Student Internship

General Definition of Work

Are you ready to take your education beyond the classroom and gain real-world experience in local government? The City of Gastonia is seeking motivated students to join our internship program! As an intern, you’ll have the unique opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to meaningful projects that make a real impact on our community.

Under the guidance of experienced managers and department heads, you’ll tackle diverse assignments, develop professional skills, and gain invaluable insights into the workings of local government. This is more than just an internship—it’s your chance to kickstart your career, build your network, and make a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your passion into action.

Essential Functions/Duties

Specific duties will vary based on the department in which the intern is placed; however, there are core expectations that apply across most roles. The tasks outlined below are not exhaustive or exclusive but represent the general responsibilities expected. To ensure a fulfilling and productive internship, each individual must perform their assigned functions effectively. Additional tasks and responsibilities may be required as assigned.

• Actively seek knowledge and understanding of the organization, its industry, and relevant processes.
• Shadow professionals, attend meetings, and observe daily operations to gain hands-on insights.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues and supervisors, both verbally and in writing.
• Approach tasks with a proactive mindset, identify potential challenges, and propose constructive solutions.
• Exhibit a positive attitude, maintain punctuality, and adhere to workplace dress code and etiquette.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills, adapt to changing priorities, and handle unforeseen tasks.
• Collect and analyze data or resource materials to support the writing of papers and reports.
• Attend assigned meetings and work to gain a functional understanding of the topics discussed.
• Fulfill any academic requirements set by your educational institution as part of completing the internship.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must exhibit professional behavior and attitude and promote a professional team atmosphere
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Possess excellent customer service skills
• Possess a desire to learn about government, specifically local government, operations

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Student interns must be enrolled in an accredited academic institution
• Pursuing a degree related to the internship area you are applying for or demonstrating an interest in local government careers
• Actively enrolled college students are preferred

• Must be at least 18 years of age on, or before the start of the internship
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license
• Demonstrate a level of personal maturity

The physical activity of this position includes:

Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.

Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.

Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

The physical requirements of this position:

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Office Environment Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision

The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position:

None: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in a typical office or administrative work environment).

Drug screening and criminal background check are required.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.

The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective and unique identity.

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/H