Planning and Project Management
The Pamlico County Office of Economic Development (PCPED)
Public Service Fellows Program Overview
The Public Service Fellows (PSF) Program began in 2014 with support from the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation. Since its inception, over 200 students have completed internships in 85 organizations in 25 North Carolina counties. The goal of the program is to foster workplace experiences for undergraduates at ECU while helping rural communities build professional capacity to address public issues.
Up to 20 students will be chosen each year for SECU Public Fellow Internships (PFI). PFI participants will take part in 20 hours of leadership and professional development workshops in addition to the 330-hour PFI internship experience. Each student selected for the program will receive $17.50 per hour.
Students will be expected to attend a MANDATORY orientation on May 15, 2026, attend workshops scheduled throughout their internship, and at the end of their internship, and present at a State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board meeting either in summer or fall.
Position Summary
The intern will have the opportunity to experience a range of interrelated activities including: Data collection and organization updating data and creating a clear data presentation to be used for county growth planning; Strategic Planning for County and Industry Growth- aid the Director with incorporating the new data into Pamlico County’s Community and Economic Development Strategic Plan; Business Marketing – assist in marketing local businesses and helping them to learn how to better market themselves on social media and other options; work with the Director to develop templates to utilize in uploading sites for development or sale to state site search websites; help with marketing events and tourism development and may contribute to updating the Tourism Plan if time permits; meet with local businesses to conduct surveys as well as create an online survey to identify the needs and recommendations of local businesses; help to staff the office when the Director takes time off. 7. Work with the Director and the Pamlico County Disaster Recovery Coalition to update and distribute disaster recovery and preparedness information to residents and businesses. 8. Participate in a disaster recovery focused apartment complex development; Tracking and researching grants; Additionally, the Intern will be expected to be able to track time for reports and communicate clearly with the Director. The majority of the work will be during the day from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. There may be an occasional Saturday when we may need to assist with an event, or evening when we may have a meeting to attend or host.
Internship Location & Supervisor Information
The Pamlico County Office of Economic Development (PCPED) seeks to strengthen the area’s economy, tax base, and to encourage job creation. The Office assists existing as well as new business and industry to develop, diversify, strengthen, grow, and to connect with the community. This includes providing services locally, in addition to connecting them with regional and state resources to help them expand their capacity and market range. PCPED also is the main organization for broadband expansion, business marketing, tourism marketing, and serves as a liaison for disaster recovery and grant writing.
Students will primarily work at Pamlico Economic Development located at 828 Main Street, Bayboro, NC with an opportunity to work from home, as determined by the supervisor for a hybrid experience. Interns will work with Beth Bucksot, Planning and Economic Development Director.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Excellent organizational skills. – Excellent computer skills. – Excellent writing skills. – Strong Excel skills – Good verbal communications skills. – Graphics skills for marketing. – Must have the ability to relate well to others and have good interpersonal skills. – The ability to work alone or with someone on projects- self-starter. – Problem solving skills and a desire to utilize them. – Willingness to work well with others. – Ability to take instruction, provide feedback, and to ask questions. – An interest in business and marketing. – A desire to connect and to make a difference in the community. – Willingness to add value and to feel valued.
Start & End Dates
May 15, 2026, through August 14, 2026.
Majors Targeted
Political Science, Government, Planning, Business, Marketing
Application Process
Applicants must complete a PFI application and submit a resume to be considered. Applications are available here:
All students selected for the PFI program must have undergraduate status and meet the following eligibility requirements by the internship start date:
- North Carolina resident
- Good academic standing
- Completion of at least 60 semester credit hours (classified as upcoming Junior or Senior)
- Not graduating prior to the internship end date
East Carolina University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and as such encourages applications from qualified women and minorities.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at 252.737.1016 (voice/TTY).
Federal law requires proper documentation of identity and employability at the time of employment.