Salary: $17.00 - $21.00 Hourly
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 202600143
Department: HUMAN RESOURCES
Division: COC Collegiate Internships
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 101
DescriptionThis position performs responsible administrative, project management, media, technical and clerical duties in support of effective and efficient management of department functions; and performs related duties as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Interns will be placed in city departments based on their academic backgrounds and career interests, working on meaningful assignments that align with the City of Columbia's strategic initiatives. Interns will complete a capstone project, allowing them to apply their knowledge to a real-world municipal challenge and present their findings.
This program offers a unique an impactful learning experience.
This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds. Below are suggested majors paired with corresponding City of Columbia departments:
Government and Public Affairs:
- Majors: Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, and Criminal Justice
- Departments: City Manager's Office, Office of City Council, Legal, Columbia Police Department/Public Safety, and Municipal Courts
Business & Finance:
- Majors: Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Human Resources
- Departments: Office of Budget, Finance, Human Resources, Economic Development, and Procurement
Communications and Media:
- Majors: Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, and Graphic Design
- Departments: Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department, Community Development, Columbia Fire Department
Urban Planning & Sustainability:
- Majors: Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, Public Health
- Departments: Planning & Development, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation
Engineering and Infrastructure
- Majors: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management
- Departments: Public Works, Columbia Water (encompassing drinking water, wastewater, and storm water management)
Technology and Data Analytics:
- Majors: Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity and Information Science
- Departments: Information Technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Essential Job Functions- Receives and responds to inquiries and requests for assistance from stakeholders; explains City and department policies, procedures and programs to citizens and partners;
- Assists with organizing files;
- Reviews and assists with developing department literature;
- Maintains records and prepares reports;
- Assists with planning special events and programs for employees;
- Provides administrative support to assigned supervisor, performing such duties as scheduling and performing meetings and appointments, compiling data for reports and studies, composing and/or preparing routine and confidential reports and correspondence, etc.;
- Answers the telephone; provides accurate information to callers and/or forwards calls to appropriate personnel; takes messages as needed; greets and assists office visitors;
- Performs routine clerical work, including but not limited to preparing, typing, transmitting, copying and filing documents; sending and receiving faxes; entering and retrieving computer data; assembling materials; ordering supplies; processing daily mail; maintaining logs and lists, etc.;
- Completes special projects as assigned;
- Attends training, meetings, seminars, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
QualificationsMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:- High school diploma or GED;
- Some college required; must provide current college transcript or current proof of enrollment;
- Minimum GPA of3.0;
- Must have an interest in the department's core operation, or closely related field;
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office;
- Must have strong communication skills and problem solving skills;
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;
- Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
- Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
- Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
- Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
- Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
- Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; and
- Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.
The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
02
Are you a current college student or recent graduate?
03
Can you provide current college transcript or proof of enrollment?
04
Please indicate the department(s) you are interested in for your internship placement (e.g., Human Resources, Finance, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire, etc.).
05
What is your current degree program and major?
Required Question
