Introduction
MWRD's Internship Program offers paid internship positions. While the main focus is on wastewater management, there are opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of functions in each department.
Paid Interns
Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year and receive $18.00 per hour.
Required Documents:
- Letter of recommendation from a class instructor, professor, or Internship Coordinator from current school or university.
- Cover letter stating interest in position.
- Resume.
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 school year.
- Permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD (students may attend school outside the territorial boundaries).
- You must be a citizen or national of the United States, or an individual who is otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.
Candidates are required to submit the Online Internship Application, cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation through MWRD’s Online Employment Center.
Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.
MWRD's Internship Program offers paid internship positions. While the main focus is on wastewater management, there are opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of functions in each department.
Paid Interns
Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year and receive $18.00 per hour. They do not receive benefits or paid days off.
Required Documents:
- Letter of recommendation from a class instructor, professor, or Internship Coordinator from current school or university.
- Cover letter stating interest in position.
- Resume.
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 school year.
- Permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD (students may attend school outside the territorial boundaries).
- You must be a citizen or national of the United States, or an individual who is otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.
Candidates are required to submit the Online Internship Application, cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation through MWRD’s Online Employment Center.
Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.
Minimum Requirements
Position Title:
Diversity Intern
Department:
General Administration
Location:
Main Office Building
111 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Description:
The Diversity Section is seeking a motivated and dynamic summer intern to
join our team. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to support
critical diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives while gaining valuable
experience in event planning, contract compliance, certification, and advocacy.
The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, and excited to engage with
the public and collaborate in a team environment. The Diversity Intern will
work under the supervision of the Diversity Administrator.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in
planning and preparation for the 2025 Small Business Summit, including
event logistics, outreach, and day-of coordination.
- Learn the
fundamentals of contract compliance, certification processes, and advocacy
and outreach efforts.
- Draft
correspondence related to the Small Business Summit including press
releases, emails, and other communications.
- Manage
communications using platforms such as Eventbrite, Constant Contact, and
Canva.
- Contribute to
marketing efforts, including creating promotional materials and assisting
with social media posts.
- Engage with the
public, answering questions, providing guidance, and fostering positive
connections.
- Draft and edit
documents, presentations, and reports using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint).
- Make outreach
phone calls to businesses, stakeholders, and community partners as needed.
- Provide general
administrative support to the Diversity team.
Qualifications:
- Strong writing
and communication skills, with the ability to create clear, compelling,
and professional content.
- Proficiency in
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity
with platforms such as Eventbrite, Constant Contact, and Canva is
preferred.
- Excellent
interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team
environment and independently.
- Comfortable
engaging with the public, including making phone calls and responding to
inquiries.
- Strong
organizational skills, good judgment, and attention to detail.
- Creativity and
a friendly, approachable demeanor.
Preferred Skills and Attributes:
- Experience or
interest in event planning, marketing, or community engagement.
- A proactive
attitude with a willingness to take on challenges and learn new skills.
- Ability to
manage multiple tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
This internship provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to
initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion while developing key
professional skills.
Diversity
interns will gain:
- Event Management Skills: Gain real-world experience
in organizing and executing a large-scale event, from conceptual planning
to post-event evaluation.
- Contract Compliance Basics: Develop an understanding of
how contracts are monitored for inclusivity goals, including affirmative
action requirements and apprenticeship standards.
- Certification Process: Learn the steps involved in
certifying businesses, including document review and verification
processes.
- Outreach & Advocacy
Strategies:
Understand how to effectively promote resources to businesses, build
relationships with stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of
diversity and inclusion goals.
- Professional Communication: Enhance writing and verbal
communication skills by drafting a variety of materials, including
correspondence, press releases, and promotional content.
- Technical Skills: Build expertise with
software tools like Eventbrite, Constant Contact, Canva, and Microsoft
Office, widely used in professional settings.
- Public Engagement: Develop confidence in
engaging with the public, making presentations, and representing the
Diversity team in a professional capacity.
- Team Collaboration: Gain insight into working
effectively as part of a team, participating in brainstorming sessions,
sharing ideas, and supporting group initiatives.
- Critical Thinking &
Problem-Solving:
Hone your ability to analyze situations, prioritize tasks, and make
informed decisions while managing multiple responsibilities.
Educational Requirements:
Applicants must be a current graduate or undergraduate student seeking a degree.