Eric Rorstrom, a transportation intern at MARC, has always had an interest in going into the public or nonprofit sector.
Rorstrom began his professional journey at Washburn University, where he majored in political science. During his undergraduate years, he gained experience working at legal firms and in the legal department under Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. Those early roles sparked an interest in public service, which deepened during an internship with KC Streetcar. That experience ultimately led him to pursue a master’s degree in urban planning at the University of Kansas.
Now balancing graduate studies with his internship at MARC, Rorstrom is building both passion and expertise in regional transportation planning.
“Internships have been incredibly valuable in shaping my career,” Rorstrom said. “They’ve helped me combine my interests in public service with real-world planning and development.”
To expand his professional network and deepen his understanding of the field, Rorstrom has joined several organizations, including a young professionals group focused on transportation. “I love being a part of it,” he said.
Rorstrom prefers hands-on, in-person learning over textbooks or online modules. His time at MARC has allowed him to focus on regional transportation issues while applying classroom lessons to real-world challenges. He often conducts independent research to complement his coursework, bridging theory with practice.
One of his favorite approaches to learning involves transforming completed assignments into immersive, topic-specific projects. “I like turning them into more of a 3-D experience,” he said, noting that this method helps him better visualize and communicate data.
Rorstrom uses a range of data tools and story mapping techniques to present his findings, which he incorporates into a growing portfolio as he prepares for a future in urban planning.
If you are interested in looking for an internship in the Kansas City region, visit KCGovJobs.org.