College Intern - Public Information OfficeAt — Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)

OCTA is seeking a motivated Public Information Intern to support media relations, content creation, and communication efforts that help inform and engage the community about key transportation initiatives. Under direct supervision, you will perform a variety of professional entry-level duties related to your major field of study and the sponsoring department's current business operations. As a College Intern, you will be exposed to OCTA's career opportunities in the transportation industry. You will gain deeper awareness of transportation's many facets through your OCTA orientation, projects and teams, and internal networking.

OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real world work experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of a transportation professional. You will have the opportunity to use problem solving, communication and decision-making skills as you gain valuable work experience. You will also work with a mentor and benefit from career counseling.

The pay range is from $19.00 - $22.00 per hour depending on your education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12 month period.

This posting will remain open until filled.

What You’ll Do

• Draft press releases, develop key messages, and research reporter inquiries.

• Manage media contacts, update calendars, and compile daily media reports.

• Prepare press kits and support press conferences, presentations, PowerPoints, and event logistics.

• Create social media content aligned with OCTA’s messaging and public relations goals.

• Schedule and monitor posts for consistency and timeliness.

• Track engagement metrics to improve strategy and reach.

• Perform other assigned duties.

What We’re Looking For

• Full-time student pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

• Strong writing and verbal communication skills; familiarity with AP writing style.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, social media platforms; design/photo experience a plus.

• Ability to research, analyze information, critique professional documents, and take on increasing responsibilities.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines.

• Professional demeanor and collaborative, can-do attitude.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Hands-on experience in media relations, public information, and communications strategy.

• Opportunities to develop professional writing, content creation, and project management skills.

• A supportive team environment that values creativity, learning, and teamwork.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.
 

Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Task:

- Assist the Public Information team in drafting press releases, developing key message points, and researching inquiries from reporters.
- Manage media contacts, maintain and update calendars, and compile daily media reports for distribution.
- Prepare press kits and support press conferences, presentations, PowerPoints, and event planning.
- Assist in developing social media content that aligns with OCTA’s messaging and public relations goals.
- Schedule and monitor posts to ensure timely and consistent messaging across platforms.
- Track engagement metrics to help refine strategies and improve reach.
- Perform other duties assigned. 

Training:

This internship includes a new employee orientation as well as on-the-job training in public relations and public outreach. The internship also includes regular one-on-one mentor meetings, job shadowing, skills training and opportunities to participate in an intern development academy. The intern will learn the principles and practices of public communications, social media and the media relations field, as well as methods and techniques used in communicating with the public, media and internal audiences.

Learning Outcome:

- Create multimedia content such as photos, videos, graphics and text to support OCTA’s public outreach efforts.
- Implement initiatives and campaigns that assist in advancing OCTA as a transportation leader.
- Develop a variety of informational, educational and corporate communication pieces.
- Cultivate an understanding of transportation trends by monitoring industry news, as well as OCTA’s projects and programs.
- Monitor actions taken by OCTA’s Board of Directors and positively and proactively distribute updates to key stakeholders.