Career Opportunities
On this page:
Mākia Job Board
Employment Opportunities
Department of Human Resources Development
To assist in exploring new opportunities, DHRD provided the following links below with information about working for the State of Hawaii, including how to apply for state jobs. DHRD has expedited hiring programs to help streamline and speed up the hiring process such as the "wikiwiki" program and Operation Hire-Hawaiʻi (OHHI) for certain positions.For those interested, DHRD offers assistance and information to help guide them to a rewarding career with the State of Hawaii.
- State Civil Service Job Openings: State of Hawaii Civil Service Jobs – Browse available positions with the State of Hawaii.
- Expedited Hiring Programs: Wikiwiki and OHHI – Browse fast-track hiring opportunities for select positions.
- State Job Benefits Overview: Benefits & Info – Learn about the benefits of working for the State of Hawaii.
- How to Apply Video Guide: How to Apply – A step-by-step video on the state job application process.
- Career pathways for an associate and bachelor’s degree: Grad Pathways – Browse available positions applicable to your degree
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Human Resources Development via email at dhrd.recruiting@hawaii.gov.
Hawaiʻi Internship Opportunities
Hele Imua- State of Hawaii Internship Program
The Workforce Development Division (WDD) is currently accepting applications for Hele Imua, a 12-week internship opportunity for the State of Hawaii. The purpose of this program is to provide eligible candidates exposure to various high-demand occupations in state government that may transition into gainful employment within Hawaii’s labor market. Learn more at Hele Imua.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Internship Program
Application deadline: April 15, 2026
The Hawai’i Department of Transportation offers part-time and full-time employment opportunities year-round. During the school year, students may work up to 19 hours/week, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. HDOT’s Summer Internship Program is offered May through August. Learn more at HDOT.
Hawaiian Electric Summer Internship Program (Hilo, Kahului, Kaunakakai, Honolulu)
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in 2026 when applications reopen.
Hawaiian Electric offers a paid, full-time summer internship designed to give college students hands-on professional experience and industry knowledge. Interns receive 1:1 mentorship, complete an individual summer project, and participate in regular events with their intern cohort. Learn more at Hawaiian Electric.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and continuing in the fall
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Able to provide proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university
Fields of Study Considered:
- Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Credit
- Business/Records Management
- Meteorology, Fire Investigation
- Project Management, Real Estate
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Telecommunication, Civil/Structural)
- Safety, Emergency Planning & Preparedness
- Computer Science, Cybersecurity, MIS, Data Science
- Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Data/Business Analysis, Renewable/Sustainable Energy
- Human Resources, Marketing, Digital Communications, Organizational Development
Stupski Foundation
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in 2026 when applications reopen.
At Stupski, we believe youth leaders play a vital role in creating social change in their communities. Since 2020, Stupski has had the opportunity to learn from local youth and young adult advocates to improve our grant-making strategies and deepen our work with community partners in the Bay Area and Hawaiʻi. Our internship program is for college-age youth and young adults who want to bring their ideas for social change to inform our work in food justice, postsecondary success, health, communications, and grant-making operations. Are you interested in learning more about the internship program and applying to join our next cohort? Learn more at Stupski Foundation.
Continental U.S. Internship Opportunities
FBI Honors Internship Program
Application Opens: February 9, 2026 for the 2027 Cohort
Our Honors Internship Program (HIP) is the perfect opportunity to set your career in motion. Ideal for undergraduate students between their junior and senior years, as well as graduate students pursuing a master’s degree, JD, or PhD, this paid internship can be a direct pipeline to full-time employment after college. This is a unique opportunity for students to learn and work alongside our professionals. Learn more and apply at FBI Jobs.
The 2027 Honors Internship Program Cycle will begin February 9, 2026, for the summer internship period of June – August 2027. Please come back soon to apply. For any questions, please contact fbi_internship@fbi.gov.
Highlights:
- Full-Time: June – August summer internship
- Paid-Internship: Interns with a bachelor’s degree who are enrolled in a full-time graduate program will receive GS-5 pay. All other full-time students, including dual-enrollment students, will receive GS-4 pay, including undergraduate students enrolled in a graduate course.
- Location Options: Assignments available at field office and headquarters locations
- Begin Your FBI Career: 60% of interns receive a full-time job offer after graduation
U.S. Department of State- Pathways Internship Program
Internship vacancy announcements are posted on USAJobs, year-round, on an as-needed basis with positions located across the United States.
