The 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. 

The Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) exists to serve the Governor and the state in five primary ways:

• Work with the Governor each year to develop a budget recommendation for the upcoming and amended fiscal years that is based on agency requests and that will be presented to the General Assembly
• Provide research and analysis to the Governor’s Office and other state agencies related to budgetary items as well as to produce an efficient and effective state government
• Review the agencies’ annual operating budgets to ensure that spending plans comply with the approved appropriations act, sound fiscal stewardship, and the Governor’s goals
• Develop the state’s strategic plan, outlining the Governor’s vision for the state and how agencies can best support that vision
• Supply official demographic and statistical data about the state of Georgia

Position Overview 

Duties will vary depending on the semester.  Interns at the Office of Planning and Budget will have the opportunity to see the budget process at work by learning what goes into the Governor’s budget recommendation, seeing the legislative process of passing the budget, and how the budget is implemented once signed by the Governor. Interns will have the opportunity conduct research in specific policy areas related to education, health, public safety, economic development, transportation, and occupational licensing. Under the direction of the Division Director, the interns will assist with budget administration, legislative tracking, Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council meetings, strategic plan review, document publication, and other duties as assigned.

 Learning Objectives 

• Gain knowledge of the function and operation of the Office of Planning and Budget and how the Governor’s Office interacts with other state agencies 
• Gain a thorough understanding of the budgeting and legislative process in Georgia
• Increase knowledge on state policies and occupational regulation
• Apply writing and analytical skills in a work setting
• Enhance professional development and communication skills

 Interest Areas 

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

 Required Qualifications:  

• Undergraduate or senior level student
• Currently enrolled or recent graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Georgia resident or attending a Georgia college, university, or law school
• Working level skill in the use of MS Office applications
• Good research and analytical skills

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Graduate level student
• Currently enrolled or recent graduate with a 3.5 GPA or higher
• Excellent business writing, organizational and computer skills
• General knowledge of the State of Georgia legislative process
• High level of skill in research and analysis with the ability to form conclusions and recommendations based on analysis

 Internship Details:

• Application Deadline: Continuous recruitment
• Fall Dates:  September through December
• Spring Dates:  January through April
• Summer Dates:  May through August
• Hours:  24 to 40 hours/week
• $7.25/hour pay