Internships

The Port of Seattle's Internship Program, started in 1963, offers a number of student internships each year. The internship program is designed to provide qualified candidates with meaningful work experience to supplement and enhance their academic programs. In return, the Port derives the full benefit of the students' capabilities to assist in normal work activities and/or with special projects and events. In addition, the internships enable students to establish effective working relationships with professional staff, which may be beneficial to their future career development.

Current Openings

Some 2008 Port Summer Interns

Types of internships

We offer undergraduate, graduate and high school student internships.

The number, level and content of internships vary each year. We have internships in a variety of departments including, but not limited to, Accounting, Airfield Operations, Aviation Planning, Construction Management, Engineering, Environmental, Finance & Budget, Health & Safety, Marketing, Seaport Planning and Survey Services.

Most internships are scheduled for full-time work in the summer with possible part-time work during the academic year. These are paid internships. The rates are based on the type of internship, amount of experience, and year in school.

How to apply

Recruiting

We only accept applications for stated positions. See Current Openings. Employment opportunities are updated every Friday evening.

Recruiting for most undergraduate and graduate student internships starts in late January to early February. Deadlines for applications are printed in the job listings. Apply early! If you’re a high school student interested in interning at the Port of Seattle, ask your high school counselor to contact the Intern Coordinator about our Program. High school students follow a modified application process and as such, internship postings for high school students are not posted online.

College Internship and Graduate Internship listings are sent to all major four-year universities in Washington State and Seattle-area community colleges. The listings should be posted in the main Career Center at the universities and colleges.

Eligibility

Students will be considered for internships at the Port of Seattle consistent with specific qualifications described in each posted job opportunity.

Qualified interns are:

a. Currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree. Students can intern up to three months past their graduation date. In some cases, students may be enrolled in technical certificate programs in particular fields relevant to the Port's business objectives. We will accept applications from students who have recently completed undergraduate degree work and are enrolling in a graduate degree program for the following academic year.
b. Considering a profession related to some aspect of the Port's business objectives. Generally, interns should be advanced enough in their educational programs to have begun taking courses in a field related to their work at the Port. However, in some cases previous work experience or education may substitute for current academic placement.
c. Willing to participate in intern activities organized by Human Resources and Development, and interested in seeking information about the Port and its business objectives that may not be directly related to the internship project.

Intern Activities and Events

Various interactive and social activities will be available during the Intern Season to promote Interns’ learning and increase their exposure to various aspects of the Port. There will also be outreach opportunities such as environmental clean-up projects to give Interns a taste of social responsibility and commitment to the environment. The Intern Coordinator will design, coordinate and/or facilitate these activities.