2025 Summer Internship
2024 Application Period Closed
Job Descriptions and Q&A Page: TBD 2025
Check back in December 2024 for updates on the 2025 internship program.
About the Program
The Summer Internship Program is held from mid-June to mid-August. Internship opportunities will be available in various Port divisions and departments, including Aviation; Communications; Community Relations; Contract Compliance; Engineering; Environmental Programs & Planning; Governmental Affairs; Human Resources; Information Technology; Maritime; Planning & Development; and Social Responsibility.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including MS Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel is required.
- CALPERS
Hired interns are subject to verification that they have no prior membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS).
- 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.
- 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.
- Resume
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 for 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. Not all applicants who are interviewed will be offered an internship.
Program Operations
Selected interns are expected to commit to the entire internship period (TBD 2025) Consideration for start and end date accommodations will be given on a case-by-case basis.
Locations:
Port of Oakland Main Office
530 Water Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Oakland International Airport
1 Airport Drive Oakland, CA 94621
Aviation Facilities
8500 Earhart Road
Oakland, CA 94621
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.
Compensation
College interns will receive an hourly wage of $25. Sick leave and holidays, such as Independence Day, are not paid.
High School Students – Program Paused
The Port of Oakland is redesigning its high school internship program and may resume the program in 2026.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Summer Internship Program, please email: [email protected]
