Overview
There are multiple ways for students and recent graduates to begin a career in California state government.
California State Agencies
State agencies hire people to work on a broad range of projects that provide valuable learning opportunities and professional experience.
These agencies hire students in three primary ways.
Option 1: Agencies directly hire student assistants
State agencies and departments often promote open positions and hire student assistants on CalCareers. You can explore available student assistantships here: Student Assistantships.
Please note: Positions become available on an ongoing basis. If you do not see a role that aligns with your interests, check back on the site because there may be new opportunities!
Option 2: Agencies hire students through a university partnership
State agencies and departments hire students through partnerships with programs like University Enterprises Inc. and the Community College Foundation. To learn more, explore UEI, CCF, or contact your college or university career center.
Students and recent graduates can also gain professional experience at state agencies through other programs. Some examples include:
Option 3: Third-Party Providers
Third-party providers usually have their own application process and timeline but offer another option for students interested in a state government career.
Here are some examples of third-party programs to explore:
Internship Program
Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program
Led by the Partnership for Public Service, this program partners with specific universities to place students in federal and state paid internships. The state of California began hosting interns through Future Leaders in summer 2026.Learn MoreFellowship Program
Capital Fellows Program
During this year-long program, Capital Fellows operate as full-time paid employees across the executive, judicial and legislative branches in California state government.Learn More
Sample Roles
Recent Graduates
Recent graduates may explore student assistantships or internship programs, and they are also eligible to pursue full-time job opportunities. Some common examples in California state government are listed below:
Office Assistant
These entry-level roles exist across departments and typically involve general office work. Daily responsibilities may include records management, document review and equipment maintenance.
Office Assistant
Office Technician
These are more advanced entry-level roles. Typically, they involve general office work that might involve sensitive information, knowledge of organization procedures and the use of good judgment with effective communication skills.
Office Technician
Analyst I
These roles perform analytical work across departments and are considered entry level. Typically, these roles involve program planning and evaluation, budget development, system organization and training, as well as other management-style work.
Analyst I
Internships and Fellowships
You may be familiar with internships and fellowships, but while those terms can be used to describe a variety of programs, they are not the same.
What is an internship?
An internship is a temporary, structured work opportunity designed to build students’ experience in a specific field or focus area. The internships can be part-time or full-time, can be paid or unpaid and may be eligible for academic credit. Most often, internships are short-term, lining up with academic semesters, but some may last multiple semesters.
What is a fellowship?
There are typically two forms of fellowships. The most common type of fellowship is also a temporary work experience, however, rather than semester-long terms. They often last a year or longer and are most often paid. The other type of fellowship comes in the form of funding and may be used to supplement an academic opportunity, research or an internship.
What is a student assistantship?
Student Assistant is a much more common title than “intern” in California state government, though they are similar. In California, student assistantships are most often on-going, part-time positions. They are usually focused on things like administrative duties, research, scheduling and supporting full-time staff with daily program functions. Student assistantships are usually taken on alongside coursework and can continue through graduation.
Where can I find these opportunities?
Like other California State jobs, Student Assistant positions can be found on CalCareers – be sure to enter “Student Assistant” as the ‘classifications’ filter.
