Featured June 9, 2025 New eLearning platform offers leadership and workforce training for public servants in federal, state and local government Back to Blog Strengthening your internship strategy: How to recruit, onboard and develop future public servants Date July 21, 2025 Authors Kristen Carroll Tags Workforce A well-run internship program can do more than support students—it can strengthen your agency’s workforce for years to come. In government, internships are a powerful long-term investment, helping agencies build stronger talent pipelines, foster connections with mission-driven professionals and shape future public service leaders. The Partnership’s new program can help you develop an effective internship strategy A new eLearning course from the Partnership for Public Service, Effective Practices for Intern Recruitment, Onboarding and Development, offers step-by-step guidance for government professionals looking to build or strengthen an internship program. Whether you’re just getting started or refining an established program, the course leads participants through key components of effective intern recruitment and engagement, grounded in real-world examples from our Call to Serve Team. Why government agencies should develop a comprehensive internship strategy Internship programs offer a strong return on investment, especially for government agencies seeking to strengthen and retain their workforce. According to a 2025 report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 75.5% of paid interns who accepted a job with the same employer were still employed there one year later, compared with just 51.5% of employees who didn’t take part in an internship. According to NACE, employers overwhelmingly believe that an internship program is the recruitment strategy with the highest return on investment leading to entry-level hires, ahead of career fairs and on-campus visits. Inside “Effective Practices for Intern Recruitment, Onboarding and Development” Our new eLearning course includes six self-paced modules. If you complete all six, you will receive a certificate badge that you can showcase on LinkedIn. Content includes: Intern Recruitment and University Partnerships: Learn how to assess your current approach, identify challenges and build lasting relationships with universities and other talent sources. Onboarding: Explore ways to create a smooth, welcoming experience from day one. This includes logistical tips as well as strategies for building connection and community. Supervision: Get practical guidance to help managers effectively support interns, offer growth opportunities and set clear expectations. Programming: Learn how to design engaging, skill-building experiences for interns, including cohort-based learning, mentoring and professional development. Internships can feel like a small part of your agency’s broader talent strategy, but the impact can be consequential and have a lasting impact. With the right structure and support, internship programs can help your agency attract bright, values-driven talent and prepare them to succeed in government. Ready to begin? Learn more about the course here. Kristen Carroll manages the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program and supports the Partnership's Call to Serve Network.
