Metropolitan Council Internships: Requirements and Opportunities

The Metropolitan Council (Met Council) offers a variety of internship programs designed to provide students and individuals with valuable experience in public service. These internships cater to diverse interests and skill sets, offering opportunities to contribute to the Twin Cities metropolitan area in meaningful ways. The Met Council values its employees and provides them with the resources they need to succeed, including training, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and excellent benefits.

Met Scholars Program

The Met Scholars Program, formerly known as Urban Scholars, is a leadership and professional development program aimed at introducing students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to the public sector. It provides a distinctive professional experience focused on gaining essential skills and building a resume-worthy career pathway.

Program Details:

Runs each Friday during June, July, and August of 2025.
Provides an understanding of the Metropolitan Council’s work in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Offers education and experience in applying an equity lens to public sector work.
Focuses on learning the foundations of leadership and professional development.
Provides high-quality, resume-building work experience.
Offers guidance and opportunities to grow a meaningful professional network.

Previous Met Scholar projects have included:

Conducting research and creating recommendations to address health equity issues within transit operations.
Creating an inventory of Transit Oriented Development case studies and best practices to be used by local planners.
Reviewing and compiling Local Water Supply Plans from 2006-08 and 2016-2018 to improve water infrastructure for the 186 communities in the metro area.

Metro Transit Police Department Internship

As a Met Scholar intern for the Metro Transit Police Department, you will have the opportunity to work within law enforcement and learn how important video evidence is to criminal cases and daily operations. You will learn the role civilians hold in supporting officers as well as gain knowledge of multiple video systems and law enforcement programs. Metro Transit Police Department is committed to building bridges with the communities we serve and developing interns beyond schooling and to make their programs a fun experience that encourages growth and future opportunities. You will have the ability to shadow and work with other units within MTPD, including a police ride along. Over the course of the internship there will be several events and outreach opportunities for you to participate in. Lastly, you will be paired with a mentor throughout the duration of your internship to develop professional connections and networking skills.

Internship Information:

Length: Summer only
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) June - August. Monday - Thursday in the Metro Transit Police Department and Met Scholars programming on Fridays.
Start Date: 06/09/2025
Location: 560 N 6th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

General Internship Experience at the Metropolitan Council

A 2025 Internship with the Metropolitan Council entails on-the-job training and mentoring along with participation in team projects, social events, and professional development. Interns will receive the opportunity to build professional relationships and enhance their interpersonal skills.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process for Metropolitan Council internships typically involves the following steps:

Review of minimum qualifications.
Rating of education and experience.
A structured panel interview.
If new to the Metropolitan Council, a drug test (safety-sensitive positions only) and a background check verifying education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

Important Considerations:

Making a false statement or withholding information may result in being barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer, committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region. Persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I submit a resume in place of completing the application?
- A: No. You must complete the application process using the Metropolitan Council’s online system.
Q: Do I have to complete all sections of the application?
- A: Yes. In order for your application to be considered, you must fully complete all sections of the application, even if you have similar information in your resume. The application is the primary source of information in determining whether a candidate meets the qualifications of a position.
Q: Can I fax or email my application?
- A: No.
Q: Can I mail my application?
- A: No.
Q: Does the Metropolitan Council offer veterans' preference points?
- A: Yes. Eligible veterans who wish to claim veterans' preference may receive additional points after the oral exam score. To be eligible for veteran preference points, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing years of service and type of discharge in order to be considered for veterans' preference.
Q: Can I update my application after I submit it?
- A: Yes. Applicants may resubmit an application anytime before the closing date (as stated on the job posting) and 24 hours after a previous submission. The application submitted most recently will be considered.
Q: Can I submit an application after the position is closed?
- A: No. We cannot accept applications after a position is no longer open for application.
Q: How do I confirm that my application has been received?
- A: To confirm that your application has been received, go to your NeoGov account. Each application you have submitted is indicated with an asterisk (*). Our review process can take up to several weeks to complete, so please be patient - you will eventually receive notice of your application’s status.
Q: I registered with the online (NeoGov) application system, but I can’t remember my username or password.
- Once your profile is updated, you can request your username or reset your password on the Careers page by clicking the "Login Help" link.
Q: When I try to access the application, I get an error message that will not allow me to see the page.
- A: Try closing your web browser and then opening it again. After you re-open the browser, delete your temporary internet files and cookies. To do this, on your browser’s toolbar click “Tools,” then “Internet Options.” In the “Temporary Internet Files” section, click “Delete Cookies” and “Delete Files.” After you have completed these tasks, you should be able to access the application.
Q: I previously created a NeoGov applicant account, but now I am having problems logging in.
- A: First, go to GovernmentJobs.com to reconnect to your account (select “Sign In” located at the very top right of your screen). Reset your username and/or password, or select “Help and Support” as needed. If you have further issues, please contact NeoGov directly at 1-855-524-5627. Our Human Resources Department does not have access to view or update applicant user information.

Pathway Programs

Pathway programs are designed to assist individuals to begin a new career at the Met Council through on-the-job training and development, without prior related experience or credential. Pathway programs are designed to educate and mentor enrollees by providing professional on-the-job training and development.

