Internships often serve as stepping stones for students into post-grad employment any further opportunities. They provide a glimpse into public service and how you can get involved.
Public service and beyond.
Are you a student and interested in getting involved in public service? Internships are a great way to learn about the government, policymaking, and constituent services. In partnership with the Department of Political Science, the Office of Government Affairs offers the opportunity for undergraduate students to intern with a member of the Ohio General Assembly. Read more about the State Government Internship Program below.
Internships
ABOUT THE OFFICE
The Ohio State Office of Government Affairs works to build and maintain productive relationships with public officials and their staffs. The team works regularly with members of Congress, Governor's Office, Mayor’s Office, Ohio General Assembly, Columbus City Council, and other federal, state and local agencies regarding legislative, regulatory, and budget actions impacting the University and the higher education community.
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP
The State Government Internship Program is coordinated through a partnership of the Ohio State University Office of Government Affairs and Department of Political Science. It provides sophomores, juniors and seniors a semester-long internship with the Ohio General Assembly. Students selected for the program will be placed in the office of a State Representative, State Senator or caucus policy office in downtown Columbus and have the option of earning 3 hours of credit for their work. The program also offers 3 on-campus seminars focusing on different aspects of working in state government.
Assignments vary from office to office, but students can expect to work on things like assisting with the resolution of constituent issues, identifying constituent and community achievements for recognition, conducting research, drafting letters and memos, and attending committee hearings and session. In addition, the program provides the opportunity for exposure to policymaking in action and the chance to interact with public officials and government staff. Transportation is not provided; however, the Ohio Statehouse is a stop on several COTA bus lines, which requires only an active student BuckID.
GLUCK-ASHER FINANCIAL AWARD
All students selected to participate in the internship program will be eligible for a one-time $500 award credited to their student account at the end of the semester if they successfully complete all internship program requirements and earn at least a grade of a B in the appropriate section of Political Science 4191. This award is made possible through the generous donation of Ohio State alumnus Barry Gluck. Mr. Gluck generously donated in honor of Professor Emeritus Herb Asher to support students interested in starting a career in public service.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students are expected to spend 10-15 hours per week at their internship in blocks of 4-5 hours. Availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is a plus but not required. Program requirements include: attendance at a pre-internship orientation; attendance at 3 on-campus seminars that highlight different aspects of working in state government; completion of an internship agreement form; and completion of a one on one mid-semester meeting with the Office of Government Affairs internship coordinator.
QUALIFICATIONS
The State Government Internship Program is open to students of any major who have attained at least a 3.0 grade point average and have completed their first year of undergraduate study.
Check back in the coming months for more information for Autumn 2023.
For questions or to receive an application for the State Internship Program, please email Sam Smith at Smith.6518@osu.edu in the Office of Government Affairs.
The John Glenn College of Public Affairs offers the opportunity to study and work at an internship in Washington, D.C. Open to Ohio State students, participants develop their knowledge from the classroom to internships and further learn about professional development. To learn more about the program, click here.