The Port of Portland’s internship program gives college students an opportunity to apply their classroom education to real-life situations and develop the skills and work experience that will enhance their competitiveness for future employment opportunities.
In return, these college students give us lots of new energy and creative ideas.
Are you in college or know someone attending a local university? To provide a preview of what the Port’s internship program entails, we asked our current interns to answer a few questions about their experience. Today, meet Communications Intern Luke Sullins.
Name: Luke Sullins
Title and Department: Communications Intern – Corporate Communications
School and Studies: BA in Communication at Portland State University
I’ve lived most of my life in Beaverton and Gresham, but considering that Portland lands between those cities, I’m happy to call myself proudly Portlandian and proudly weird.
In a few sentences, can you describe your work at the Port?
I haven’t been working here long, so I'm focused on training and learning the basics. I work in the Port headquarters building with the Corporate Communications team, which is responsible for internal and external communication, storytelling, public relations, marketing, web and graphic design, and everything between. The team supports just about every facet of the Port and PDX, including PDX Next construction. I attend all the meetings I can to take notes about the day-to-day and big picture operations of the department.
My own daily responsibilities are still simple due to my current freshness within the role. Currently, I compile media reports to help employees stay informed about news coverage of the Port and PDX as well as relevant industry news; I assist with data entry and provide feedback on copywriting and formatting; and I do minor odds and ends – such as video shoots and social media advertising – to promote the Port’s brand. Future projects will include assisting with media relations and news coverage of PDX Next initiatives. I’m excited to see what comes next!
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Being able to share my love of writing is a huge personal gift. Language is my primary passion, and to finally have my work focus on that principle is fulfilling. With hopes of making an impact on my community, I’m ecstatic to communicate and connect Port employees to each other and to connect the public to the Port.
The Port and PDX are pillars of the Portland community, and the line of correspondence between them is integral. It is enormously rewarding to be asked to provide my insights on how the brand should be promoted and how the Port presents itself to the community. As I continue to work here, I know the Port will also inform my expectations and standards of personal and intercultural communications.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am focused on my academics right now, but when I’m free, I usually spend my time on solitary activities. In other words, I value my “me time.” I have an infatuation for the written language and media in all its forms. So, inevitably, I read and write. I hope to publish my short stories someday, and perhaps work on that never quite finished novel. I'm also a film buff, so you might find me crossing another classic off my watchlist over the weekend. As I step into the next phase of my life, I would like to explore more and experience cultures totally different from my own.
Our careers website plays with the idea that “We’re not what you’d expect.” What can you share about yourself that might surprise your Port colleagues?
This internship at the Port is only my second job ever. While my academics are excellent, my career history is admittedly short. Previously, I worked at a barbecue bar and grill, serving tables, rubbing down brisket and cleaning sauce off the ceiling (no joke). I also participated in a work study at my community college. Hopefully my work ethic makes up for my lack of experience! At the end of the day, I’m just glad to be out of the smoky kitchen.
Want to join the Port of Portland internship program? Learn more and sign up for our job alerts now to receive notifications when internships that match your interests are available.