OPB Fall 2026 Internship

About the Office of Planning and Budget

The Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) provides valuable, accurate, and timely information to the Governor and other decision-makers to continuously promote the effective and efficient operation of state government. OPB serves the Governor and the state in five primary ways:

• Under the direction of the Governor, develop fact-based, data-driven budget recommendations for the current and upcoming fiscal years for the Governor to present to the Georgia General Assembly
• Provide research and analysis to the Governor and state agencies on budgetary issues
• Review state agencies' annual operating budgets to ensure spending plans comply with the approved appropriations act, support the Governor's strategic policy goals, and promote sound fiscal stewardship
• Develop the state's strategic plan, outlining the Governor's vision for Georgia and how agencies can best support that vision
• Supply official demographic and statistical data about the state of Georgia and the performance of state agencies' programs and operations

Fall 2026 Internship Overview

The OPB Internship Program is an excellent way to learn about state government and begin a fulfilling and successful career in public service. Interns will learn everything that goes into budget analysis and how OPB works with state agencies and the General Assembly to develop and manage the state's budget. Based on qualifications, interests, and OPB's areas of need, interns will work with one or more of the following OPB budget and policy divisions: Education, Health and Human Services, Physical and Economic Development, Public Safety, or Planning and Strategy.

During the fall semester, up to three interns will have the opportunity to directly participate in the budget development process. Under the guidance and direction of their assigned division, interns will assist in analyzing and making recommendations on agency budget requests submitted to OPB for consideration. Interns will also help review and interpret agency financial data, conduct research on related policy areas, and synthesize and summarize information into presentation materials. Other administrative or technical support duties may be assigned as needed.

The Fall 2026 Internship is scheduled to run from August 17th - December 15th, 2026. Interns are generally expected to work 275 - 325 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 office (2 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA 30334) at least 2 - 3 days, or 16 - 20 hours, each week. Dates, hours, and in-person reporting may be adjusted subject to any requirements of an intern's academic program or other factors.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about the roles, responsibilities, and functions of the Office of Planning and Budget and how OPB interacts with other state agencies
• Improve knowledge of Georgia's state budget and government operations through policy and issue research
• Gain a thorough understanding of the budgeting and legislative processes in Georgia
• Apply writing, analytical, and presentation skills in a work setting
• Enhance professional development and communication skills

Interest Areas

Public administration, public policy, political science, finance, state government, business administration, budgeting, legislative/legal analysis, research, quantitative and qualitative analysis

Required Submission Documents

Along with the completed application, applicants must submit the following supporting documents. Applications without all three of these supporting documents will not be considered.

1. A copy of your resume
2. A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the OPB internship program and what you aim to learn/achieve
3. A writing sample from your coursework demonstrating your research capabilities and quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills (e.g. essays, research papers, policy briefs)

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate or undergraduate student in public administration, public policy, political science, economics, or finance
• Currently enrolled at a Georgia university or college with a 3.2 GPA or higher
• Anticipated graduation date during the 2026-2027 academic year
• Excellent business, writing, organizational, and computer skills
• Detailed knowledge of the State of Georgia's government functions and structures, including the legislative process
• High level of skill in research and analysis, with the ability to form conclusions and present recommendations based on analysis

Student enrolled in a Georgia high school, technical college, or university/college. Must be currently enrolled during the internship.