Internships Overview
Imagine a career in which you can make a positive difference in the community every day…
A summer internship with North Carolina Cooperative Extension provides a high-caliber educational experience and allows you to build a bridge from college to career. We're looking for students who want to make a positive difference for people and improve local communities through education.
Do you have:
- An interest in an Extension career?
- An interest in serving your community?
- A personal connection to people?
- A desire to continue to learn and grow professionally?
- An aspiration to work as part of a team?
If so, we're interested in you!
Extension internships help college students consider careers in agriculture, food systems, nutrition, community and youth development, family and consumer sciences, and environmental and natural resources.
What to Expect
Extension interns can expect to gain knowledge about Extension careers, develop rich job experiences and help deliver solutions to local needs. Summer internships are available across the state — key highlights include:
- Paid, full-time positions
- 10-week sessions
- College credit available
- Open to undergrads and grads
- Local opportunities statewide
Learn more and get started:
Extension Interns Make a Positive Difference
During your internship in one of our 100 counties or with the Eastern Band of Cherokee, you will work alongside Extension agents from NC State to support local programs and serve your community.
Interns gain a first-hand view of Extension careers and explore pathways in agriculture, community development and public service. Some examples of previous intern projects include:
- Working alongside Extension agriculture agents to assist with on-farm research, collect fieldwork and work directly with growers to support farm success (read a sample story);
- Assisting an Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent with instructing parents how to build a safer environment for their children;
- Working with an Extension agriculture and natural resources agent to deliver education to protect the environment we all share;
- Teaming up with an Extension 4-H agent to help coordinate activities that promote leadership, healthy living and agricultural awareness among youth; and
- Helping community leaders set up and run a farmers market.
We're always looking for talented individuals — and it’s a pathway that often leads interns to advanced degrees or Extension careers, like Mackenzie Hall and Heather Schronce.
Extension interns can experience one-of-a-kind learning opportunities, such as working with Extension experts and nationally renowned scientists as part of NC State's N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative.
How to Apply and Learn More
Counties offering internships will be available in late-January, and student applications will be due in mid-February. Check the How to Apply website for specific dates and information.
For more information about Extension internships, review the necessary job qualifications, check out the FAQ page and then get the application details at How to Apply.
Please direct questions to:
Joseph L. Donaldson
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences
1 Lampe Dr, 248 Ricks Hall
Campus Box 7607 Raleigh, NC 27695-7607
joseph_donaldson@ncsu.edu
Plant the Seeds for Your Future!
About N.C. Cooperative Extension
Through a unique partnership among federal, state and local governments, N.C. Cooperative Extension connects the research and expertise of NC State and N.C. A&T State universities with people across North Carolina.
With a vast statewide network of experts based across 101 local centers and our campuses, Extension transforms science into solutions that help farmers, families and communities tackle real-world challenges.
Support the next generation of Extension leaders — donate to the Extension Internship Program.
