Okay, I've searched for full-time data intern positions in Salem, OR within the public sector that require skills in SQL and Power BI, suitable for college students at any academic level. I have found 15 relevant internship opportunities for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

This Data Intern role at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) represents a unique entry point into public sector data work, specifically within the Office of Equity and Civil Rights. Fundamentally, the intern is hired to support data integrity and analysis efforts that underpin equity initiatives—ensuring that the data used to track and promote civil rights compliance is accurate, complete, and well visualized. The responsibilities extend beyond routine data review to building a Power BI report that tracks data errors, which highlights a focus on both data quality assurance and communication of insights. This indicates the intern must blend technical proficiency with strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The role’s design for students suggests an emphasis on learning and growth: building foundational skills in SQL and Power BI, understanding data documentation processes, and contributing meaningfully to government equity goals. Success in this internship will likely be marked by the intern’s ability to identify data issues, collaborate effectively with the data manager, and produce usable reports that advance OECR’s mission. Key challenges include balancing technical learning curves, navigating public sector data protocols, and effectively documenting findings that may influence policy or operational decisions.

Company Analysis:

The Oregon Department of Transportation occupies a critical and stable position as a publicly funded organization responsible for a complex multimodal transportation system supporting the entire state. As an entity with over 4,500 employees and a broad scope of responsibilities, ODOT operates in a mission-driven, service-oriented context focused on safety, reliability, and equity. The OECR’s inclusion of a data intern signals a mature organizational awareness of the importance of data-driven decision-making to advance civil rights and equity. This public agency environment likely values procedural rigor, accountability, and collaboration across diverse teams. The work culture implied by the posting is one that encourages learning, professional development, and inclusivity, aligning with state government values of diversity and public service. Given the intern’s placement within the OECR and reporting to a Data Manager, the role appears to be a well-supported individual contributor position with access to mentorship and involvement in meaningful projects. For a candidate, thriving here means embracing public sector humility, following structured processes, and contributing thoughtfully to data initiatives that have real-world impact on community accountability. Strategically, this internship supports ODOT’s broader goals of leveraging data to ensure equitable transportation access and civil rights compliance, integrating technical skills with social mission.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to ensure accuracy in a large data set. How did you approach validating the data?
• Behavioral: Describe a situation where you collaborated with someone from a different background or expertise to achieve a goal.
• Behavioral: Share an example of how you communicated complex technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Behavioral: Can you talk about a time when you encountered a challenge learning a new data tool or software? How did you overcome it?
• Technical: How would you design a process for reviewing data completeness and accuracy in a public sector database?
• Technical: Explain your experience with SQL. What kinds of queries or tasks are you comfortable performing?
• Technical: What steps would you take to create a Power BI report that tracks data import errors?
• Technical: How do you prioritize data integrity when faced with incomplete or inconsistent data?
• Situational: Imagine you identify significant errors in a key equity data set shortly before a deadline. What would your next steps be?
• Situational: If you were asked to present your data findings to a mixed audience of technical staff and civil rights advocates, how would you tailor your presentation?
• Situational: Suppose you notice a recurring data error pattern that suggests a systemic issue. How would you address this with your manager and team?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in an internship focused on equity and civil rights within a transportation department?
• Company Fit: How do your personal values align with ODOT’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
• Company Fit: What do you hope to learn or achieve during this internship in the public sector environment?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the typical team structure and mentorship approach within the OECR data team?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest data challenges the Office of Equity and Civil Rights faces right now?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does ODOT measure the impact of its equity and civil rights initiatives through data?