OPB Spring 2027 Internship - Graduate

State-of-Georgi; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Georgia's Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) invites graduate students to join the Spring 2027 Internship program. You will work within one of OPB's divisions, gaining hands-on experience in budgeting, policy research, and legislative tracking.

The program runs January 18 through April 15, 2027, with about 24–28 hours per week. Interns report in-person to 2 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA 30334, gaining exposure to Georgia's budget and legislative processes.

Qualifications

• Graduate student in public administration, public policy, political science, or economics.
• Excellent business, writing, organizational, and computer skills.
• Detailed knowledge of the State of Georgia legislative and committee process.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing budget recommendations for current and upcoming fiscal years.
• Provide research and analysis to Governor and agencies on budgetary issues.
• Review agency budgets to promote sound fiscal stewardship and compliance with appropriations act.
• Support drafting of policy memos and briefing materials for legislative sessions.

Skills

Research & analysis

Writing skills

Policy understanding

Education

Graduate student in public administration/public policy/political science/economics

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Research databases

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!We are the force that drives Georgia!Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!Job Title:OPB Spring 2027 Internship - GraduateAgency:Governor, Office of theJob Requisition ID:JR0000005664Shift:Day (United States of America)Compensation Details:$18 PER HOURJob Description:OPB Spring 2027 Internship (Graduate)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 AssemblyProvide research and analysis to the Governor and state agencies on budgetary issues in the interest of operating an efficient and effective state governmentReview state agencies' annual operating budgets to promote sound fiscal stewardship, ensuring spending plans comply with the approved appropriations act and the Governor's policy goalsDevelop the state's strategic plan, outlining the Governor's vision for Georgia and how agencies can best support that visionSupply official demographic and statistical data about the state of Georgia and the performance of state agencies' programs and operationsInternship OverviewThe 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 January 18th - April 15th, 2027. Graduate-level interns are generally expected to work around 300 total hours over the course of the internship, or 24 –28 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 12-14 hours each week. Dates and hours may be adjusted subject to any requirements of an intern’s academic program.Learning ObjectivesLearn about the roles, responsibilities, and functions of the Office of Planning and Budget and how the Governor’s Office interacts with other state agenciesIncrease knowledge of Georgia’s state budget and government operations through policy and issue researchGain a thorough understanding of the budgeting and legislative processes in GeorgiaApply writing and analytical skills in a work settingEnhance professional development and communication skillsInterest AreasPublic administration, public policy, political science, finance, state government, business administration, budgeting, legislative/legal analysis, research, quantitative and qualitative analysisRequired DocumentsAlong with the completed application, applicants are required to submit the following supporting documents. Applications without all three of these supporting documents will not be considered.A copy of your resumeA one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the OPB internship programA writing sample from your coursework demonstrating your research and/or analytical skills (e.g. essays, research papers, policy briefs)Preferred QualificationsGraduate student in public administration, public policy, political science, or economicsCurrently enrolled with a 3.2 GPA or higherExcellent business, writing, organizational, and computer skillsDetailed knowledge of the State of Georgia legislative and committee processHigh level of skill in research and analysis with the ability to form conclusions and present recommendations based on analysisMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND currently enrolled in a graduate program relevant to the area of assignment.Equal Employment Opportunity EmployerThe State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.