COVA Internship Connection

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Connecting Interns to Public Service in Virginia State Government
DHRM logo

In 2023, a workgroup was formed between the State Council of Higher Education and the Department of Human Resource Management to develop a program to provide centralized support and programming for Virginia state agencies and interns. After months of work, the group launched the COVA Internship Connection Pilot in May 2023 for all Commonwealth of Virginia state agencies.

Our Mission

Strengthening public service talent through internships.

Empowering Virginia State Government Agencies in internship program development.

Fostering state government awareness and supporting intern success.

Summer 2023 Intern Events

Why Intern With State Government?

An internship in state government provides an impactful opportunity for interns to learn about state government, understand the many services state government provides, explore the many occupations represented in state government, and grow professionally!

Virginia Capitol Tour

A group of people standing in front of a statue

The COVA Internship Connection Program hosted a Virginia Capitol Tour to expose interns to the legislative branch of state government. During these tours, interns learned about the Capitol, Virginia's legislative history, and the legislative process.

Intern Lunch and Learn

The COVA Internship Connection Program facilitated two professional development sessions for state interns. During the first session, Career Readiness Competencies, interns explored how to recognize, develop, and use the National Association of Colleges and Employers Career Readiness Competencies in both their internships and throughout their professional careers. The second session, Resume, Cover Letters, and Interview Preparation, provided guidance for writing a professional resume and cover letter and preparing for an interview. During this event, Secretary of Administration, Lyn McDermid, Secretary of Labor, Bryan Slater, and Deputy Secretary of Administration, Joyce Reed joined interns to answer questions and discuss their experiences working in state government.

A group of people standing and talking around a table

Virginia Intern Day

A group of people standing in front the building

For the culminating event, the COVA Internship Connection invited all state agency interns and supervisors to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Guest enjoyed light refreshments and a free tour of the museum.

Intern Resources

Articles and Videos

Training

The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership Training Modules

Opportunities

Internship Opportunities

Your experience does not have to end with your summer internship! Here are pathways to state government employment...

The Virginia Management Fellows Program

The VMF is a great opportunity for interns interested in pursuing a career within the Commonwealth's state agencies. During this two-year program, the VMF deploys people, knowledge, skills, and experiences to develop Fellows for future opportunities within state government.

For more information, visit https://vmf.spia.vt.edu/.

"Taking part in the COVA Internship Connection program enabled me to learn more about Virginia's state government and develop professional skills, elevating my internship experience. Also it was refreshing to meet other interns across Capitol Square and share what we learned."

Benjamin
Former SCHEV Intern
Current VMF Fellow

Employment with the State

Some interns take advantage of their connections and go on to become full time employees with their hosting agency. Click the video to learn more about VITA's Internship Program and their interns' experiences. Click below to see available positions within the state.

For more information, click here.

Agency Support

"When it comes to developing effective workforce development programming for the Virginia Department of Education, learning from others is vitally important. The mentoring and career conversations through the COVA Internship Connection have played an important role in informing the opportunities my agency is creating."

Adria F. Merritt
Director, Workforce and Employee Engagement
Virginia Department of Education

Supervisor Lunch & Learn

computer screen showing people in virtual meeting

The COVA Internship Connection hosted a virtual workshop for state agency HR professionals. The session provided guidance and best practices for creating or improving their agency's internship program.

The COVA Internship Connection hosted a supervisor lunch and learn to support intern supervisors, ensuring they felt prepared to host Summer 2023 interns. The session focused on guiding intern supervisors on how to best manage assigned interns during designated internships.

HR Workshop

"I was so glad to see and participate in the COVA Internship Connection outreach activities this past summer. The VITA team sent our summer interns to the helpful session that covered resumes, cover letters, and interviews and it was very informative. Our group shared valuable takeaways from the session, and greatly appreciated the ability to connect with interns from other state agencies."

Jason Brown
Chief Administrative Officer
Virginia IT Agency (VITA)

Agency Resources

Agency Spotlight

Auditor of Public Accounts

The Auditor of Public Accounts (APA) was named a Top Virginia Employer for Interns in 2024 for the second year by Virginia’s Talent & Opportunity Partnership. The APA was recognized for providing unique, hands-on educational and professional work opportunities for accounting and business students interested in auditing. Throughout the internship, interns participated in a variety of noteworthy training, audit engagements, and fun team-building activities. They also presented a capstone project at the end of their internship, applying educational and professional knowledge to topics relevant to the APA.

APA stands out as a leader in state government by implementing many internship best practices such as offering applicable college credits, competitive pay, and an opportunity for full-time employment after graduation!

Be sure to visit the APA website.

people sitting at table listening to speaker

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Interns who complete program requirements will be eligible for the COVA Internship Connection Certificate of Completion. Requirements include the information below.

Note: If you have fulfilled all requirements for the COVA Internship Connection certificate of completion, please contact Jasmine Scott at jasmine.scott@dhrm.virginia.gov, no later than close of business on July 26, 2024.

Complete the following VTOP Modules:
(1) Career & Self Development (2) Communication and (3) Critical Thinking
Click here to complete the VTOP modules.

Participate in the 2024 COVA Internship Connection Summer Kick-off.
Date: June 3, 2024
Capitol Tour
Time: Morning Tour (10:15 AM-11:30 AM) - Afternoon Tour (1:15 PM-2:30 PM)
Location: 1000 Bank Street, Richmond, VA 23218

Intern Session
Time: Morning Session(10:15 AM-11:30 AM) - Afternoon Session(1:15 PM-2:30 PM)
Location: 101 N 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219 22nd Floor Conference Room B/C

To register for this event, please email workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov

Attend at least one COVA Internship Connection Virtual Session Day

A. Virtual Session Day 1:

Session 1: Unlocking Opportunities: The Power and Perks of Networking
In this session, we will explore the benefits and tips for building your network. Discover how networking can shape your career trajectory and open doors to new opportunities. Join us to learn how to build connections and advance your career!

Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM-12:00 AM
Registration Closes: June 10 at 5:00 PM EST
To register for this event, please email workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov

Session 2: Managing Conflict Starts with You

Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Registration Closes: June 10 at 5:00 PM EST
To register for this event, please email workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov

B. Virtual Session Day 2

Session 1: Inclusivity In The Workplace
In this session, we will discuss the importance of workplace inclusivity and how to connect with coworkers from various backgrounds.

Date: June 27, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Registration Closes: June 10 at 5:00 PM EST
To register for this event, please email workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov.

Session 2: Emerging Professionals Panel and Q&A
In this session, interns will meet with emerging professionals in state government and have an opportunity to ask questions about their experience working in state government.

Date: June 27, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Registration Closes: June 10 at 5:00 PM EST
To register for this event, please email workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov

Meet the Team