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

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.

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