Governor’s Internship Program

Program Information:

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.

Spring 2023 Internship Dates

Spring Start Date – Monday, January 2, 2023

Spring End Date – Friday, May 5, 2023

Application Window – Monday, June 6, 2022 – Friday, November 4, 2022

Job Duties

Internship job duties and responsibilities vary by office and the ability of individual students. Applicants can preference
up to three areas you would consider working in. A list of the offices are below:

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. The Communications intern should possess computer and writing skills.

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.
Constituent Services interns should be comfortable communicating with the public on the telephone, and have a pleasant demeanor.

The Office of Government Affairs functions as a liaison between the Governor’s Office and other elected officials,
including members of the Georgia General Assembly, the Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C., county commissioners and mayors. This department is searching for a multi-talented individual who is a good communicator, organized and can multi-task.

The Office of Policy advances the Governor’s agenda through background research and fact-finding, often interacting
with state and federal agencies. Interns are required to have excellent written and oral communication skills, and must
be a critical thinker. A general knowledge of several different policy areas is important. Most work is accomplished
independently, requiring interns to be self-motivated and proficient in time-management.

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 Scheduling intern should possess excellent communication and organization skills and the ability to
multi-task.

The Office of Executive Board Appointments oversees the Governor’s appointment of qualified individuals to over
200 state and federal boards, commissions, committees and authorities. Executive Appointments also communicates regularly with state agency staff, coordinates swearing-in ceremonies for new board members, and is responsible for a weekly news release announcing appointment progress. The Executive Appointments intern should be detail-oriented with strong interpersonal communication skills due to regular interaction with the public. Other qualifications include
organizational skills and proficiency in MS Excel.

The Office for Children and Family supports the initiatives of the First Lady, including the Our Children Campaign, the First Lady’s Children’s Cabinet and the Mansion Foundation. Event planning experience is helpful, but not necessary. The intern should possess an interest in and knowledge of children’s issues, in addition to an understanding of basic computer programs.

Benefits

• The Governor’s Intern Program provides the best, brightest, and most ambitious college and law students with practical professional experience before they enter the working world.
• Upon the completion of your internship, you are invited 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. A photograph is taken of you and the Governor and sent to you as a memento.
• The Governor’s Intern Program creates a mutually beneficial arrangement for college students, their respective schools and participating agencies.

Expectations

• Professionalism (including dress, phone etiquette, understanding Congressional office environments, confidentiality).
• 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 a 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.
• Positively represent Georgia Southern University.
• Attend preparation and follow up meetings (e.g. How to be Successful during your internship, Evaluation of the experience, sharing your experience with other students).

Eligibility

• Participation is open to all majors.
• Have a GPA of at least 3.0.
• 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 be a Georgia resident or attending/attended a Georgia college, university, or law school.
• Selection is based on academic standing and potential for leadership in politics and government as indicated by grades, work experiences, extracurricular activities, interests, and maturity. You will be asked to furnish transcripts, as well as references from people who have worked with you.

Application Process

• Must complete the Georgia Southern Legislative Internship Application and the Georgia Governor’s Internship Program Application.

Last updated: 2/13/2013