To qualify, internship applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled at a 2- or 4-year college or university OR
- A recent graduate of a 4-year college or university with plans to matriculate in a master’s or higher degree program related to the work area of the internship
You MUST meet the criteria specified for the open internship to be considered. Please be prepared to furnish documentation such as transcripts or other evidence of school enrollment if requested.
Applications are accepted for the Summer Entry program beginning in February, and for the Winter Entry program beginning in September. You can apply online at www.polb.com/internshipapplication. Deadlines will be posted on the application page.
Submissions are reviewed and interviews scheduled for a select number of candidates based on available positions. Summer Entry selections are made in or around April. Winter Entry selections are made in or around November. Selected candidates then go through the Port’s onboarding process that includes a reference check, Live Scan fingerprinting, a medical exam, and taking the City of Long Beach’s oath of allegiance.
Work schedules depend on the needs of the hiring division and the interns’ availability. Typically, hours can range from 20 to 39 hours per week, and the internship may last for 3 to 12 months. In some cases, an internship may be extended beyond 12 months, but it may not be longer than 24 months.
The Port of Long Beach internships provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience in specific disciplines. Interns receive initial orientation and are given opportunities to learn about Port operations beyond their primary duties.
There are also special workshops on a variety of topics, including career development, job search and interviewing skills and resume preparation.
Interns attend Board of Harbor Commissioner meetings and have opportunities throughout their stay to meet Port and industry executives.
