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City intern says internship led to creation of first bicycle-infrastructure GIS and inspired interest in local government
Summary
A city intern described creating the municipality’s first GIS-based bicycle infrastructure map and contributing to an emergency-management plan and a community safety event. The intern said the experience convinced them to consider a career in local government and advised future interns to collaborate widely and stay organized.
An intern at the city described how a summer internship led to tangible projects and a renewed interest in public service. The intern said the role included contributing to the city’s comprehensive emergency management plan and building a GIS-based bicycle infrastructure map where no centralized data previously existed.
The internship ‘‘was super useful,’’ the intern said, adding that an earlier HR intern’s handbook helped them understand the job duties and responsibilities and made the position a ‘‘perfect fit’’ for their goals. They said the experience showed them how closely municipal government can work with the community, and outlined practical ways residents can engage: requesting public records, attending public hearings or council meetings, joining commissions or seeking elected office.
The intern described the bicycle-mapping project as a personal highlight. "Before I got here, the city never had GIS data for the bicycle infrastructure in the city," they said, noting that the dataset will be available for future planning and public use. The intern also said they were proud to have worked on the comprehensive emergency management plan and on a community safety week event.
On guidance for future interns, the intern emphasized cross-department collaboration and organization. "Be open about collaborating with as many different people and departments as you can," they said, and added that keeping lists and tracking small tasks was essential to managing responsibilities. They praised staff as ‘‘helpful and so friendly’’ and encouraged curiosity and asking questions.
Asked whether the internship made them consider working in local government, the intern answered affirmatively, saying the experience ‘‘really inspired me to want to work for local government in the future’’ and that opportunities in their field are in demand at the municipal level.
The interview ended with the intern reiterating that the practical skills and understanding of workplace processes gained during the internship are lasting takeaways.
