THE POSITION

Are you an undergraduate or graduate-level student interested in assisting with projects to engage constituency groups and handle constituent calls and correspondence? If you are looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working within Pennsylvania’s Office of the Governor, consider applying to the Office of Public Engagement and Office of External Affairs. We are on the lookout for two interns for the upcoming 2026 Fall session. Do not miss this exceptional opportunity for real-world experience that will help launch your career!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position assists with communication, research, outreach, and coordination efforts that help our team deliver effective results for the people of Pennsylvania. You will have the opportunity to strengthen your skills and further your expertise by completing a variety of assignments. As an intern within the Office of Public Engagement and Office of External Affairs, you will perform the following duties:

Coordinate Communication: Assist with managing incoming phone calls and correspondence; collaborate with a team on mail operations, including US mail and online submissions
Respond to Inquiries: Answer a variety correspondence requests, including citations, proclamations, and policy letters; communications with federal, state, and local officials; and constituent inquiries
Conduct Research: Gather information through research and coordination with staff
Advance Collaboration: Coordinate with staff regarding messaging and policy goals; act as a liaison to state agencies to find solutions to constituent inquiries
Support Advisory Commissions: Create social media content; draft press releases, memos, presentations, and policy documents; plan and support events and meetings hosted by the Commissions
Complete Special Projects: Assist the External Affairs Office with memos, events, spreadsheet and database maintenance and other projects as needed

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

One part-time internship with External Affairs, 15 - 22.5 hours per week, late August 2026 to mid-December 2026
One part-time internship with Public Engagement, 15 - 22.5 hours per week, late August 2026 to mid-December 2026
Scheduling will be flexible within the 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM work hours.
Telework: Selected candidates must be available to report to the office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. You will not have the option to telework.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be 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 program)
Good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher).
Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

You must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, execute high-volume projects, and demonstrate personal initiative in moving projects along.
You must be able to identify and evaluate source material for veracity and accuracy.
You must use good judgment in regarding highly sensitive information.
You must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
You must have professional and courteous telephone etiquette.
You must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
You must be able to work cooperatively and courteously in a team environment.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

Studying or have graduated with a degree in communications, public administration, public affairs, political science, public relations, English, journalism, women and gender studies or other humanities
Bilingual or multilingual

How to Apply:

Your application must include a cover letter and 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 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 in good academic standing (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?

Preferred Criteria- Are you currently studying or have graduated with a degree in communications, public administration, public affairs, political science, public relations, English, journalism, women and gender studies, or other humanities?

Preferred Criteria- Are you bilingual or multilingual?

Preferred Criteria- Which internship are you interested in?

External Affairs
Public Engagement
Both

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address: 613 North Street

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