City Of Columbia Collegiate Academy Summer 2026

JOB SUMMARY

This 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).

• 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. 

MINIMUM 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 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.