ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Economic Development Department
15 - 25 hours per week
$19.56 – $21.74 per hour – Master’s program
The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team!
ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting for a graduate degree level Economic Development College Summer Intern for the summer of 2026. If you’re a mission-driven graduate student or recent Masters graduate and are ready to apply advanced economic analysis to real-world community impact, then this opportunity is for you. This internship offers a rigorous, project-based experience designed specifically for Master’s-level candidates who want to contribute meaningfully to local and regional economic growth. This is not a passive observational role — you will be embedded in active initiatives, supporting strategic projects that influence business development, community vitality, and long-term economic resilience.
Over the course of the summer internship, you will support high impact economic development projects that require analytical depth, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. This opportunity is ideal for graduate students or recent graduates in Economics, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business or related fields of study who are eager to translate academic training into measurable community outcomes. By the end of this internship, you will walk away with practical, resume-enhancing experience that bridges graduate-level academics and professional economic development practice positioning you competitively for careers in economic development, public policy, municipal government, consulting, or community development!
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Economic Development team is a small, but might group that consists of a Director and Manager dedicated to strengthening and diversifying the local economy in Gilroy. The team focuses on business attraction, retention, expansion, and strategic partnerships that enhance the city’s economic vitality. Working closely with internal departments, community stakeholders, and regional partners, the team plays a central role in shaping initiatives that support sustainable growth. As an intern, you will work directly alongside leadership, gaining insight into how economic development strategy is crafted and executed at the municipal level.
WORK SCHEDULE
Internships can start as early as May 26, 2026, and end as late as September 30, 2026. This paid internship is offered at 15 - 25 hours per week with flexible scheduling. The office start and end date of the internship will be determined at the time of hire. Work hours are generally Monday – Friday between 8:00am – 5:00pm.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Conduct economic, demographic, and market data analysis
- Research industry trends, business climate conditions, and development opportunities
- Support business program development and evaluation
- Lease tracking and economic data management
- Support community engagement and outreach initiatives
- Project coordination and administrative support
- Assist with special strategic initiatives as assigned
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN & GAIN:
- Direct experience interpreting and applying economic and demographic data to inform business attraction and retention strategies
- Insight into how public-facing business programs are developed, implemented, and evaluated
- Exposure to cross-departmental and community collaboration
- Project coordination and management experience within a city government environment