DVS Student Programs - Unpaid Internship Opportunities - General Application - Spring/Summer/Fall 2026

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) has the declared mission of "empowering veterans and their families to thrive through commitment, compassion, & community". Founded in 2008, ODVS serves those who served through a variety of programs, events, resources, and outreach efforts that honor veterans.

To learn more about us, click odvs-annual-report-2025.pdf

At the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, we…

Conduct outreach to veterans and provides training and oversight to the 88 County Veterans Service Offices.

Coordinate programs and operations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides benefits to Ohio veterans.

Work with the Ohio General Assembly and Congressional representatives to craft legislation in support of veterans and their families at the state and federal levels.

Communicate and coordinate with other state agencies concerning veterans’ programs and support to veterans.

Operate the Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown which are open to Ohio-resident veterans who served in periods of armed conflicts.

Manage one federal education-related program: The State Approving Agency.

Host several veterans’ ceremonies each year including the Governor’s Wreath-Laying Ceremony which honors Ohio's killed in action and the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Maintain custodianship of more than 1.9 million veterans’ records dating back to World War II.

     We aim to maintain an inclusive work environment and commit ourselves to develop talented, inclusive, and dedicated employees.

       Please note, this is a general application for unpaid internship opportunities. Your application will be made available to multiple hiring managers who have open positions best corresponding with your stated areas of interest.  Unpaid Internship positions may be able to be used for credit toward college requirements.

Internship opportunities are available at our central office, allowing students to gain exposure to different aspects of our local and state-wide programs. Internship placements may include, but are not limited to:

Data Analysis – This includes utilizing data from statewide veteran needs assessment, evaluating demographic trends, and exploring models.

Program Planning – Assist with public relations, content development, legislation, and community outreach to promote agency initiatives.

Veteran Engagement – Help with strategies and programs aimed at enhancing the veteran community, event planning and execution, surveys, partnerships with businesses and agencies that support veterans and current military.

Other Administrative Areas – Explore roles in policy development, research, program management, outreach, partnership building, and other tasks as needed to advance agency priorities.

Through this program, students will have the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, explore potential career paths, and develop critical job skills. By engaging with professionals, interns will also build valuable networks and contribute to meaningful projects that impact veterans and current military across Ohio. Depending on the internship focus, you may be able to create a final report with findings, recommendations, and supporting analysis to DVS leadership.

Internships are unpaid and tailored to align with a student’s academic focus and career aspirations. Schedules are flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate academic commitments.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Position Qualifications

·       Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to the desired internship field. 

·       Must be able to provide your own transportation to/from work location.

·       Must have strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, religion, age, disability or military states in employment provision of services.

If contacted for an interview, an applicant who requires special accommodations, due to a disability, should notify the office so that the proper arrangements can be made.

*IMPORTANT* - If attaching a document that contains your Social Security Number (SSN), please redact SSN before attaching if to your submission.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.