What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Assistant - Policy Support (Hybrid) position at University Enterprises Inc and Careers?
The Public Advocates Office (also known as Cal Advocates) was created in 1984. We are the only State entity charged with helping ensure Californians are represented at the California Public Utilities Commission and in other forums. We do this mainly by recommending solutions and alternatives in utility customer best interests for decision-makers to consider when making policy and investment decisions on how to advance the state's energy, water and communications goals.
Our team of dedicated and passionate analysts, engineers, auditors, and lawyers work hard every day to put affordability, accessibility and equity at the forefront of our advocacy efforts, because utility services are essential. We help ensure this by: (1) proposing creative ways to lower utility bills, (2) helping transition to a clean energy future at the lowest possible cost, (3) identifying new ways to maintain grid reliability, (4) ensuring that utilities are safely and efficiently maintaining their systems, and (5) assisting with prioritizing access & affordability to essential broadband and water services, especially in underserved or unserved areas.
To learn more visit: https://www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov/about .
The Communications and Broadband Policy Branch under the Public Advocates Office at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is seeking to hire a creative and analytical student assistant who can research and analyze issues impacting the broadband and telecommunications market. The Student assistant will conduct research and produce memos on discrete topics under the supervision of the Program Manager and Branch Supervisors. The student assistant will be given an opportunity to present findings to the Communications and Broadband Policy Branch by the conclusion of the internship as well as produce a written work-product for resume building purposes.
This opportunity will provide the student with experience performing complex analytical work while following government guidelines and obtaining the ability to analyze data and present ideas, as well as gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of branch staff in day-to-day work.
Conditions of
Employment
This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.
Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.
UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI Student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week’s notice.
UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.
Prerequisites
To view our current affiliation list please paste the following URL into your browser: http://www.calinterns.org/wp-content/uploads/Affiliation_List.pdf
Students must be enrolled in at least: six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.
Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.
Majors/Fields of Study
Political Science, Pre-Law, Public Administration, Economics, Statistics, History, Computer Science, or Public Policy.
Work Schedule
F lexible workdays and work hours, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM – 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.
Additional Work Schedule
Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday – Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, and summer). This position is expected to last for approximately 10 weeks, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs, budget, etcetera.
Compensation
$16.99 to $24.00 per hour.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must complete each term with minimum unit requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate student classifications. Proof will be collected at the end of each Spring and Fall term.
- A strong background in public policy and policy analysis is a must.
- Ability to:
- Reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex governmental problems.
- Develop and evaluate alternatives.
- Analyze data and present ideas and information effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during the course of work. Coordinate with the work of others in collaborative projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.
- Intermediate Microsoft Office experience including, but not limited to, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint. Demonstrated ability to act independently; open-minded, flexible, and tactful.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are performed under close supervision:
- Assist Supervisors and Program Manager in conducting in depth research to further the goals of the Communications and Broadband Policy Branch.
- Conduct extensive research on behalf of project teams needs on issues involving the telecommunications market.
- Prepare memos and presentations as needed.
- Learn to assist with professional policy duties by supporting the Branch on immediate literature review needs and analyze applicable rules, regulations, and departmental procedures when needed.
- Aid various Branch staff by sorting existing data sets, refining raw data sets, and reviewing submitted data for compliance purposes. End of internship will include a written work product and oral presentation to the branch that can be relied on for resume development purposes.
Physical Requirements
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily remotely with limited in-person requirements.
Students/Employees will be required to work according to the current UEI remote workplace policy and sign a UEI Work from Home Agreement. The decision to permit an employee to work from home is at the discretion of the supervisor or employer and may, at any time and with or without cause, unilaterally terminate the option to work from home.
Application Instructions
Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the “Educational Experience” section and any employment history in the “Employment Experience” section of our application.
**In addition to your resume, please upload the following documents:
Apply by: April 30, 2026
Salary : $17 - $24