Intern, Internal Communications

Octa; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

OCTA is seeking a College Intern in Internal Communications in Santa Ana, CA. You will help craft engaging written and visual content for employees across the agency, supporting HR, operations, safety, wellness, and development initiatives.

You will gain hands-on experience with writing, photography, graphic design, presentations, and event planning while collaborating with seasoned communications professionals and building a portfolio of work that informs and connects OCTA's workforce.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college.
• GPA of 2.5 or higher required.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Interest in photography, design, or visual storytelling.
• Experience with event planning is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing internal communications for employees across OCTA.
• Create and edit content for digital and print communications.
• Support communications related to employee engagement, HR, operations, safety and security, wellness, belonging, and learning and development.
• Assist with photography, graphics, presentations, and other creative content that helps communicate agency programs and initiatives.
• Help develop communications for employees in diverse environments, including OCTA’s bus bases.
• Support the planning, coordination, promotion, and execution of employee events and engagement activities.
• Assist with preparing event materials, presentations, and other supporting resources.
• Gather information and collaborate with departments to develop timely and relevant communications.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Photography

Graphic design

Presentations

Event planning

Content creation

Education

Pursuing undergraduate degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Canva

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job DescriptionCollege Intern - Internal CommunicationsJoin OCTA as a College Intern and gain hands-on experience creating communications and experiences that inform, engage, and connect employees across the agency. As part of the Internal Communications team, you’ll help bring OCTA’s values, priorities, and programs to life through impactful communications, creative content, information sharing, and employee events.Under direct supervision, you will support the development and delivery of internal communications in both digital and print formats, with a focus on human resources, operations, safety and security, wellness, belonging, and learning and development. You’ll have the opportunity to use your writing, photography, graphic design, presentation, and event planning skills while bringing fresh ideas to help enhance the employee experience across OCTA, including employees working at our bus bases.OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real-world experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of experienced professionals while developing your communication, problem-solving, creative, and organizational skills. You will also benefit from mentorship, career development, and opportunities to build your professional network.The pay range is $20.00 – $23.00 per hour, depending on education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours per week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.What You’ll DoAssist with developing engaging internal communications for employees across OCTA.Create and edit written and visual content for digital and print communications.Support communications related to employee engagement, human resources, operations, safety and security, wellness, belonging, and learning and development.Assist with photography, graphics, presentations, and other creative content that helps communicate agency programs and initiatives.Help develop communications that effectively reach employees working in a variety of environments, including OCTA’s bus bases.Support the planning, coordination, promotion, and execution of employee events and engagement activities.Assist with preparing event materials, presentations, communications, and other supporting resources.Gather information and collaborate with departments throughout the agency to develop timely and relevant employee communications.Contribute fresh ideas and creative approaches to improve internal communications and employee engagement.Provide administrative and project support to the Internal Communications team as needed.What We’re Looking ForCurrently enrolled full-time college student (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Graphic Design, Business Administration, or a related field.Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.Creativity and an interest in developing communications that inform, inspire, and engage employees.Experience or interest in photography, graphic design, presentations, or visual storytelling.Experience or interest in event planning and coordination.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Canva or similar design tools preferred.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.Attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, professional communications.Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable bringing forward new ideas.Why You’ll Love It HereGain hands-on experience in internal communications and employee engagement.Build a portfolio of writing, digital content, graphics, photography, presentations, and other communications.Help create programs and communications that reach employees throughout the agency.Gain experience planning and supporting employee events and engagement initiatives.Work alongside experienced communications professionals on meaningful projects.Bring your creativity and fresh ideas to projects that directly influence the employee experience.Build your professional network through mentorship and collaboration with teams across OCTA.Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued. Apply now to gain meaningful communications experience and help create an informed, connected, and engaged OCTA workforce.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.