Interns in their own words: A firsthand account of BART’s summer internship program
Each summer, a cohort of young people land at BART to learn about the organization and get a glimpse inside the working life that awaits them in their future careers.
Run by BART’s Workforce Development Division, the BART Internship Program pairs young adults on the cusp of entering the workforce – from high schoolers to collegiates – with BART mentors who show their mentees the ropes and guide them through hands-on projects that have real-world impacts. The interns work across departments, from Engineering and External Affairs to Human Resources and the District Secretary’s Office.
“We’re looking for energy and excitement about BART,” said Kimberly Davis, Sr. Workforce Development Analyst, who runs the BART Internship Program. “Are you willing to explore? Are you flexible? Are you going to be a positive influence in the workplace? These are some of the things I’m watching for during the interview process.”
BART interns have opportunities to attend career development and readiness workshops, networking events, career panels, and special behind-the-scenes tours of the innerworkings of the agency. Every intern is paid, whether through BART or a community partner, such as local city offices, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
At the end of the internship, participants showcase their final projects in a formal presentation to executives, mentors, staff, peers, and community sponsors. When they say farewell to BART, they leave with a refreshed resume, a letter of recommendation, and some hard-earned insight into life post-graduation – wherever it may take them.
That’s enough from us – let’s hear from the BART interns themselves!
Responses have been edited for space and clarity.
Q: Why did you want to intern at BART?
Ruben: I’ve commuted for the past few years on BART, and I wanted to know what was going on behind-the-scenes and see how it works.
Michai: I wanted the work experience and to learn more about work.
Brian: I wanted to intern at BART because I want to expand my knowledge of construction management because I’m interested in working for PG&E.
Elizabeth: I wanted to intern at BART because it’s public sector, and I have always wanted to learn more about transportation.
Question: What projects are you involved in?
Isabella: I’ve been working on a digital record management system. I’ve been entering Board resolutions into the computer so they’re easier to find.
Austin: I’ve been going to every single station and counting their inventory. I’m helping BART save money!
Katy: I am making a mock-up of the new faregates out of PVC and cardboard to help people figure out how to move the gates into labs and through tight corners and doorways. I’ve learned that a lot of the fun things are also the challenges. I have to be methodical about the project and not forget anything.
Nahom: I’ve done a lot of different tasks during my internship. Looking at new technology in the field is cool.
Matthew: I’m involved in two projects related to automated software that allow you to automate your workflow. I obviously cannot finish it in six weeks, but my goal is to finish the outline and create the program. Every day is fun.
Q: What have you learned during the internship and how might you apply it in the future?
Isabella: I learned how to organize, adjust, and adapt things to the future to make things easier for people.
Matthew: I’ve learned a lot, especially about the importance of gaining experience, networking, and professionalism.
Katy: I’ve learned a lot about the reality of working. I don’t want to work in an office, but the experience has been great.
Q: What have you learned from your mentor? How have they helped you throughout the internship?
Elizabeth: My mentor Ally has been very supportive of me and very patient. Even if I don’t know what to do, she loves answering questions. It was good leaning on her for things I needed help with.
Brian: When I got to this department, I was really confused as to what was going on. But since being here, I’ve learned a lot, including about the differences between being in the field and being in the office.
Q: Do you think you’d like to work at BART in the future?
Ruben: If the opportunity comes, then yes, I would like to.
Isabella: I think I would if the opportunity is presented. I would like to work in a field where you talk to people, so the communications department.
Matthew: It depends. I don’t like working for but working with. I like the environment here.
Students interested in internships at BART can email the Workforce Development team at [email protected]. General internships are sponsored through partnerships with various community-based organizations in the BART service area.