Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Find an Internship

Internship Search Sites

Current and upcoming internship opportunities are regularly posted on the sites listed below.

Keep in mind that not all organizations advertise their internship opportunities. If there is an organization or person you are interested in working with but you can’t find a publicly available list of internships, reach out directly to ask.

Handshake - Handshake is OSU’s position posting system where students have access to search and apply for part-time jobs, internships, co-ops, and full-time career opportunities. Thousands of jobs, internship and career opportunities are posted in Handshake as well as information on upcoming career fairs and on-campus recruiting events.

The American Political Science Association (APSA) - APSA supports political science students in their professional development by highlighting relevant internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

International Organization Careers - Most professional posts in the UN and other international organizations require several years of experience and advanced degrees; however, there are a few internship programs in place to help highly qualified students and young professionals get their foot in the door.

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State Government Internship Program

Coordinated by The Ohio State University Office of Government Affairs and Department of Political Science

About the Office

The Ohio State Office of Government Affairs works to build and support productive relationships with public officials and their staff.
The team works regularly with members of Congress, the Governor’s Office, the Mayor’s Office, the Ohio General Assembly, Columbus City Council, and other federal, state, and local agencies on legislative, regulatory, and budget actions impacting the University and the higher education community.

About the Internship

The State Government Internship Program provides sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Ohio State with a semester-long internship experience at the Ohio General Assembly. Students selected for the program will be placed in the office of a State Representative, State Senator, or a caucus policy office located in downtown Columbus. Participants will have the option to earn three hours of academic credit through enrollment in Political Science 4191.

Interns will contribute to a wide range of tasks, including assisting with the resolution of constituent issues, identifying constituent and community achievements for recognition, conducting legislative and policy research, drafting letters and memos, and attending committee hearings and legislative sessions. In addition to hands-on experience, students will attend three professional development seminars that focus on distinct aspects of working in state government.

This program offers valuable exposure to the policymaking process and provides meaningful opportunities for interaction with public officials and government staff. Transportation is not provided; however, the Ohio Statehouse is accessible via multiple COTA bus lines, which are free with a valid BuckID.

Autumn 2025 Internship Application Timeline

  • Application Released: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
  • Application Due: Sunday, August 3, 2025
  • Application Review Period: Monday, August 4 – Thursday, August 7
  • Finalists Notified: Friday, August 8, 2025
  • Decision Deadline for Finalists: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Finalists will be notified by Friday, August 8, 2025, and must confirm participation by Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Selected students will then begin their internship experience.

Spring 2026 Internship Application Timeline

  • Application Released: Monday, November 17, 2025
  • Application Due: Sunday, December 7, 2025
  • Application Review Period: Monday, December 8 – Thursday, December 11, 2025
  • Finalist Notified: Friday, December 12 2025
  • Decision Deadline for Finalists: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 

Finalist will be notified on Friday, December 12, 2025, of their selection into the program. Finalists will have until Tuesday, December 16 to accept or decline the offer. Selected students can accept or decline the offer and begin their internship experience

Program Requirements

  • Interns are expected to work 10–15 hours per week in shifts of 4–5 hours.
  • Availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is a plus but not required.
  • Mandatory attendance at a pre-internship orientation.
  • Attendance at 2 out of 3 professional development seminars on campus.
  • Completion of an internship agreement form.
  • Completion of all assignments as outlined in the Political Science 4191 syllabus.

Gluck-Asher Financial Award

Five students will be selected to participate in the internship program and will be eligible for a one-time $1000 award. The award is credited to the student’s account at the end of the semester upon successful completion of all program requirements, including earning at least a grade of B in the Political Science 4191 course. This award is made possible through the generous support of Ohio State alumnus Barry Gluck, in honor of Professor Emeritus Herb Asher, to support students interested in pursuing a career in public service.
Please note: The stipend can only be awarded up to the cost of attendance.

Qualifications

  • Open to students of any major.
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study at Ohio State’s Columbus campus.

How to Apply

Students can download the application form below and should submit their completed application materials to green.2525@osu.edu no later than Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Application materials must include:

Please note:

  • Applications for Autumn semester are due in August.
  • Applications for Spring semester are due in December.
  • The Autumn and Spring application forms differ slightly, particularly regarding dates and deadlines—be sure to download the correct version for the semester in which you plan to intern.

Questions?

Contact: Sydney Green, Internship Coordinator: green.2525@osu.edu