Department of Commerce Internship Program - Fall 2026 (Intern)

State of Maryland; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Maryland Department of Commerce Internship Program provides college students with hands-on experience in state government and economic development. Interns are placed in offices such as Finance Programs, Chief Strategy Officer, Tourism, Research, or the Maryland State Arts Council.

Dates: September 23 - December 12. Schedule up to 24 hours per week. Compensation: $17.41–$20.31 per hour. Interns will assist with research, data analysis, written materials, and communications across departments.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university in one of the listed majors.
• Sophomore or higher undergraduate, graduate student, or equivalent (≥30 undergraduate credits).
• Preference for candidates with interest in economic development, policy, communications, tourism or public service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on businesses, industries, programs, policies, or economic and tourism trends.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data from public and internal sources.
• Prepare written summaries, reports, briefing materials, presentations, and spreadsheets.
• Develop content for publications, digital platforms, social media, and other communications.
• Support administration of programs, initiatives, and departmental priorities.
• Track projects, milestones, and performance measures.
• Attend meetings and coordinate with State agencies, local partners, businesses, and community organizations.

Skills

Communication skills

Research & synthesis

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Sophomore or higher undergraduate (≥30 credits)

Business Administration

Finance / Accounting / Economics

Public Policy / Public Administration

Political Science / Government

Tourism / Hospitality / Event Management

Data Science / Statistics

Creative / Visual Arts or related major

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Commerce seeks candidates for its Internship Program. We are seeking motivated college students with an interest in economic development, business, public policy, communications, tourism, research, and public service. The Maryland Department of Commerce plays a central role in strengthening Maryland's economy by helping businesses start, grow, and locate in the State; supporting Maryland's key industries; administering financing and incentive programs; promoting Maryland as a destination for visitors and businesses; providing research and analysis to inform economic development policy and decision-making, and supporting an unparalleled quality of life for all Marylanders. Interns will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in State government while contributing to projects that support businesses, communities, economic growth and quality of life throughout Maryland.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Commerce
World Trade Center
401 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Some internship assignments may offer hybrid work opportunities depending on the needs of the assigned office.

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of Commerce Internship Program provides college students with an opportunity to gain practical professional experience while learning about economic development and the operation of State government. Interns will be assigned to one of several offices within the Department and will work alongside Commerce colleagues on projects that contribute directly to the agency's mission. Depending on placement, interns may assist with financial and business program administration, strategic initiatives, policy analysis, communications and marketing, arts and tourism promotion, economic research, data analysis, and other departmental priorities. Interns can expect opportunities to attend meetings, conduct research, analyze information, develop written materials, assist with projects and initiatives, and collaborate with staff across the Department. The program will also provide opportunities to learn about the wide range of careers available in economic development and State government and to interact with professionals from Commerce, other State agencies, local economic development organizations, businesses, and community partners.

Internship Dates: September 23 - December 12
Schedule: Up to 24 hours per week
Compensation: 17.41-20.31/hr

Interns will be placed in one of the following offices within the Department of Commerce:

• Office of Finance Programs;
• Office of the Chief Strategy Officer;
• Office of Tourism;
• Research Division;
• Maryland State Arts Council.

Depending on placement, interns may assist with:

• Conducting research on businesses, industries, programs, policies, or economic and tourism trends;
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from public and internal sources;
• Preparing written summaries, reports, briefing materials, presentations, and spreadsheets;
• Developing content for publications, digital platforms, social media, and other communications;
• Supporting the administration of programs, initiatives, and departmental priorities;
• Tracking projects, milestones, and performance measures;
• Attending meetings and supporting coordination with State agencies, local partners, businesses, and community organizations; and
• Assisting with special projects and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university in at least one of the following majors:

• Business Administration;
• Finance, Accounting, or Economics;
• Public Policy or Public Administration;
• Political Science or Government;
• Tourism, Hospitality, or Event Management;
• Data Science, Statistics;
• Creative or Visual Arts or another arts related major.

Applicants must be a Sophomore or higher-level undergraduate student, graduate student, or equivalent (i.e., a minimum of 30 undergraduate credit hours obtained)

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Demonstrate an interest in economic development, business, public policy, communications, tourism, research, or public service;
• Possess strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Be detail-oriented and demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills;
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and synthesize information;
• Be comfortable working collaboratively with colleagues on multiple projects.

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a contractual position. Applications will be reviewed by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Applicants under consideration may be contacted for an interview with the office or offices for which they are being considered.

BENEFITS

There are no benefits associated with this position.

As an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 1-800-735-2258