“The Governor's Intern Program is a great opportunity to learn about your state government and help improve your state. Our interns include some of the brightest and most capable college students, recent graduates and law students in Georgia. We appreciate the time our interns spend with us and enjoy introducing them to state government through hands-on experience.” - Gov. Nathan Deal
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Spring 2019 application deadline: Friday, August 31, 2018
History and Purpose
Program Information
Potential Opportunities & Job Descriptions
General FAQ
Law FAQ
Applications
Initiated in 1971, the Governor’s Intern Program provides Georgia’s brightest and most ambitious students with professional experience to prepare for the working world. College juniors and seniors, graduate students and law students are eligible to apply to the Internship Program.
The Internship Program offers students valuable work experience in the Governor's Office and in numerous agencies throughout the state. Interns work in a fast-paced environment and enjoy many opportunities to learn more about politics, state government and the legislative process.
Interns receive stipends bi-weekly based upon minimum wage. The application process for the program is highly competitive, consisting of an application and up to two rounds of interviews. More information about the program and application process can be found in the various sections of this website. Thank you for your interest in the Governor’s Intern Program!
Process
Upon submission of their application, qualified students may be selected for an interview with the Governor's Intern Program staff. After the preliminary interview with the Governor's Intern Program staff, the student may be selected for the second round of interviews with a Governor's Office or agency staff member from a department that will best utilize their talents and interests. This process is intended to determine the best possible placement and provides an excellent opportunity for college students to improve their interviewing and job search skills.
Internships in the Fall and Spring semesters last for 18 weeks and 13 weeks in the Summer. The Governor's Intern Program strives to schedule the dates and deadlines for the internships in accordance with the academic schedule of most Georgia colleges, universities and law schools.
Eligibility Requirements
Students meeting the following requirements may be considered for an internship:
- He/she must be a currently enrolled junior, senior, graduate student, or law student, or no more than one year past graduation.
- He/she must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- He/she must be a Georgia resident or attending/attended a Georgia college, university, or law school.
Reception
Upon the completion of your internship, we invite you to a reception with the Governor and First Lady at the Governor's Mansion. At this reception you are given the opportunity to meet and mingle with the other interns and their supervisors from respective agencies. There is also a photo opportunity for you with the Governor and First Lady that you will be able to keep as a memento.
Potential Opportunities & Job Description
Office of the Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff’s office manages the Chief of Staff’s schedule and all other matters pertaining to his role. The intern in this office will support the executive assistant in communicating with other agencies and offices as well as facilitate a welcoming atmosphere to those meeting with the Chief of Staff or other staffers. Interns should demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills as well as a hospitable demeanor. This intern will also be responsible for various projects throughout the semester.
Office of the Chief Operating Officer
The Office of the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the management of over 70 state agencies. The COO intern assists with day to day responsibilities of the office including taking phone calls, writing letters, and various research projects. During the legislative session, the COO intern is responsible for tracking agency legislation as it moves through the legislative process- this includes maintaining spreadsheets, attending committee meetings and keeping up to date with floor votes. In addition, the COO intern assists the Director of Executive Appointments with swearing-in ceremonies and maintaining contact with legislators regarding board appointments in their district. The COO intern should possess strong oral communication and writing skills and be very detail-oriented.
Office of Communications (Press)
The Office of Communications is responsible for working with the press and developing the Governor's communications strategy. The office communicates with the media by holding press conferences, issuing press releases and media advisories. The office also handles media requests for interviews and statements, staffs the Governor's events that are open to the media, and houses the Governor's speechwriter. This office processes proclamation and commendation requests for the Governor. Communications applicants should possess strong writing skills and experience with social media.
Office of Constituent Services
The Office of Constituent Services responds to the Governor’s mail, e-mail, and phone calls from the public. Staff conducts research on a broad range of policy issues in order to respond to constituents’ requests. This office also handles greetings letter requests for the Governor. Interns may be asked to assist in drafting, editing and distributing these important documents. Constituent Services interns should be comfortable communicating with the public on the telephone, and have a pleasant demeanor.
Office of Legislative Affairs
The Office of Legislative Affairs functions as a liaison between the Governor's Office and other state, federal, and local elected officials. Legislative Affairs interns work closely with our legislative affairs team. Day to day responsibilities of legislative affairs interns include taking phone calls, writing letters, and conducting various research projects. During the legislative session, interns are responsible for attending House and Senate Floor Sessions and tracking legislation as it passes through both chambers. This department is searching for a multi-talented individual who possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task. Applicants should possess a general knowledge of Georgia’s legislative process and be able to identify their own representatives in the General Assembly.
Office of Policy
The Office of Policy is responsible for the management of the Governor's legislative agenda, offering policy suggestions and solutions through research, consistently interacting with state and federal agencies. Policy interns work closely with our policy team, assisting with research, taking phone calls, and attending various committee meetings. During session, policy interns are also responsible for tracking legislation brought to the General Assembly floor. This department is searching for capable individuals who possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and who enjoy working independently, as well as on a team. Many projects are accomplished independently, requiring interns to be self-motivated, organized, and proficient in time management. Applicants should possess general knowledge of and Georgia’s legislative process.
