Research Intern - Governor's Office - College

Are you an undergraduate or graduate-level student interested in research and state government? If you are looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, Pennsylvania's Office of the Governor has the perfect opportunity for you! The Office of the Governor's Research Department is excited to welcome a motivated Research Intern for the upcoming 2026 Summer session. The internship is expected to run late May 2026 to August 2026. Build your future by conducting meaningful research within state government!

The Office of the Governor's Research Department tracks and reports key performance indicators of the Governor's agenda and accomplishments; drafts briefing materials ahead of Governor's Office events; collaborates with the Digital, Communications, and Public Affairs teams to communicate the Governor's work; and researches potential validators ahead of external meetings, press conferences, and digital content creation.

In this internship, you will assist with tracking and compiling the Governor's key accomplishments, researching and compiling press coverage of the Governor's key accomplishments and agenda, as well as researching the backgrounds of potential validators for press conferences, external events, and social media content. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Research Associate to respond to research requests from other departments, and research and track key performance indicators for the Governor's agenda. Additionally, you will be tracking important legislation as it passes through the legislative process.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Internship, approximately 25 hours per week, no more than 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are flexible between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Telework: You 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 in Harrisburg is required.
  • 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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• Current enrollment in a undergraduate or graduate degree program (Graduates from Spring 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 passionate about state government, research, and public service.
• You must be detail-oriented with a curiosity and desire to learn.
• You must have strong written and oral communication skills.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Studying or have graduated with a degree in Political Science, History, Economics, Journalism, Pre-Law, or a similar major or degree program that is research heavy.
• Prior relevant work or internship experience, including but not limited to experience in state, local, or federal government agencies, campaigns, journalism, public advocacy, or policy research.

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.

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.