Trade Development Intern

Job Description

Thank you for considering a career at Port Houston. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. By applying, you are taking an important step toward advancing your career with an organization committed to excellence.

Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining our team means embarking on a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact.

Before submitting your application, please ensure you have the following materials ready for submission:

• A current resume in .pdf or .doc format
• Your most recent transcript or proof of academic enrollment
• Any relevant work samples or portfolio links (if applicable)

Once you have these materials prepared, you’re ready to take the next step toward gaining valuable experience and making an impact with us at Port Houston.

We look forward to learning more about you and reviewing your application!

Position Summary

The Trade Development Intern will support the Commercial Division by assisting with research, data analysis, market intelligence, and outreach initiatives that promote Port Houston’s trade, business and economic development efforts.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Assist with trade, market, and industry research related to cargo, commodities, and global trade trends
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting for trade and economic development initiatives
• Help prepare presentations, briefing materials, and reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Assist with customer outreach efforts, including maintaining contact lists and tracking engagement activities
• Support coordination of trade missions, industry events, meetings, and conferences as needed
• Collaborate with team members on special projects and ad hoc assignments related to commercial strategy
• Maintain organized records and documentation in accordance with department standards
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you).
• Perform other duties as assigned

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must be currently enrolled in and have already completed two semesters in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• 2027/2028 graduation status preferred (junior/senior level)
• May 2026 graduates are not eligible unless enrolling in graduate program in Fall 2026
• Students must either attend a Houston area college/university or have a permanent residence within a commutable distance
• Students must be in good academic standing to apply for an internship; a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7 is preferred
• Students must be able to work throughout the established (11 to 12) week program dates

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrates strong organizational and analytical skills
• Demonstrates attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to prepare business cases and explain and/or support the recommended course of action
• Ability to self-manage work expectations
• Ability to work as an individual contributor and/or within a team
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to listen to business partners and understand their expectations and requirements
• Strong interpersonal and time management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Willingness to learn
• Punctuality is key
• Ability to successfully pass fingerprinting background, as well as standard background check

The work site location of this job is:

Port Houston Administration Building

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high.

To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

We appreciate your interest in Port Houston. Port Houston is an equal employment opportunity employer. Port Houston’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Port Houston also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Application must be completed in full.