year institution. Those who graduated from college within six months before the program starts are also eligible to apply. For the 2025 internship, the latest graduation date would be December 2024. All applicants must meet a minimum GPA of 2.75. Applicants must submit a transcript with their application. The transcript can be unofficial.

3. Skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including MS Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel is required.

4. CALPERS

Hired interns are subject to verification that they have no prior membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS).

5. Personal Statement

Personal statement must be submitted with your online application. Applicants must submit a personal statement containing a maximum of 500 words. The personal statement is to explain your connection to the Bay Area and how an internship with the Port of Oakland would support your career goals.

6. Two References

The two references must be submitted with your online application. Contact information for two references must be included. The following information is required per reference: name, phone number or email and relation to you. One reference must be for a school counselor, official, advisor, or professor.

7. Resume

Your resume must be submitted with your online application. Applicants who do not submit a resume will not be considered. Applicants can upload their resume through the application portal.

Please note: Your application will be incomplete and ineligible to move forward if you do not meet the minimum qualifications for 1 through 7.

Selection Process College Students

Applicants may request up to three (3) internship offerings. Placement of interviews will be based on 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 application process with the Port of Oakland. Please note that the selected applicants will be scheduled for only 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 interview. Please note that not all applicants will be selected for an interview, as we have a competitive process to ensure the best fit four our internship opportunities.

Program Operations

Selected interns are expected to commit to the entire internship period of June 9 to August 15, 2025. Consideration for start and end date accommodations will be given on a case-by-case basis.

Schedule

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