Community Development InternAt — City of Lake Forest

Under general supervision, assists, participates in, and performs various administrative and basic analytical duties for various City departments; prepares and maintains a variety of documents; and performs a variety of administrative and clerical duties relative to assigned area of responsibility.

The objective of the City of Lake Forest’s internship program is to provide a meaningful training ground for individuals to gain work experience and to increase their ability to compete in the workforce in entry-level positions. 

Administrative and Analytical Support: Assist with various administrative tasks and basic analytical duties for City departments, enhancing organizational and analytical skills.
Data Research and Presentation: Research, evaluate, and present data clearly to department staff and the public, improving data analysis and communication abilities.
Project Participation: Engage in department studies and special projects, gaining hands-on experience in operational and procedural analysis.
Technical Skills Development: Utilize computer applications to manage data, update databases, and assist with website updates, enhancing technical proficiency.

Training:

General Employer Orientation (Mandatory): Interns will begin with a comprehensive orientation session to familiarize them with the City of Lake Forest’s policies, procedures, and organizational culture. This will include an overview of the various departments and their functions.
Weekly Scheduled One-on-One Mentor Meetings: Interns will have regular one-on-one meetings with their assigned mentor. These sessions will provide personalized guidance, feedback, and support, helping interns to set goals, track progress, and address any challenges they encounter.
Job Shadowing: Interns will have the opportunity to shadow experienced professionals within the City departments. This hands-on experience will allow them to observe and learn about the day-to-day operations and responsibilities of different roles.
Workshops/Skills Training: Interns will participate in workshops and training sessions designed to enhance specific skills relevant to their role. These may include training on data analysis, document management, communication skills, and other administrative tasks.
Provision of Work Samples: Interns will be provided with examples of completed work to help them understand the quality and standards expected. This will serve as a reference for them when completing their own tasks.
Overview/Contextualization of Assigned Tasks: Each task assigned to interns will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of its purpose and context within the larger scope of the department’s work. This will help interns understand the significance of their contributions.
Training Literature Reviews and Testing: Interns will have access to relevant literature and resources to deepen their understanding of community development and planning. Periodic testing or assessments may be conducted to evaluate their knowledge and progress.

Learning Outcomes:

Enhanced Administrative Skills: Interns will develop proficiency in performing various administrative tasks, such as preparing and maintaining documents, managing records, and handling clerical duties. This will improve their organizational and time-management abilities.
Analytical and Research Skills: Interns will gain experience in conducting basic analytical duties, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. This will enhance their ability to interpret data and make informed decisions, which is crucial for planning and development roles.
Professional Communication and Collaboration: Interns will learn to effectively communicate and collaborate with different City departments and stakeholders. This will improve their interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team, preparing them for future entry-level positions in the workforce.