Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

What would a typical day on the job be like?

What work would I do?

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity over the summer to jumpstart your Public Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Marketing, or Project Management career?

This internship in the Department of Development will be packed full of hands-on immersion to help you learn, develop, and start your career once you graduate with your degree. You will be working right alongside our Development team to assist with ongoing projects for the City.

Day to day, you will assist project staff with redevelopment efforts in various strategic areas of the City including the Southeast Community, Downtown, and Denbigh. You will participate in public meetings and civic engagement efforts and assist with various grants, marketing, distribution, fulfillment, and analysis efforts.

This internship will help you experience the inner workings of a very successful Development Department and understand its contribution to City Government. You will become familiar with the Economic Development Authority and the Industrial Development Authority. You will also participate in the HRACRE 2025 Internship Program as a sub-internship to gain exposure to the commercial real estate industry.

In addition to your day-to-day responsibilities, you will have exposure to the Development Department and will be able to learn as much as you are willing to invest in your internship over the summer.

How much money can I make?

The rate of pay for this internship will be $15–$20 per hour, based on education and experience. Typically, the rate is around $15 per hour for undergraduate students and $20 per hour for graduate students.

What type of schedule will I work, and how long will the internship be?

You will work approximately 35–40 hours per week. This is a paid internship that will run for about three months.

What type of degree program would be best suited for this internship?

Students currently enrolled in Public Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Marketing, Project Management, or a related degree program would see the most value from this internship. Graduate students will be top candidates for this opportunity.

What are the qualifications for this internship?

This internship requires knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You must be able to create and enter data into spreadsheets and databases. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with the public and other City employees are also required.