Gain experience in the planning field, with a focus on multimodal transportation
The MIC offers two paid internships per year. Our goal is to provide a valuable learning experience by building on the knowledge and skills acquired in academic courses while gaining work experience in a professional office setting.
Now Accepting Applications for 2018 Spring and Fall Internships
DEADLINE MONDAY DECEMBER 11, 2017
We are seeking applicants for two paid student internships (one for the upcoming Spring semester, beginning in January, and one for the following Fall semester, beginning in August).
See the “To Apply” tab, above, for application instructions.
Interns work closely with MIC staff in preparing plans and studies for multiple modes of transportation including roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, transit, harbor and freight.
Interns also will have the opportunity to engage in staff discussions and to observe how agencies, working groups and members of the public interact as part of community planning processes.
Candidates must be enrolled in good standing at a university or college as an undergraduate or graduate student during the semester of the internship. To be eligible for a MIC internship, you must be able to:
– Register for internship credits through a university or college program and provide verification of enrollment;
– Commit to a semester-length internship;
– Work 15-20 hours per week during Spring or Fall semester.
See ‘To Apply’ tab for information about the hiring process.
Tasks
Depending on the time of year and current work program, intern work may include:
Data collection – through online surveys, field observations of traffic movements, manual counts of bicycles and pedestrians, handheld GPS
Data entry and analysis – using Excel, Survey Monkey, basic ArcGIS
Research – on topics in support of planning projects
Writing – memos, reports, plan chapters, meeting minutes, using Word, Powerpoint, Publisher, Adobe PDF
Meetings – assisting with and/or attending scheduled meetings with policy board, advisory committees, local jurisdictions, agencies and working groups
Social Media – posting relevant content to the MIC’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and OpenMIC blog
Presentations (optional) – committee updates and status reports, Powerpoints
Learning Outcomes
Interns will have the opportunity to learn and improve in the following topic and skill areas:
Socio-economic Input Data in Travel Demand Modeling
Networking and Interpersonal Skills
Government Agency Coordination and Collaboration
Consensus Building
Computer Software – Microsoft Office Suite and ESRI ArcMap
Problem Solving
Public Participation
Basic Geographic Information System Theory and Applications
Accepting Applications through Monday, December 11, 2017
The application process is managed by the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (the MIC is a division of ARDC). The following application materials are required:
– Cover letter summarizing your background, experience and interest in this internship;
– Resume describing your education and related coursework, and your work/volunteer/extracurricular experience;
– By email to Mary Zanoni, Human Resource Manager (email link at right)
– By mail to ARDC, Attn: Human Resource Manager, 221 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802
– In person at 221 West First Street, downtown Duluth (M-F, 8:00 am–4:30 pm)
– By fax at (218) 529-7592
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date. If selected for an interview, we will contact you. Please keep us updated with any address/phone number changes.
Interviews
Selected candidates will be invited to interview with MIC staff. Successful applicants will be able to describe how their work experience, extracurricular activities and/or college coursework have helped to develop these needed competencies and interests:
Good verbal and written communication skills
Self-motivated to work both independently and in a collaborative work setting
Ability to interact in a professional office setting
Detail oriented, good organizational skills
Ability to balance multiple projects and adaptable, when necessary,
Interest in transportation and planning in general and in this internship specifically
Typical questions that may be asked in the interview include:
What’s your understanding of what the MIC is, and what we do?
How has your education prepared you for this internship?
How has your work experience prepared you for this internship?
What are you hoping to gain from this internship?
Describe your experience working in teams and with groups on projects?
Describe your experience using social media – personally, and on behalf of a group or organization.
Describe your computer and technology skills (equipment, software, level of expertise).
What experience have you had in writing reports, business letters and/or memos?
What are your career plans?
Summarize: why should we hire you for this internship?
