Basic Function

Professional learning experience in Communications where an undergraduate or graduate student participant gains practical work experience as a communications professional. Internships begin with orientation in June and conclude in early August. Position will work 20 hours per week. Specific duties vary depending on the assigned department and business need. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties Contributes to the Communication Department’s initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in content creation, publishing, and communication strategies. Assists with the production of the daily Blog Summary. Supports Strategic Communications activities such as content creation, METRO’s social media, public events, and public relation campaigns. Drafts press releases and media materials to support Media Relation efforts, ensuring timely and accurate distribution. Develops talking points and briefing documents for media interviews and speaking engagements. Contributes to departmental goals and objectives.    Suggests solutions to business issues and challenges. Attends and participates in meetings. Assists in functional and/or business analytics. Gathers and scrubs data for analysis and reports. Assists with client consulting and support. Assists with writing grants, procedures guide, presentations, training materials, etc. Contributes to a team-oriented atmosphere. Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers. Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

       Pay Rate:  $20 per hour

Education Requirement

Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or a recent graduate (within 1 year).
Degree program relative to intern assignments, such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related degree.

Years & Experience Required

Currently enrolled in an accredited education institution and have successfully completed 24 credit hours. 
GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale
 

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge relative to intern assignments, such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related degree.  Knowledge of PC’s and related software; MS Office.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.