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 Legal Intern Ray Veach.
Name: Ray Veach
Title and Department: Legal Intern – Legal Department
School and Studies: Willamette University College of Law
Can you share a bit about your background and what drew you to apply for an internship at the Port?
I grew up in Korea. Traveling back and forth to see family made me fascinated with international connectivity and the laws and regulations operating behind it.
In a few sentences, can you describe your work at the Port?
My work mostly involves conducting research for the Port’s attorneys. The Legal team coordinates quite often with other departments at the Port, and the attorneys will ask me to conduct additional research about whatever they're working on. That way the attorneys can focus on more pressing matters while staying informed on the statutes, regulations and precedents that might affect ongoing or future legal matters.
I primarily communicate with Legal and Records staff, summarize my research findings and send them in email reports. I’m also able to help with procedural duties, such as drafting legal documents.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Most rewarding is the feeling that I’m contributing to the Port’s knowledge of certain regulations, creating better compliance with federal requirements and keeping the Port accountable and streamlined. As a legal intern, I like to think that however small the task, I'm assisting the attorneys who are steering the Port through the sea of laws, regulations and policy. And believe me, it’s a sea.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I play city-builder video games like Cities: Skylines.
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?
I once carried a massive flag into a packed soccer stadium during a World Cup qualification game between Korea and Kuwait.
Do you have any other interesting tidbits or anecdotes you'd like to share about yourself or your internship experience?
I was excited to stumble upon a break room that had a guitar, but I've never been able to find it again. This is embarrassing because I have an undergraduate degree in geography, of all things. Unfortunate for me, but probably a big win for productivity.
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.