TKIP

Apply to the exclusive Team Kentucky Internship Program and kickstart your career in public service! Reap the benefits that Team Kentucky has to offer, including networking opportunities with mentors and state officials, compensation for scheduled work hours on state holidays, a professional headshot, the opportunity to receive interview preference and a comprehensive understanding of state government.

Important Notice for Team Kentucky Internship Applicants:

The Team Kentucky Internship Program application review process will be conducted between February and March 2027. During this time, hiring managers perform a detailed review of each application to identify individuals for interviews and make final selections for internship positions. Please be advised that you may not receive a notification of your final applicant status until the end of this time period. We appreciate your patience throughout this process. Each applicant will receive notification by email once the application review process is complete.

November 16-23, 2026	Job postings become available & application submission begins
January 29, 2027	Application Window Closes
February-March 2027	Application Review & Interviews
March 2027	Placement Notifications
Summer 2027	Internship Timeframe

Learn More and Submit Your Application

by Personnel Cabinet

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TKIP Program Overview

Click here to learn about the history and purpose of the Team Kentucky Internship Program and what you can expect from an internship position within the program.

by Personnel Cabinet

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Ready to Join Team Kentucky?

The application period for the 2027 Team Kentucky Internship Program will begin the week of November 16-23, 2026. The deadline to apply is January 29, 2027.

by Personnel Cabinet

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Where Would You Like to Serve?

To help you determine where you would like to serve, you’ll need to learn about the different cabinets in the executive branch. Click here to get an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the cabinets that make up the executive branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Team Kentucky internship position and a general internship position?

Team Kentucky internship positions are specific to the Team Kentucky Internship Program, which is coordinated by the Personnel Cabinet. The Team Kentucky Internship Program offers meaningful internship positions and exclusive professional learning opportunities to interns. Interested students can only apply to Team Kentucky positions during the application window. In accordance with Kentucky Administration Regulation 101 KAR 2:086, interns who successfully complete an internship coordinated by the Personnel Cabinet will be granted internship interview preference when applying to KRS Chapter 18A classified positions for which they qualify. In order to receive intern interview preference, applicants must meet the requirements of 101 KAR 2:086 no later than the closing date on the job advertisement. Internship interview preference shall expire upon initial appointment to any position in the classified service or after five (5) years from the date of internship completion.

Why should I apply to the Team Kentucky Internship Program?

Experience: Gain work experience in your field of study while receiving pay.

Guidance: You will be partnered with a supervisor who will offer support throughout your internship and provide feedback on your performance.

Networking: You will have several opportunities to network with state government officials as well as other Team Kentucky interns. This is a great way to make connections and expand your network.

Professional and Personal Development: There will be opportunities for professional learning to help you grow and prepare for a career after college.

Can I apply to more than one of the Team Kentucky Internship Program postings?

Yes! You can apply to any you are interested in that you meet the requirements.

Can I get academic credit for my Team Kentucky internship?

Academic credit is at the discretion of the college or university. Please contact your guidance counselor to determine eligibility.

What is required to successfully complete the Team Kentucky Internship Program?

To successfully complete the Team Kentucky Internship Program, participating interns must complete the following requirements: Attend TKIP Orientation, attend all professional development days, attend at least 1 agency visit/tour, complete 300 working hours, submit the final project, and attend the TKIP reception.

Will housing be provided if I live out of town?

The Kentucky Personnel Cabinet cannot provide housing for you.

How much will I be paid as an intern?

Undergraduate Student - $16.773/hour.

Graduate Student - $19.478/hour.

TKIP participants may receive additional compensation ($1/hour) for each year that they return as a co-op/intern with Kentucky state government.

How many hours per week will I work as an intern?

Working hours will vary by internship position, depending on agency needs.

What have previous interns said about the program?

Soleila E., Education & Labor Cabinet Intern

"This internship has allowed me to explore various sectors of Public Service, giving me the opportunity to learn so much about state government and sharing insight to refine my professional interests and goals as I gain new experiences. To this day, I have served people from many walks of life and look forward to continuing to serve the Commonwealth with compassion and dedication in this role and in Public Service."

Clay P., Public Protection Cabinet Intern

"The Team Kentucky Internship Program has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best ways possible when it comes to application development. I feel like the skills I am learning here will be ones that I can take with me for the rest of my life."

Samantha F., Cabinet for Health & Family Services Intern

“Aside from the abundance of opportunities that TKIP offers, one of the biggest reasons people should apply is for the community that is fostered through the program... TKIP offers such a unique environment and community that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Vicky A., Education & Labor Cabinet Intern

“My favorite part of working with TKIP so far has been getting an experience I would never be able to have anywhere else. None of my classmates are doing the type of work I'm doing or meeting the kinds of people I get to.”