Graduate Student Internship

About the Center for Houston's Future: The nonprofit Center for Houston's Future focuses on understanding future global trends and their impact on the Houston region.

The Center brings business, government, and community stakeholders together to engage in fact-based strategic planning, collaboration, and action on issues of great importance to the region's success. It engages in research, holds community events and develops leaders. Its current strategic focus areas include energy, climate and energy transition; health and health equity; and the economic importance of immigration.

The Center is an independent affiliate of the Greater Houston Partnership. Its leadership program has graduated more than 1,300 business and civic leaders.

Graduate Student Internship: Houston Region 2050 Visioning Project Research

Position Overview

Center for Houston's Future is embarking on an ambitious 2050 visioning project aimed at shaping the future of the Houston region (defined as the 13 counties in the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area) as we seek to understand gaps and opportunities for the region across multiple dimensions including transportation, real estate, industry, entertainment, greenspace, housing, energy, medicine and medical research, aerospace and education.

To support this initiative, we are seeking 1 - 3 graduate student interns to conduct comprehensive baseline research during the Summer 2024. This research will inform and help establish the foundation of the visioning process by identifying available data, reviewing past and ongoing visioning/scenarios projects in Greater Houston and other cities/regions, and exploring existing geo-maps relevant to urban development and planning. The internship position offers a hybrid setup, requiring candidates to be based in Houston.

Key Responsibilities

Data Identification and Analysis: Conduct thorough research to identify data and data sources relevant to project goals.

Build a database of existing and planned projects in the Houston region, including major infrastructure initiatives. Analyze data presentation and assess its applicability to the project's goals.

• Visioning Project Research: Investigate visioning or similar projects conducted over the past 10 years in Houston and other cities. Compile findings on methodologies, outcomes, and best practices.

• Comparative Study: Explore ongoing visioning projects in other cities to understand their scope, objectives, and progress. Identify lessons, best practices and insights that could benefit the Houston 2050 visioning project.

• Geospatial-Map Exploration: Identify existing geospatial-maps, such as Environmental Justice (EJ) screening tools, that provide insights into urban geography in Houston and other cities. Evaluate these maps for their relevance and utility in informing the visioning project.

• Community Engagement and Community Benefit Agreements: Examine best practices in how major infrastructure projects have incorporated community feedback and demonstrated benefits to participating communities.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Currently enrolled in a graduate program related to Urban Geography, Cartography, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Sociology, or a related or relevant field.

• Research Skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive research, including data collection, analysis, and synthesis. Experience with database research and qualitative analysis is preferred.

• Technical Proficiency: Ability to interpret and use geo-maps and spatial data. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping software is a plus.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to conduct interviews with subject matter experts and to present research findings clearly and concisely.

• Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers and stakeholders. Ability to incorporate diverse perspectives into research and analysis.

Term, Time Commitment, Attire

The internship is available in summer 2024. A typical week will require 15-20 hours of hybrid work (in office and remote) with a specific schedule to be determined by the intern and the Center.

Business casual attire is required. Multiple positions available.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The following knowledge, skills and abilities are desirable for success as an intern.

• Above average computer and internet proficiency. Proficiency in all MS Office applications.

Stipend

A stipend is available. The Center for Houston's Future will also cover the cost of parking or provide a Metro Q Card to cover bus/light rail expenses.

TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates should email their resume and a brief cover letter to Megan Rose, Director, Strategic Initiatives

Center for Houston's Future; mrose@futurehouston.org

The Greater Houston Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are treated without regard to such factors as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by law.