Internships
Internships with the City of Long Beach provide valuable hands-on experience while offering a glimpse into the many career paths within local government. Whether through paid or youth internships, specialized opportunities in health, sustainability, public safety, or utilities, or even informal placements, interns gain practical skills, build professional networks, and explore the diverse ways they can contribute to their community. These opportunities not only support career development but also help participants decide if a future in public service is the right fit.Internship Information
The City Manager's Paid Internship Program has been developed to provide college and university of graduate students with the opportunity to gain both academic and practical experience working in local government. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the City of Long Beach and the exceptional services it provides to the community. The Internship Program runs year-round. Learn more about our Internship Programs
Are you under 18 and looking for career exploration experience? Access youth internships through longbeach.gov/youthservices, or visit the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center at 508 W Willow St. Long Beach, CA 90806. To speak to a Youth Employment specialist, call (562) 570-4700.
The Long Beach Police Department, in partnership with the Department of Criminal Justice of California State University of Long Beach, offers a limited number of internships each year. College students who must complete an internship as part of their academic requirements and who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement are invited to apply for the non-paid internship positions. Learn more about the Law Enforcement Internship Program Page.
Internships are a great way to learn more about the goods movement industry while acquiring valuable workplace skills. Many Port partners offer internships to high school and college students. Learn More
One internship will be offered each semester and interns will have the opportunity to gain insight into how local government implements model sustainability programs while sharpening their writing, presentation, analysis and critical thinking skills under the supervision of leaders in the sustainability field. This non-paying internship is open to applicants who have at least a 3.0 GPA, have at least a junior standing and are pursuing a degree in Environmental Science/Policy, Public Administration/Policy, Business, Planning or related field (graduate students welcome). Learn More
Long Beach Water Department, in partnership with Pacific Gateway, provides valuable and high-quality paid internship opportunities to college students within the water industry. Internships have been available in Engineering, Finance, Water Quality, Warehouse, Water Operations, Emergency Preparedness/Security, Facilities Maintenance and Fleet Services departments at Long Beach Water. Internships are offered year-round for a minimum of 8 weeks. Learn More
Other City departments may sometimes be open to informal internships from students looking to get some experience. Students are encouraged to contact the department directly to inquire about these opportunities. Before you make the contact, however, you should do some research on what that department does and what you can learn from working in that department. Once you identify a potential department or an area in that department, you should tailor your cover letter and resume to express why you want to intern with the department (your area of interest), what you hope to learn and what you have to offer. Specify if you are looking for a paid or unpaid internship (don't specify an hourly rate), how many hours you can commit to each week and how long you can commit (typically six to eight weeks). Make sure you specify a date range and that your resume highlights your education in the area you are interested in. Please note that most of these informal internships will be unpaid but it's a great way to get experience.
Other City departments may sometimes be open to informal internships from students looking to get some experience. Students are encouraged to contact the department directly to inquire about these opportunities. Before you make the contact, however, you should do some research on what that department does and what you can learn from working in that department. Once you identify a potential department or an area in that department, you should tailor your cover letter and resume to express why you want to intern with the department (your area of interest), what you hope to learn and what you have to offer. Specify if you are looking for a paid or unpaid internship (don't specify an hourly rate), how many hours you can commit to each week and how long you can commit (typically six to eight weeks). Make sure you specify a date range and that your resume highlights your education in the area you are interested in. Please note that most of these informal internships will be unpaid but it's a great way to get experience.
Contact Us
Talent Acquisition Help Desk
562-570-7008
HR-TalentAcquisition@longbeach.gov