Community Service Officer (CSO) with the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD): Metro Transit will assist individuals with no law enforcement experience or degree to become a Community Service Officer (CSO) with the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD). CSOs provide varied support services to the department by performing duties that do not require a licensed peace officer.
Revenue Equipment Technician Program: The Revenue Equipment Technician Program will assist individuals with no prior experience or technical degree to become a Revenue Equipment Technician at Metro Transit. Program enrollment is not available at this time. Interested and eligible individuals will complete a multi-year progressive and competitive apprenticeship. Successful participants will complete assessments, preparatory program, and hands-on experience.

MetroTV Internship

MetroTV provides interns with a fast-paced, hands-on video production experience. Interns work with professional staff to produce quality programming for MetroTV. Some experience with cameras or editing is required. Eligibility is based on the applicant's level of experience, scheduling, aptitude and motivation.

Opportunities Offered:

As an intern at MetroTV, you will have the opportunity to be a producer, director, reporter, editor, camera operator, audio engineer and more! MetroTV offers a comprehensive learning experience, directed by your interests & effort.

Experience Gained:

What part of production interests you most? In the past we've had interns shoot & edit, produce stories and host programs. Interns may work with other interns in the program & alongside our experienced full-time staff in a small, comfortable atmosphere. Everyone leaves with a variety of segments they've helped produce to use for their next internship, school application or job opportunity.

Internship Requirements:

Interns are expected to be professional, work hard & meet regular deadlines. A 10-15 hour per week commitment for two to three months is required. Availability for some afternoon and early evening shifts is needed, and some weekends may be required. Schedules can be worked around existing school & work commitments. To apply, contact MetroTV at (502) 574-1369 or contact MetroTV.

Data Privacy Considerations

NEOGOV's privacy policy outlines how personal data is collected, used, and disclosed. Key points include:

Data Controller vs. Data Processor: When providing services to customers, the customer (e.g., an employer) generally controls and manages the personal data, and NEOGOV processes personal data as a "data processor" or "service provider."
Types of Data Collected: Personal data collected may include contact information, demographic data, job application information, and usage data. Biometric data and precise geolocation data may be collected if the customer utilizes specific services like time and attendance tracking.
Use of Data: Data is used to provide services, fulfill contractual obligations, respond to requests, and pursue legitimate business interests.
Disclosure of Data: Data may be disclosed to customers, service providers, research partners, and sponsors of events or webinars.
Data Transfers: Personal data is transferred to and stored on servers in the United States.
User Rights: Depending on jurisdiction, users may have rights to access, correct, delete, and restrict the processing of their personal information. They may also have the right to opt out of "sales" of their information and "sharing/processing of their information for targeted advertising."

Additional Internship Opportunities: Mayor's Office (Nashville)

The Mayor's Office Internship Program offers college juniors and seniors or graduate students an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in local government operations, policy development, and civic engagement. Interns will work closely with city officials and staff on a variety of initiatives, learning about the inner workings of municipal governance while contributing to the city's mission to improve the community.

Benefits of Interning with the Mayor's Office:

Gain practical experience in local government and public service.
Work closely with city leaders and professionals who are committed to improving the community.
Build professional connections and networks in government and public policy sectors.
Participate in workshops, training sessions, and networking events when available to further your career development.

Position Details:

Type: Paid
Location: Office of the Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County
Pay: $20/hour
Hours: 10 - 20 hours per week
Duration: Spring 2026: January 26 - April 17 (~12 weeks); Summer 2026: May 11 -July 31 (~12 weeks)

Available Internships:

Administration and Scheduling (Spring and Summer): Interns assist with coordinating the Mayor's schedule, meetings, and events, and gain experience in constituent services, including drafting official correspondence and developing proclamations.
Choose How You Move (Spring and Summer): Interns support Nashville's Choose How You Move Program, focused on improving transportation access. They assist with research and data collection on transportation trends, help coordinate community engagement activities, and support planning and implementation of transit improvement projects.
Civic and Community Engagement (Spring): Interns support efforts to engage the community in local government initiatives, programs, and services, assisting in organizing public forums, town halls, and other community outreach activities.
Communications (Spring and Summer): Interns work with the communications team to craft press releases, social media content, fact sheets and other public-facing materials, gaining experience in media relations, digital strategy, and executive communications.
Economic and Community Development (Spring and Summer): Interns assist in researching, planning, and implementing programs that foster economic growth and community revitalization, and are involved in outreach efforts with local businesses, community organizations, and residents.
Infrastructure, Environmental Stewardship and Adaptive Growth (Summer): Interns contribute to the city's implementation of sustainable and resilient infrastructure initiatives by researching environmental policies, organizing sustainability events, and helping to design and implement green programs.
Performance Management (Summer): Interns support the Mayor's Office of Performance Management, helping to strengthen accountability, transparency, and data-driven decision-making across Metro Government.
Youth Safety (Summer): Interns assist in researching, planning, and implementing safe, accessible, and affordable Third Space programming for Metro youth.

Read also: Legacy of MSU Denver

tags: #metropolitan #council #internships #requirements