Internships

Internships are typically short-term, structured learning experiences where students or early-career professionals gain practical skills while contributing to meaningful agency projects. They can be paid or unpaid for school credit, and they provide hands-on opportunities that benefit both the intern and the host agency.

Internship programs are more than just student opportunities; they're an investment in Oregon's workforce. By engaging interns, agencies can build a stronger pipeline of talent, increase visibility in the community, and prepare for the future.

Why Consider Internships?

Internship programs provide value by:

• Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
• A significant portion of Oregon's public workforce is eligible for retirement in the coming years. Internships create a pipeline of talent that agencies can develop and retain, ensuring knowledge transfer and continuity.
• Bringing in Fresh Perspectives
• Interns contribute new skills, technology fluency, and ideas that can enhance ongoing projects. Their academic training often provides current insights that benefit agency work.
• Strengthening Recruitment and Retention
• Interns who engage with your agency gain firsthand experience with its mission, culture, and operations, making them more likely to return as future employees
• Expanding Visibility and Outreach
• Offering internships connects agencies with universities, career fairs, and professional networks, increasing awareness about the agency's mission and impact.

Flexibility in Program Design

Internship programs across state agencies are highly flexible and adaptable:

Some of the various ways agencies structure their programs are listed below

• Length & Duration
• Short-term programs (under 8 weeks)
• 8-12 weeks, aligning with academic terms
• Extended programs (Up to 6 months or 1040 hours)
• Work Setting
• In-person and hybrid are the most common
• Program structure
• Some agencies offer formal, standardized internship programs with set timelines and durations – often running on an annual or seasonal basis with clear milestones and expectations.
• Others agencies host flexible, project-based internships when needed or when opportunities arise, tailoring the experience to specific projects or department needs.
• Compensation
• Internships are paid in line with the job classication's pay range. When there is an agreement with the educational instiution that the intern's assignment will be in exchange for school credit, the internship may be unpaid. In these situations, it's best to have a written agreement with the educational instiution that outlines the details of arrangement.
  

Internships can be shaped to fit agency capacity, whether that means hosting a single student for a summer project or building a recurring, structured program.

The Importance of Mentorship

Internships are most successful when interns have the chance to learn directly from experienced staff. Mentorship provides interns with guidance, professional growth, and real-world context, while also benefiting the agency.

• Strengthening Employee Development: Supervising an intern gives staff the opportunity to practice leadership, coaching, and project management skills.
• Create a Lasting Impact: A mentor's time and knowledge can shape an intern's career trajectory and strengthen their connection 

Why It Matters for Oregon's Workforce

Internships are not just about filling short-term needs. They help agencies:

• Attract and grow talent pipelines to offset the coming wave of retirements.
• Engage students early, creating interest in public service careers.
• Retain talent long-term, as interns who succeed often return as dedicated employees.

By investing in internships now, agencies ensure they have the networks and workforce necessary to serve Oregonians for years to come.

Benefits of Partnering with Educational Institutions

Partnering with educational institutions strengthens both internship programs and workforce development.

• Broader Candidate Pool – Partnerships connect agencies with motivated students across a range of disciplines.
• Streamlined Recruitment – Universities and career centers help promote opportunities through career fairs and Handshake.
• Opportunities for School Credit – Many institutions allow students to earn academic credit for internships, which can provide agencies with added flexibility when funding for paid positions is limited.