2026 Summer Intern - Economic Development

Minimum Qualifications

Who we are:
Chesterfield Economic Development offers a full range of services to businesses seeking to locate or expand in our community. Companies have been choosing Chesterfield, Virginia, as a place to do business for over 400 years. Our dedicated staff of business development experts assists all businesses at any stage and are committed to advising, promoting, and protecting their interests.

What you will learn:
The Economic Development intern will have an opportunity to work closely with department staff and a business support organization on small business and entrepreneurial related projects. Connecting with county staff, organizations, and businesses by phone, in-person, and virtually will be needed to obtain information. You must possess the ability to engage with Hispanic businesses during events and programs and develop a plan to improve Hispanic business outreach. Perform other work as required.

The Chesterfield Experience:
As an intern in Chesterfield County, you will have an opportunity to meet with county leaders, collaborate with your peers, attend training seminars, and participate in team building exercises to complement what you will be learning in the professional work environment provided by the Economic Development department.

Internship Requirements and Eligibility

• To be considered for the Internship Program, students must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8. Students accepted into the Internship Program must be able to participate in the full 10-week program, exhibit a commitment to public service, and a genuine interest in learning about public administration.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
• Students majoring in Business, Economics, or Planning are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates should be able to work independently with direction and interact with businesses and staff in various settings.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Additionally, the ability to research, compile and present project data effectively is needed.

To view additional information about the Chesterfield County summer intern program, visit www.chesterfield.gov/internships. Check out this video of students from the previous intern class discussing their experiences.

Program Dates

The Summer 2026 program will be held from May 26, 2026 to July 30, 2026.

• Applications are accepted until February 15, 2026.
• Candidates will be notified of selection by April 3, 2026.

Program Pay Rates

Undergraduate-$17.00/hour; Graduate-$19.00/hour

Application Instructions

To be considered you must include the following supporting documents along with your application:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume (paid and/or volunteer experience)
• College/University Transcripts (undergraduate and/or graduate; unofficial transcripts accepted)

Shift

Up to 22 hours week; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Work Location

Economic Development

Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion