Students: Discover how an internship with the State of Wisconsin is a great way to move Forward and get a head start on your career! 

The Wisconsin Student Development Internship Program (SWSDIP) offers unique opportunities for students across the state in various agencies and career areas. The goal of the program is to provide eligible students with an opportunity to engage in impactful, career-related work in Wisconsin state public service. Internships are paid positions where interns get to connect with industry professionals and develop the skills needed for their future careers. Students who are veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional details about the internship recruitment process and timeline can be found towards the bottom of the page.

Each intern will work in a particular area with a Wisconsin State agency. Internships are available across 18 counties with 14 different State agencies. There are over 100 in-person, remote, and hybrid work opportunities for you to consider!

Almost any career path can come to life with our internship program. Opportunities are in a variety of career areas, including but not limited to:

Throughout the internship you will be invited to special events with top executives and the opportunity to participate in a networking and professional development series.

A SWSDIP summer internship offers an opportunity for you to: 

• Explore the potential of your career path 
• Gain hands-on experience 
• Learn how state government serves Wisconsin 
• Contribute to meaningful projects that support the mission of a state agency 
• Develop and broaden your professional network

To explore short-term housing options in Madison, please visit the UW-Madison Off Campus Housing Marketplace. 

All positions in this program are paid internships, with full-time and part-time positions available. Refer to the SWSDIP Position Catalog for each position's specific hourly rate and weekly expected hours. Maximum hourly rates with an asterisk (*) indicate that a higher pay rate may be possible with a higher level of education.

These are Limited-Term Employment (LTE) opportunities available during the Summer of 2026. The exact position start and end dates are flexible. Generally, the positions begin around the week of May 18, 2026, and end around mid-August 2026. 

Professional experience is not required to be an intern in this program. 

Refer to the SWSDIP page for additional information about the program. 

Due to the nature of each position, agencies may conduct comprehensive background checks on applicants before selection.

Certain positions may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

To be eligible for this program, you must be: 

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without agency sponsorship) 
• At least 18 years of age at the time the internship program begins (May 18, 2026) 
• Currently enrolled in, recently graduated (fall 2025/spring 2026) from, or planning to attend (fall 2026) a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate school
• Living in Wisconsin during the internship program

The SWSDIP application has two parts - this is part one of the application and determines your eligibility for the program; part two of the application is where eligible applicants apply for State agency specific position(s). 

To start the application process, click Apply for Job at the top of the page. If you are a new user, click on the Register Now link or type your user name and password if you already have an account. You will be required to upload a resume or enter work history. Follow the prompts on subsequent pages to complete the application process. You will need to answer the screening questions and submit your application. This completes part one of the application. 

You will receive notification of your eligibility for participation in the program based on your submitted responses. 

Within 2-3 business days, eligible students will receive a separate email with instructions on how to complete part two of the application and apply to available internship positions. Completion of part one and part two of the application are required for further consideration. 

Questions can be directed to DOADPMSWSDIP@wisconsin.gov. 

For general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the Wisc.Jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm (CST) on February 6, 2026.

Recruitment Timeline:  Applicants should monitor their email for communications related to their application status and the recruitment process. *Timeline is subject to change as needed due to business operations and availability.