Agency Employees
Agencies looking to hire interns should complete the application below.
Once your application has been accepted, create a WV.gov account to gain access to the online student database.
Benefits of Hiring an Intern
The West Virginia Governor’s Internship Program offers a mutually beneficial opportunity for private businesses, non-profits, and government agencies to support the local community while gaining valuable short-term assistance. Employers benefit from increased productivity and fresh perspectives, while staff members often find professional satisfaction in serving as mentors. Beyond immediate project support, the program serves as a critical talent pipeline, allowing organizations to evaluate high-performing students for future entry-level roles—a success highlighted by past mentors who have transitioned exceptional interns into full-time employees.
Things to Consider
For a private business, non-profit organization or government agency to fully appreciate the impact of the Governor’s Internship Program, some planning is required. The following elements are essential when considering whether to hire an intern:
The availability of meaningful projects or assignments.
Internships should be designed to challenge students through well-planned projects. These experiences help interns navigate organizational culture and teamwork while learning to manage the practical rewards and frustrations of professional life.
The availability of staff support.
Each intern requires a designated mentor to provide consistent supervision and guidance. Key responsibilities include training, project delegation, and workload monitoring. To ensure a successful experience, mentors should act as a primary point of contact for questions and provide ongoing performance evaluations rooted in constructive feedback.
The availability of office space and financial resources.
Host organizations must provide interns with essential workplace resources—such as a desk, computer, and telephone—tailored to their specific projects. Although the Governor’s Internship Program manages recruitment, the hosting entity remains responsible for compensation. Standard internships span nine to thirteen weeks and meet or exceed the minimum wage.
Selection Process
Employers are responsible for interviewing and selecting the intern who best fits their requirements, utilizing a provided password to query the online student database for qualified candidates. While any student may be hired for general summer employment, participation in the Governor's Internship Program is restricted to those who verify a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide transcripts and a letter of recommendation. Therefore, employers should verify student eligibility and review their required transcripts and two letters of recommendation prior to extending a formal job offer.
Required Professional Development Sessions
Throughout the internship, students will be required to attend professional development sessions and experiences. These sessions will provide a framework to strengthen the future of each student's professional skills.