North Carolina State Internship Program

Program Description: 

In state and local governments, even “entry-level” positions often require 1-3 years of experience. This can contribute to a worker shortage. Recruitment and retention are ongoing problems. To address this, the North Carolina procurement office created a year-round internship program. College students work for the procurement office, and do the duties of full-time employees (with a bit more supervision.) Interns are encouraged to shoulder real responsibilities.

During the school year, interns work 25 hours per week. During the summer, they work a full 40 hours per week. If interns complete two years in the program, they are considered to have completed the work experience requirements for an entry-level position in their department. This creates a direct education-to-workforce pipeline, and ensures new talent is prepared to pursue careers within state government.

The department hosts five interns at a time. Some of these positions are grant-funded via the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO.) NASPO internships are offered in other states, as well, though many of the programs are six months long or summer-only. 

Impact:

This program creates a direct education-to-employment pipeline. It allows participants the chance to gain valuable on-the-job experience, making the more valuable to future employers. Additionally, it ensures that the Procurement Office has consistent access to qualified applicants for entry-level positions. Because the interns are given real responsibilities, they gain real work experience beyond that of a typical intern who might handle minor office duties. In exchange, future employers receive employees familiar with the specific skills involved in their work. 

Population Served: 

College students looking to pursue careers in state or local governments; state and local government employers looking to develop talent. 

Learn more here. 

Page last updated in August 2026