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 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 Assembly
• Provide research and analysis to the Governor and state agencies on budgetary issues in the interest of operating an efficient and effective state government
• Review state agencies' annual operating budgets to promote sound fiscal stewardship, ensuring spending plans comply with the approved appropriations act and the Governor's policy goals
• 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

Spring 2025 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 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 2025 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 2025 Internship is scheduled to run from January 16th - April 15th, 2025. Graduate-level interns are generally expected to work at least 300 total hours over the course of the internship, or 28 – 32 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 14-16 hours each week. Dates and hours may be adjusted subject to any requirements of an intern’s academic program.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about the roles, responsibilities, and functions of the Office of Planning and Budget and how the Governor’s Office interacts with other state agencies
• Increase 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 and analytical 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 Documents

Along 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.

1. A copy of your resume
2. A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the OPB internship program
3. A writing sample from your coursework demonstrating your research and/or analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate student in public administration, public policy, or political science
• Currently enrolled with a 3.2 GPA or higher
• Excellent business, writing, organizational, and computer skills
• Detailed knowledge of the State of Georgia legislative and committee process
• High level of skill in research and analysis with the ability to form conclusions and present recommendations based on analysis