*Municipal Explorers Internship

Looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and get paid? The City of Allen's Municipal Explorers Internship Program is your gateway to a rewarding career in public service!

This 8-week paid internship provides real-world exposure to local government, allowing you to contribute to meaningful projects while learning from experienced professionals. Interns will have the chance to engage with various departments, develop essential workplace skills, and participate in exclusive networking and development opportunities.

• Public & Media Relations
• Human Resources - will rotate between other City departments

Application deadline is 5:00 PM Friday, May 2, 2025

The following duties are NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all listed duties and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Gain an understanding of and actively contribute to daily municipal operations by observing and participating in the day-to-day activities, providing valuable insights into the operational processes that drive local governance. An intern will also contribute to public service initiatives by engaging in outreach efforts, helping to promote awareness of city services, programs, and resources available to residents. This hands-on experience will prepare the intern for future careers in public service or related fields, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions.
• Support departmental operations by actively engaging in a variety of activities designed to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery within the department. By working closely with experienced team members, an intern will learn best practices in operational management, including resource allocation, task prioritization, and time management. Through these experiences, an intern will gain a deeper understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities within a municipal context.
• Strengthen academic knowledge and practical understanding by conducting comprehensive research, gathering, and analyzing data, and preparing insightful reports that support decision-making and enhance program development. Throughout this process, an intern will learn to organize information clearly, synthesize findings, and craft detailed reports with actionable recommendations. This hands-on experience not only deepens academic understanding but also builds essential skills in critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and professional reporting, which are invaluable for future academic and career success
• Engage with various city departments by attending meetings, observing professional practices, and contributing to discussions as appropriate. Through these interactions, an intern will gain firsthand exposure to departmental functions, workflows, and interdepartmental collaboration, providing a well-rounded understanding of how each area supports organizational goals.
• Implement and lead special projects or events. This involves planning, coordinating, and managing aspects of project execution, from setting objectives and timelines to overseeing resources. An intern will work closely with departmental representatives. An intern will gain hands-on experience in leadership and strategic planning, while also developing essential skills in communication, and problem-solving.

Education & Experience

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• High School diploma or equivalent, and enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university in the United States
• No prior relevant work experience is required.

The program is flexible to accommodate varying college internship requirements.

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Eligibility to work in the United States; the City of Allen does not sponsor work visas
• Valid Texas Class C Drivers License

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Skill In:

• Willingness to learn and contribute to the public sector
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Providing outstanding customer service and conflict resolution.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
• Reading and understanding City, State and Federal rules and regulations.
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with the public, vendors, and City employees.
• Effectively communicating in both oral and written format.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
• Depending on the department, the role may involve working outdoors in various weather conditions.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needed.