Career Opportunities

Department of Economic Opportunity & LA County Fire Recovery Initiative

Location: Los Angeles County

Compensation: Paid Internship (up to 140 hours, starting as early as April 2026)

About the Initiative

After the devastating 2025 Altadena, Palisades, and Eaton fires, many small businesses will be working to recover, rebuild, and reconnect with their communities. The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) launched this initiative to support the recovery and reconnect fire-impacted business owners with emerging creative/marketing talent from Pasadena City College.

As an intern, you won't just gain experience; you'll play a direct role in helping local businesses bring their brands, stories, and digital presence back to life.

What Interns Do & Why It Matters

We're looking for creative, driven Pasadena City College students who want to use their skills to make a real impact. In this role, you'll work directly with a small business owner on meaningful marketing and branding projects that support their recovery and growth. This is a hands-on, practical experience where your ideas and creativity will directly contribute to rebuilding businesses in Los Angeles. In addition, interns will:

• Support small businesses in rebuilding their brand presence through marketing, design, and storytelling
• Assist with social media content creation, marketing campaigns, and digital strategy
• Contribute to website updates, branding elements, and visual identity work
• Collaborate with business owners to understand their goals and bring creative ideas to life
• Deliver high-quality, portfolio-ready work with agreed-upon timelines

Your Impact

You'll help businesses address real, in-demand needs such as:

• Social media strategy and content creation
• Paid advertising campaigns
• Marketing video campaigns
• Website updates and optimization
• Marketing plan development
• Business signage and branding

Your work will directly contribute to how these businesses show up, grow, and reconnect with their communities.

Who This Is For

This opportunity is designed for students who are ready to apply their skills in a practical setting while making a difference.

Basic Eligibility:

• Currently enrolled in Pasadena City College
• Ages 18-24
• Los Angeles County resident
• Low-income

You should have some experience in one or more of the following areas (required):

• Graphic design
• Branding and identity
• Marketing or social media content creation
• Copywriting or creative storytelling
• Digital marketing or social media design

Additional Qualities:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a flexible environment
• Strong communication and time management skills
• Passion for supporting small businesses and community impact

This is great if you're looking to build your portfolio, gain client experience, and use your skills to support your community.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're interested in joining the Rebuild LA initiative and using your creativity to help businesses recover and grow, please continue to the next page to apply.

Learn more about the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity here.

Learn more about LA County's Wildlife Recovery efforts here.

*Do not forget to attach your most up-to-date resume and other supporting material (e.g., portfolio)*