Internships

Get Your Career Moving with Metro!

The Metro Internship Program (MIP) offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students an opportunity to gain practical work experience through a paid/unpaid internship related to their academic field of study.

The MIP program provides an opportunity for students to learn about the transportation industry while applying classroom theories and concepts to “real-world” work situations at the nation’s third largest public transportation agency.

As a Metro college intern, students can take advantage of gaining invaluable work experience in a wide variety of fields including graphic design, urban planning, human resources, marketing research, transportation operations, media relations, training and administration.

MIP intern assignments are reviewed every six months by the hiring department and an intern has an opportunity to work up to a maximum of two years in his/her assignment. A college intern can submit a Metro application with resume and cover letter at any time.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Metro Internship Program, applicants must be officially enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning with a minimum of 12 units for an undergraduate program or a minimum of 6 units for a graduate program.

In addition, the college intern must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for those enrolled in an undergraduate program of study or maintain a 3.0 for those enrolled in a graduate program of study.

An applicant must be a citizen or a legal resident of the U.S. and be eligible to work in this country as laid-out in U.S. Immigration laws.

Terms and Conditions

An internship at Metro can be a either paid or unpaid and does not guarantee full time employment with the agency when the internship is completed.

Metro does not provide benefits, vacation pay, holiday pay, or overtime pay for interns and all MIP participants must adhere to Metro’s dress code and observe all safety rules and regulations at all times.

All prospective interns are subject to Metro’s standard pre-employment screening process, which includes a criminal background check and a drug/alcohol toxicity test prior to being approved to participate in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still apply for a Metro internship after graduation?
A: Yes, if you are enrolled in an accredited graduate or postgraduate program.

Q: Can I drop all my classes during my internship at Metro?
A: No. Should you drop out of school your internship will be terminated.

Q: Can I continue my internship with less than the required 2.5 or 3.0 cumulative GPA?
A: No, interns must maintain the required cumulative GPA at all times.

Q: Can I enroll in less than 12 units as an undergraduate student or less than 6 units as a graduate student?
A: Yes, you can if you are near completion of your academic program.

Q: Can Metro provide me with a U.S. work permit or visa?
A: No, Metro does not provide or offer immigration services.

Q: Do I have to be a citizen to be eligible for internship at Metro?
A: No, students who are eligible to work in the U.S. under federal Immigration laws can apply for a Metro internship.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for a Metro Internship?
A: There is no deadline. You can apply for a Metro internship assignment at any time.

Q: What is the best way to apply for the Metro Internship Program?
A: While e-mail is preferred, you can also either mail or fax your resume and cover letter to the office of the Metro Internship Program Coordinator. You can also access an application online.

Q: What is the procedure for extending my internship at Metro?
A: A decision to extend an internship assignment can only be made by the hiring department.

Q: How often is an internship extended?
A: An internship can be extended twice a year in June and December up to the two year maximum.

Q: How long is a Metro Internship?
A: A Metro Internship is six months long and can last up to two years.

Q: Am I obligated to stay for the whole period?
A: No, you are not obligated to stay for the whole period, and you can choose to leave at any time. Metro will request a two-week notification.

Q: Does Metro provide employment and health benefits for interns?
A: No.

Q: Do interns get paid for over time, vacation, and holidays?
A: No.

Q: Can interns ride Metro’s transit system for free?
A: Yes, all interns receive a valid employee badge that permits them to ride the Metro transit system free.

Q: Can interns take on part-time jobs while working at Metro?
A: Yes, as long as the part-time job does not conflict with their Metro internship.

Application and Contact Information

Applicants can forward their resume with a cover letter to:

Metro Internship Program Coordinator
OD&T Department, M/S 99-4-6
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012

 E-mail: Internships@metro.net
 Fax: 213.922.5259