THE POSITION

Are you an undergraduate or graduate-level student interested in communications, media relations, writing, and media monitoring? If so, join our Office of Communications, where you have the opportunity to gain hands-on communications experience working within Pennsylvania’s Office of the Governor. Our office works with newspapers and media outlets across the state to tell the story of the Shapiro Administration and the work every department does to make a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians. Apply today to gain valuable skills and unlock future career possibilities as a Communications Intern!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This internship supports the Governor's Office with communication efforts that inform the public and highlight key initiatives across the state. As a Communications Intern, you will perform the following duties:

Media Tracking: Monitor news coverage and identify relevant media activity
Inquiry Support: Track incoming media inquiries for the communications team
Writing Tasks: Draft media advisories and press releases for public distribution
Research Assistance: Collect information that supports communication planning and message development
Team Collaboration: Work with staff to assist with communication projects across internal departments

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Part-time internship, 20 hours per week, late-August 2026 through early-December 2026
Work hours are flexible within the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday – Friday.
Telework: Intern may have the option to work in-person or hybrid depending on the needs of both the intern and the office. Some level of in-person reporting is required. You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) one day per week. In-person reporting is required on all other days. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
Salary: The starting salary is non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Graduates from Summer of 2026 may also be considered for this internship.
Good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher).
Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

You must be studying or have graduated with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, government, English, public policy, political science, journalism, or a similar major or degree program.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

Your application must include a resume.
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

Internship Requirement: Are you currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program (Summer of 2026 graduates may also be considered)?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

Internship Requirement: Are you currently in good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.5 or higher)?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

Internship Requirement: Are you a Pennsylvania resident or enrolled at a Pennsylvania college or university?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

Additional Requirement: Are you studying or have you graduated with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, government, English, public policy, political science, journalism, or a similar major or degree program?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address: 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website: http://www.employment.pa.gov