2027 AKS Marketing Internship Program

Go Beyond the Classroom

Looking to build real-world experience this summer? The AKS Internship Program gives college students the chance to apply what they’re learning in the classroom, build practical skills, and contribute in a professional environment. Through meaningful project experience and a supportive team setting, interns gain confidence, broaden their understanding of the industry, and take important steps toward career readiness.

How it Works

Each internship experience may look a little different depending on the role and team, but every internship is designed to help students learn by doing. Interns gain hands-on experience through real work, connect with professionals across AKS, and get a better understanding of how different disciplines contribute to project outcomes.

For students who return, each summer can build on the last with new experiences, added responsibility, and a deeper understanding of areas that interest them. Participation is a one-summer commitment at a time. Students who are interested in returning are encouraged to express interest, and continued participation depends on performance, program fit, and available positions.

Who You Are

To be considered for this internship program, students should:

• Be currently enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year program with a declared major in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or similar.

• Have completed at least one year of college before the internship start date

• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Be available to work full-time for 12 weeks during the summer

• Be able to work from the Tualatin, OR or Vancouver, WA office, where this program is offered

• Have working knowledge of design and visual content tools, including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Canva, and CapCut.

What You’ll Learn

• Bring Your Coursework to Life: Take what you learned in class and apply it to hands-on experiences.

• Understand Proposals: Establish an understanding of what goes into successful proposals that win jobs in the AEC industry.

• Develop Technical and Creative Skills: Grow your skills in strategic communication, design layout fundamentals, and social media planning/analytics.

Day in the Life (Examples)

The program includes two tracks: Business Development and Communications. Students are assigned to one of these tracks based on team needs and program fit.

Business Development Track (Tualatin, OR or Vancouver, WA) Work under the direction of a Senior Proposal Manager and alongside the Business Development team to gain hands-on experience in a client-focused, results-driven consulting environment. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week. Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting proposal development through completing research and producing compelling graphics

• Assisting in resume preparation and content writing

• Applying design skills to proposals, award submittals

Communications Track (Tualatin, OR only) Work under the direction of a Communications Lead and alongside the Communications team to gain hands-on experience in a client-focused consulting environment. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week. Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with website, blog, newsletter, and social media content

• Drafting, editing, and proofreading internal and external communications materials

• Assisting with brand consistency across communications and collateral

We Have Your Back

At AKS, interns are supported throughout the summer. Each intern is paired with a mentor and receives direction from a supervisor who guides assignments and project work. That supervisor may vary depending on the projects involved.

Throughout the internship, interns receive regular feedback to support learning, growth, and professional development. At the end of the summer, each intern participates in a final evaluation to reflect on their experience, discuss future goals, and explore the possibility of returning for another internship, based on performance and available openings.

Earn While You Learn

This is a paid internship, and interns are compensated for their time and contributions. Pay is provided on an hourly basis, with overtime paid at one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. The typical pay range for this position is $19 to $25 per hour. Time off may be requested in advance, but it is unpaid.