The U.S. Department of State's Pathways Internship Program includes both the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs are targeted toward U.S. citizens enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate school and professional academic levels. Both programs provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers while being paid for the work performed. Learn more and apply at Pathways Internship Program.
Internship Experience Program (IEP)- Interns in this program are appointed to non-temporary, excepted service appointments, expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled. IEP interns are also eligible for federal employee benefits (e.g. life, health, and retirement).
Internship Temporary Program (ITEP)- The temporary nature of the ITEP allows for interns to work during seasonal and holiday breaks in academic programs as well as year-round. Interns in this program are appointed to temporary appointments, not to exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter) and extensions may be made in one year increments.
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement
- You will be subject to random drug testing
- Be able to receive with a Secret or Top Secret security clearance
- Must maintain student eligibility for duration of internship*
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and throughout internship appointment
- A student means you have been accepted for enrollment, or are enrolled as a degree-seeking student in an accredited college or university at least half time. You may also be currently enrolled in high school for some positions. Your degree does not have to be related to the position/series you apply for.
U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program
The Student Internship Program will release updates about future program cycles in the coming months. We strongly encourage you to review the eligibility requirements and the application process in preparation for when applications are accepted.
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is a paid internship with the opportunity to work in U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices around the United States. This program is designed to provide substantive learning experiences in a foreign affairs environment. Learn more and apply at Student Internship Program.
While the duties of the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program participants vary from bureau to bureau and office to office, it is not uncommon for these students to:
- Participate in meetings with senior-level U.S. Government or foreign government officials
- Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policymakers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives
- Support events, including international and/or multilateral meetings and conferences or
- Engage directly with U.S. audiences in helping to explain the work of the Department of State or foreign audiences in helping to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society.
U.S. Department of State- U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP)
Application deadline: The application announcement opens in late August for the following summer.
The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP) is a merit and need-based opportunity that offers paid internships over two consecutive summers to expose undergraduate students to U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Department of State. In the first summer, participants receive three weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, D.C. followed by seven weeks working in a policy office at the U.S. Department of State. In the second summer, participants are given a ten-week assignment to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas. In the intervening year, USFSIP interns take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) to gain a better understanding of the Foreign Service assessment process. Learn more and apply at USAFIP.
Students are paid at a GS-4 equivalent rate. The Department provides travel reimbursement and housing for both summers.
Participants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
U.S. Department of State- Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)
Virtual Internship. Real Experience. The Virtual Student Federal Service connects the talents of U.S. citizen college students with the needs of federal agencies. Since 2009, more than 10,000 remote interns have advanced the work of the federal government. The time commitment is about 10 hours per week during the school year. There are opportunities for all, from data visualization to political analysis. Internships are paid but may be eligible for course credit.Learn more and apply at Virtual Student Federal Service.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a high school graduate enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university.
- Be an undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate student for the duration of the internship/academic year.
- A student is an individual who is enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university.
- An individual is still considered a student if he/she has been out of school, between semesters or school years, for not more than five (5) months and has plans to return to school within five (5) months or less.
- An individual enrolled in school and receiving credit toward their degree for participating in the Department of State's Student Internship Program is also considered a student.
- The student should attach an official or unofficial transcript to their application confirming current student status or confirmation of enrollment in school if no transcript is available.
- You are eligible to apply for this program if you have not yet completed your registration at a college or university for graduate or post-graduate studies (including law school) or are awaiting an admissions determination for graduate or post-graduate studies (including law school). However, if selected for an internship, you must provide proof that you have registered, or have been accepted for enrollment for studies in the semester or quarter immediately following the internship before you can begin your internship.
OCA National
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in 2026 when applications reopen.
OCA National is now accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Internship Program! Undergraduate students (and recent grads) interested in uplifting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities are highly encouraged to apply. Apply by November 30, 2025 to receive priority consideration. Learn more and apply at OCA Summer Internship Program.
What to know:
- This is a full-time, paid internship. Interns will receive a $5,250 stipend for the 10-week program from June 1 - August 7, 2026.
- Interns will gain valuable professional work experience at congressional offices, federal or local government agencies, for-profit corporations, and nonprofits (including OCA National Center).
- Interns will attend leadership development, professional development, and personal enrichment programming, learn more about issues affecting AANHPIs, meet with legislative officials to advocate for AANHPI causes, and more.
- Interns will be assigned an experienced mentor to support their professional and personal development.
