Internship Program

Apply for an internship at the Department of Community and Economic Development that will offer you the opportunity to build your resume and gain real-world experience in a variety of disciplines

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is the leading state government agency for community and economic development in Pennsylvania. At DCED, we encourage the shared prosperity of all Pennsylvanians by supporting good stewardship and sustainable development initiatives across our state.

DCED provides two unique internship opportunities:

Recruitment-Focused: Recruitment-Focused internships are ideal for students seeking employment in the near foreseeable future with the intent of the internship to promote permanent placement within one year post successful completion of the internship. Recruitment-focused are ideal for college juniors, and seniors actively seeking employment within the 1-year post internship.

Experience-Focused: Experience-Focused internships prioritize hands-on learning and real-world application, offering interns opportunities to contribute meaningfully to strategic projects and develop valuable skills, while also providing career exploration and networking opportunities. Experience-focused internships are open to all freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are still determining how they intend to utilize their degree post-graduation and are still exploring career options.

Apply for an internship that will offer you the opportunity to build your resume and gain real-world experience in a variety of disciplines. Interns at DCED participate in meaningful projects focused on strengthening Pennsylvania’s communities and economy. Working alongside dedicated professionals provides valuable insights into how government, elected officials, community organizations, businesses, and higher education all work together to promote strong, resilient communities and a vibrant, robust economy.

Through DCED’s experiential internship program, students will gain hands-on experience where they can explore a vast array of program areas. Our leadership provides training, mentoring, and career development to help prepare talented, diverse students in making meaningful impacts across Pennsylvania’s communities. For a quick overview you can take anywhere, download our Internship Fact Sheet for on-the-go information. Find your passion in public service and contact the DCED Human Resources Team today!

ELIGIBILITY

To participate students must be:

  • At least 18 years or older
  • Enrolled full-time in college, in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher)
  • Declared in a major relevant to the internship
  • Willing to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, not to exceed 37.5
  • Must be willing to commute and work in Harrisburg, PA
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
  • Administration
  • Broadband Development
  • Business Financing
  • Business Marketing
  • Communications/Media Relations
  • Community Development/Enhancement
  • Domestic, and International Business Development
  • Film
  • Finance/Fiscal Management
  • Local Government
  • Marketing/Digital Media/Print
  • Military Community Enhancement
  • Policy, and Legislative Affairs
  • Technology, and Entrepreneurship
  • Tourism Promotion
  • Small Business Advocacy

Eligibility Application Requirements

To submit your application; please email the following documents to the DCED HR Team at RA-DCHRACTIONS@pa.gov:

Questions?

For any questions about internship opportunities, please contact our HR team at RA-DCHRACTIONS@pa.gov before submitting your application or visit our Frequently Asked Questions about DCED internships.

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