Intern with DPI
Program Overview
The Department of Public Instruction is excited to offer an internship program designed to invite both undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing degrees in public policy, public administration, education, communication, business management and related fields into the heart of a state government agency. All internships are paid internships. Interns can expect one-on-one guidance from agency staff, opportunities to meet with agency leaders, and the ability to contribute to the work of advocating for and supporting educators and students across North Carolina.
Internship applicants should specify their personal and professional goals in their application documents in order to best pair successful candidates with relevant projects and teams within the Department. Opportunities exist for internships in various fields and with a number of different work units, including opportunities in research, communication, data analytics, archives, and program management.
Past Intern Testimonials
“The most meaningful experience has been the conversations I have had with the staff here, listening to them present their work and create policy recommendations and data results has been so meaningful and has definitely left me wanting to make my way back to DPI after I complete my degree.”
“The most meaningful aspect of my time with DPI was gaining a deeper understanding of how the division operates and interacts with Public School Units (PSUs)... Seeing the positive relationship the Exceptional Children (EC) division has with individuals at the county level and their willingness to help counties was great to experience.”
“Getting to know the people here and hearing their advice has helped me monumentally. I could not have asked for better people to help me out during my first internship. I have also learned how to operate in a professional environment.”
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the list of available 2025 summer internship opportunities prior to submitting an application. An online application, along with a resume and unofficial transcript are required for consideration.
Applications will be accepted online with an application deadline of April 8, 2025 for Summer 2025 opportunities.
Apply to the opportunities you are interesting in below:
Intern Archivist – Office of Communications
Graduate Research Intern – Office of Research and Promising Practices
Communications Intern – Office of Communications
Research and Data Analyst Intern – Office of Digital Teaching and Learning
Undergraduate Policy and Research Intern – Office of Charter Schools
Internship applications will be reviewed by leaders across the department, and successful applicants may be contacted for further information or to set up interviews until all available positions are filled.
Dates, Times, and Deadlines
Internships are available for Summer 2025 with dates between May 12, 2025 and August 8, 2025. All internships are paid, with graduate students earning $20.00 per hour and undergraduate students earning $18.00 per hour. Length of specific internship opportunities may vary from 5-12 weeks. Interns are asked to commit a minimum of 20 and up to 30 hours per week. Available hours may vary depending on the specific requirements of the appointment. Typical office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m, although individual schedules will be set between the intern and their supervisor. Interested applicants should provide their full range of availability in their application.
- Application Launch: March 27, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 8, 2025
Limited internship opportunities may be available during the Fall or Spring semesters. Please reach out to intern@dpi.nc.gov if you are interested in pursuing an academic year opportunity.