Undergraduate Intern - Paid

Governor, Office of the•Atlanta, GA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) provides valuable, accurate, and timely information to the Governor and other decision-makers as part of a continuing effort to improve the operation of state government. OPB serves the Governor and the state in five primary ways: Under the direction of the Governor, develop budget recommendations for the current and upcoming fiscal years for presentation to the Georgia General Assembly. Provide research and analysis to the Governor and state agencies on budgetary issues in the interest of operating an efficient and effective state government. Review state agencies' annual operating budgets to promote sound fiscal stewardship, ensuring spending plans comply with the approved appropriations act and the Governor's policy goals. Develop the state's strategic plan, outlining the Governor's vision for Georgia and how agencies can best support that vision. Supply official demographic and statistical data about the state of Georgia and the performance of state agencies' programs and operations. The OPB Internship Program is an excellent way to learn about state government and begin a fulfilling and successful career in public service. Interns will be assigned to one of the following OPB divisions based on their qualifications and policy areas of interest: Education, Health and Human Services, Physical and Economic Development, Public Safety, or Planning and Strategy. Interns will work primarily within their assigned division under the guidance of the Division Director and the Internship Program Coordinator. During the spring semester, OPB interns will experience the budget and legislative processes up close, learning how OPB works with the legislative branch and executive agencies to manage the state’s budget through the legislative process. Interns will be involved in legislative tracking during the 2027 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Duties generally include following committee and floor proceedings, as well as assisting with reviewing bills for impacts on agency finances or operations. Additionally, interns will conduct research in specific policy areas – including education, health, public safety, economic development, and transportation – based on budget and legislative developments. Other duties may be assigned as needed. The Spring 2027 Internship is scheduled to run from Jan. 18 - April 15, 2027. Undergraduate-level interns are generally expected to work around 225 total hours over the course of the internship, or 20 – 24 hours per week excluding state holidays. Interns should also be prepared to report in-person to the OPB offices (2 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA 30334) at least 10-12 hours each week. Dates and hours may be adjusted subject to any requirements of an intern’s academic program.

Requirements

Student enrolled in a Georgia high school, technical college, or university/college.
Must be currently enrolled during the internship.
A copy of your resume
A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the OPB internship program
A writing sample from your coursework demonstrating your research and/or analytical skills (e.g. essays, research papers, policy briefs)

Nice To Haves

Senior-level undergraduate student majoring in public administration, public policy, political science, economics, or finance
Currently enrolled with a 3.0 GPA or higher
Strong business, writing, organizational, and computer skills
General knowledge of the State of Georgia legislative process
Experience in research and analysis with the ability to form conclusions and recommendations

Responsibilities

Develop budget recommendations for the current and upcoming fiscal years for presentation to the Georgia General Assembly.
Provide research and analysis to the Governor and state agencies on budgetary issues.
Review state agencies' annual operating budgets to promote sound fiscal stewardship.
Develop the state's strategic plan, outlining the Governor's vision for Georgia.
Supply official demographic and statistical data about the state of Georgia and the performance of state agencies' programs and operations.
Work primarily within their assigned division under the guidance of the Division Director and the Internship Program Coordinator.
Experience the budget and legislative processes up close.
Manage the state’s budget through the legislative process.
Be involved in legislative tracking during the 2027 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Follow committee and floor proceedings.
Assist with reviewing bills for impacts on agency finances or operations.
Conduct research in specific policy areas – including education, health, public safety, economic development, and transportation – based on budget and legislative developments.
Other duties may be assigned as needed.