Oak Ridge is on the lookout for fresh-faced interns eager to gain some hands-on experience. The city's Spring 2025 internship program is officially open for applications, with a submission deadline set for October 31, 2025. This paid opportunity aims to provide valuable professional experiences for those immersed in their academic pursuits. With a start date of January 5, 2026, interns are expected to balance a workload of 20 to 30 hours per week, with their specific pay rate to ultimately be decided by the department they land in.
Flexibility is a prominent feature of the program, especially aimed at those trying to meticulously fit an internship into an already packed school schedule. With part-time options available, it's possible to tailor internship hours around academic commitments. To ease the initial transition, all interns will start off their journey with an orientation and be paired with a mentor. This dedicated individual will be responsible for familiarizing their interns with what’s expected in each specialized department, monitoring their progress, and conducting weekly feedback sessions.
According to the City of Oak Ridge's official announcement, "Interns can expect to complete between 20 and 30 hours each week." Moreover, while the usual work schedule is a daytime affair from Monday to Friday, there's room to accommodate those who may prefer to clock in during evenings or weekends. This aligns with the city's goal to harmoniously integrate work and study.
Prospective interns have the freedom to indicate which department they'd like to immerse themselves in. The city promises to place each applicant in an appropriate department where they can thrive and learn from seasoned professionals. For those interested in applying, detailed information and the application form are available on Oak Ridge's official website at OakRidgeTN.gov/Internships. Additionally, Oak Ridge has already set its sights forward with a summer internship program, which will begin to accept applications come December, featuring a schedule synced with Oak Ridge Schools' Summer Schedule.
For any lingering questions or further clarification, Human Resources Director Eric Ault has opened the lines of communication and can be reached at (865) 425-3564 or via email at [email protected]. Oak Ridge is clearly committed to cultivating the next generation of professionals, and its spring internship program is just a stepping stone toward that ambition.