Office of Scheduling
The Office of Scheduling collects, organizes, and responds to all invitations for the Governor. This department is responsible for all maintenance of the Governor's time, including travel arrangements, staff assignments, and other logistics. The intern will also assist in conducting and scheduling photo ops with the Governor. The Scheduling intern should possess excellent communication and organization skills and the ability to multi-task.
Office of Executive Counsel - For Law School Students/Graduates
The Office of Executive Counsel handles all legal matters affecting the Office of the Governor. Executive Counsel also responds to all open records requests and all of the Governor's Executive Orders. Meetings with agencies, staff members and others are conducted by this office in an effort to help promote and further the Governor’s agenda. The Executive Counsel intern should possess strong communication and writing skills. First and second year law students are encouraged to apply.
Other offices for potential intern placement
Interns may also be considered for the office of the Chief Operating Officer, Executive office, the office of the Chief of Staff and other agencies such as the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Defense, the Governor's Office of Children and Families, the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, the Governor's Office of Transition, Support and Reentry, the Governor's Office of Community Supervision, the Governor's Office of the Child Advocate and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for an internship?
You must be a currently enrolled junior, senior, graduate student, law student or not more than one year past graduation with a 3.0 GPA or higher. You must be either a resident of Georgia or a student at a Georgia college, university, or law school.
If I apply for an internship and am not selected, can I re-apply for the next quarter/semester?
Yes. If the Governor's Intern Program does not select you for the semester in which you are applying, you are welcome to apply again for a later term if you are still eligible.
If I am placed in the Governor's Intern Program (GIP) this summer, can I participate again next summer?
Because the GIP offers a limited number of internships per semester, you may participate only once. We want as many students as possible to experience this great opportunity. * An undergraduate or master's level GIP participant does have the option to participate in the law program.
Can I get academic credit?
Yes. You may arrange for academic credit through your academic advisor. If necessary the Internship Coordinator or your direct supervisor (once placed) may serve as the contact person for your academic advisor.
Do you provide transportation to my internship site?
The Governor's Intern Program cannot provide any transportation. MARTA has two stations that are located near the Capitol; the Georgia State Station (directly across from the Capitol in the Twin Towers complex) or the Five Points station (two blocks west of the Capitol at Underground Atlanta). Interns driving to the Capitol will receive parking options during orientation.
How long is the program? When is my first day of work?
Fall and spring semester internships are 18 weeks, and the summer internship is 13 weeks. The Governor's Intern Program strives to schedule the internship dates and deadlines in accordance with the academic schedule of most Georgia colleges, universities, and law schools. Please check the calendar to see when the internship in which you are interested begins.
Are all the internships located in Atlanta?
Yes. While internships with state agencies are sometimes offered in other locations around the state, internships facilitated through the Governor's Office are all located in Atlanta.
How do I apply?
Please use the online application form.
What kind of writing sample should I submit?
An academic paper, an opinion piece written for a school newspaper, a press release composed for a PR class, or a similar work would be appropriate. Feel free to submit an excerpt or selection from a longer paper to avoid exceeding the page maximum.
How many days/hours can I intern per week?
Full-time interns are typically expected to work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Intern supervisors will determine the days and number of hours that are best for you and the office. Keep in mind that if you are interning for academic credit, most programs require you to intern a minimum number of hours per week.
Can I request to work in a specific area in the Governor's office?
Many departments within the Governor's Office host interns, including Scheduling, Policy, Government Affairs, Communications, Constituent Services, Executive office and the offices of the Chief of Staff and the Chief Operating Officer. You are encouraged to indicate on your application and in your cover letter a specific area in which you are interested, but this will not guarantee an internship in that department. If you are selected to participate in the GIP, the Intern Coordinator will work with the internship supervisors to place you in the department most compatible with your area of study.
What kind of work will I be doing as an intern?
Each office has different needs and requirements, and your duties are at the discretion of your supervisor. During your interview with the participating agency, you may be given more specifics regarding your internship duties. Some of your responsibilities may include: research, data compilation, attending meetings, general administrative duties and assisting in the planning of special events.
For additional questions, please email interns@gov.state.ga.us or call (404) 651-7714.
What is the Governor's Law Intern Program?
The Law Intern Program is a part of the Governor's Intern Program. The Governor's Law Program began in the summer of 1977 to provide law students educational opportunities to actively participate in solving legal problems facing Georgia 's government agencies.
Who may participate in the Law Intern Program?
The Governor's Law Intern Program invites first and second year law students to participate.
How long does the internship last?
Fall and spring internships are 18 weeks and summer internships are 13 weeks.
How much does it pay?
The law interns receive an hourly wage of $9.00 per hour for their full-time 13-week internship.
What kind of work will I be doing during my internship?
Though specific work will differ each semester, writing and research skills are major components of all law internships.
To apply, click on the link here or the link at the top of this page to complete the form online. Important application deadlines and dates are listed below.
| Internship Term | Start Date | End Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2017 | August 4, 2017 | January 5, 2018 | May 12, 2017 |
| Spring 2018 | January 5, 2018 | May 18, 2018 | August 11, 2017 |
| Summer 2018 | May 18, 2018 | August 3, 2018 | February 2, 2018 |
| Fall 2018 | August 3, 2018 | January 4, 2019 | May 11, 2018 |