http://www.sfmta.com

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

Student Design Trainee I

May - July 2022 • San Francisco, CA

What I liked

I really liked all the work I got to do and how I got to crate actual change in the San Francisco community. I never felt like I was doing typical intern things (i.e. getting coffee, doing busy work for others). I loved getting to do field work and research and seeing how the two overlap. Every Friday was also a great experience because the SFMTA gets all the interns together for seminars and field trips. I got to know the other interns and learned about the different work done by the SFMTA. My coworkers were very nice and eager to teach me new things and wanted me to feel included.

What I wish was different

I wished that there had been more organization and communication from the agency prior to the internship. Their emails and information leading up to the start of the internship seemed pretty disorganized.

Advice

Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself and ask questions. While you are interning there, try out lots of new things. The SFMTA does a lot of different work, and you can learn a lot about many different fields all at this one agency, which is pretty unique.
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Student design trainee

May 2019 • San Francisco, CA

What I liked

Being able to learn about different aspects of the city.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

If you’re a transfer student this a great way of learning more about the city
2 ${count} people found this helpful

Student Trainee

June 2019 • San Francisco, CA

What I liked

This summer I was fortunate to be working in one of the leading transportation authorities of the west coast, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. I became acquainted with the small but hard working Signal Projects team, where I learned all the factors that go into designing or upgrading an traffic intersection. I loved how kind and knowledge my supervisors were and I built up a strong camaraderie with my fellow co-interns. I enjoyed the progressive work environment and the high standard my colleagues held themselves to in providing more efficient and equitable mobility services to the citizens of San Francisco.

What I wish was different

During my summer, I was lucky enough to sublease an apartment in San Francisco. However, I still wish for more affordable housing for the residents that need to stay in the area year round. The rental prices range from two to four times the amount I pay in Davis.

Advice

Join the Institute of Transportation Engineers! I learned so much from that organization that I believe it was what helped me gain my internship.
8 ${count} people found this helpful

Electrical Engineering Intern

June - September 2018 • San Francisco, CA

What I liked

I liked the people and the environment at SFMTA.

What I wish was different

I wish that I could have been there longer to learn more about the work culture.

Advice

Talk and network to as many people as you can to learn new things.
2 ${count} people found this helpful