Digital & Workforce Skills Intern

The Future Ready: Digital & Workforce Skills Academy is a workforce development and experiential learning initiative designed to prepare emerging talent for an increasingly digital and technology-enabled workplace. Through a combination of workplace readiness, digital skills development, CliftonStrengths, artificial intelligence (AI) awareness, instructional design, and facilitation training, participants will develop both the technical and human skills needed to navigate the future of work.

Program Objectives

• For interns to build workplace readiness
• To develop digital workplace fluency
• To develop AI and future-of-work awareness
• To identify and leverage individual strengths
• To develop facilitation and instructional skills
• To apply skills through experiential learning
• To develop the ability to transfer knowledge
• To develop a future-focused professional identity

Timeline

• Deadline to apply: September 20th, 2026
• Deadline to interview: October 9th, 2026
• Deadline to complete background check with Personnel Department: October 30th, 2026
• Deadline to complete and submit New Hire paperwork: December 15th, 2026
• January 4th-15th, 2027: Onboarding and training
• M-F 9am-5pm (Mondays and Wednesdays in person, T, Th, F virtual)
• January 19th-February 26th, 2027: Must be available at least 10 hours per week to conduct workshops, tutorials, and drop-in sessions for digital and workforce skills
• March 1st-April 2nd, 2027: Optional paid participation in Youth Service Corps conference, preparation for interviews, and potential internship extension in other departments, with a chance to work up to 40 hours per week during Spring Break

Overview

The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands-on experience related to their career interests or area of study.

Example Of Duties

• Assisting with planning events
• Conducting research
• Collecting and analyzing data
• Assisting with projects
• Preparing reports and presentations
• Attending internal and external stakeholders' meetings
• Field work

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 15 ½ years of age or older
• Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States
• Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role
• Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program

Compensation & Benefits

Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds. Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant’s education level. Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance. Will participate in the City’s Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS). Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services). Will accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).