Office of Economic Development Intern

Do you want to work in a fast-paced environment where major decisions about the City are made on a daily basis? Enjoy learning about new, innovative technologies and tools being created in Berkeley?  Like the idea of working with a wide range of local businesses?  Then the Office of Economic Development has an engaging internship position available for you.

The City of Berkeley Office of Economic Development (OED)’s mission is to assist businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and community organizations to access services, feel welcome in Berkeley, and thrive. OED provides assistance to new, growing and legacy businesses in Berkeley on topics such as: starting a business, commercial real estate, economic data, industry networks, outdoor commerce, financing, green business, and the local innovation ecosystem. OED also works closely with local and regional partners to support a vibrant economy that includes UC Berkeley, the Berkeley Lab, nine commercial districts, several award-winning theatre groups and trendsetting companies in fields from alternative energy to biotechnology to local food production. 

Duties and Tasks

This paid internship will involve a variety of assignments related to a range of economic development activities including business outreach, marketing and communications, field data collection and analysis, research, event planning, commercial district support, and more.

1. OED research and report preparation: Assist with quantitative and qualitative research to create and update OED reports, databases, and presentations that inform city policies and programs. Key responsibilities include collecting field data in key business districts for OED’s Commercial District and Economic Dashboards, which include analysis of storefront vacancy, employment and other economic indicators. (For examples of past OED reports, please view: https://berkeleyca.gov/doing-business/economic-development/economic-dashboards-and-reports)

2. Innovation ecosystem support: Support implementation of the Berkeley Startup Cluster (www.berkeleystartupcluster.com) workplan to make Berkeley a more vibrant, accessible and equitable place for startups to launch and grow. Help with related innovation sector communications, event promotion, and stakeholder outreach such as the Berkeley Startup Cluster monthly newsletter, ongoing social media posts, and Berkeley Startup Cluster website updates. Support the “Berkeley Ventures, Berkeley Values” campaign to help Berkeley’s innovation sector grow in a way that aligns with Berkeley’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), for example by recruiting local STEM companies to provide tours for Berkeley High School students interested in learning how their STEM skills apply to career pathways.

3. Support OED marketing initiatives: Conduct business outreach to understand and communicate the contributions that local businesses make to the City’s value and character. Design communications materials and help with marketing campaigns that support local shopping, community pride, and Berkeley business creation, expansion and retention. Examples include: the DiscoveredinBerkeley (www.discoveredinberkeley.com) business marketing campaign, Manufacturing Day events for the community to learn about local producers, and marketing and budget development for merchant-based business improvement districts.

4. Additional OED assistance: Provide assistance to ensure the efficient operation of OED’s day-to-day office needs and support for external events, as needed. Offer timely, thoughtful customer service to local businesses, investors, community organizations, artists, property owners, real estate brokers, business networks, and more.