USC Epstein Family Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in 2026 when applications reopen.
The Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) Summer Research Program at the University of Southern California’s Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) is an eight-week, full-time, in-person, immersive, mentor-guided summer research training program. Students accepted to the program will work closely with and learn from an internationally renowned, multi-disciplinary team of scientists, researchers, and staff members at the Epstein Family ATRI. In addition, students will participate in AD clinical trials focused lecture series, workshops, and team meetings to develop competencies in AD clinical trials research and trials operations, professionalism, effective science communication and presentation skills. Learn more at USC Epstein Family Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute.
Fellowship Opportunities
Nā ʻElele o Kahikina Congressional Fellows Program
Application deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled. Due to the limited number of congressional fellowship placements, early application is strongly encouraged.
Co-sponsored by OHA and HNC and administered by the E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center and the Nakupuna Foundation, this program cultivates the next generation of Native Hawaiian public servants and policy leaders in Washington, D.C. Rooted in the Hawaiian value of kuleana (responsibility) and inspired by the legacy of those who once carried the voices of Hawaiʻi to the nation’s capital, Nā ʻElele o Kahikina prepares emerging leaders to serve as informed, effective, and culturally grounded representatives of the lāhui. This bipartisan fellowship places participants in congressional offices, federal agencies, and policy organizations, where they gain firsthand experience in legislative processes, public policy development, and federal advocacy for Native Hawaiian priorities. Through mentorship, professional training, and cultural grounding, Nā ʻElele o Kahikina strengthens the bridge between Hawaiʻi and Washington, D.C., ensuring that Native Hawaiian perspectives continue to shape the decisions that affect Hawaiʻi’s future. Learn more at Nā ʻElele o Kahikina Congressional Fellows Program.
Teach For America Ignite
Application deadline: April 29, 2026 for the Fall 2026 Cohort
Looking for an opportunity to make a difference while getting paid to do something that fits your schedule? Become a TFA Ignite Fellow! The Teach For America Ignite Fellowship is a paid, virtual tutoring program, that helps K-12 students in underserved communities build confidence and academic momentum while you build your leadership skills. Learn more and apply at TFA Ignite.
Program Basics:
- 3-5 Hours per week/ 14 Weeks
- Consistently tutor and build relationships with 2-3 students
- Earn a financial award at the end of each semester
Fellow Qualifications:
- 2.5 Undergraduate GPA
- Current undergrad, grad student, or renewing fellow.
- Is authorized to work in the U.S. and at least 18 years old.
- Takes initiative, sets ambitious goals and thrives on feedback.
Teach For America Corps
Application Deadline: March 09, 2026
The TFA corps is a full-time, paid opportunity to lead in a classroom, where you'll make a real difference with students who are underserved and underestimated. Learn more and apply at TFA Corps.
Quick Facts:
- Full time, paid, two-year leadership role teaching in under-resourced K-12 schools
- Same salary and benefits as other first-year teachers, with additional TFA support
- Choose your location from more than 40 regions across the country
- Premier coaching and mentorship to help you grow in and beyond the classroom
- Valuable experience that stands out on any resume
- Measurable impact in students' lives
- 68,000-person purpose-driven alumni network for life
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program is a merit and needs based program that honors former Congressman Charles B. Rangel for his long-standing commitment to creating the program and for showing the world the strength of America through his global leadership. It, along with the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program, are the Department's flagship initiatives for recruiting top-tier talent.
There are two components to the Rangel Program:
- International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program – provides support for graduate school and two summer internships, professional development, mentoring, and entry into the U.S. Foreign Service. Participation requires a five-year commitment to serve in the Foreign Service.
- International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program – provides undergraduates with the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding about U.S. foreign policy and careers in international affairs, particularly in the State Department's Foreign and Civil Service.
Visit the Rangel Program to learn more and discover how you can represent America to the world in a Foreign Service career.
Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectios Diseases Research for Student Enhancement (RISE) Fellowship Program
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in 2026 when applications reopen.
The Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases RISE Fellowship is a full-time 12-month or summer program for students or recent graduates of a medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, public health, allied health, or social sciences graduate program who are interested in conducting research in infectious diseases and health promotion. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale. Ferguson RISE fellows complete mentored research experiences at universities, state public health departments, and other research institutions across the nation, including partnerships with the Kennedy Krieger Institute (lead agency), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), City University of New York (CUNY) School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Howard University, Morehouse School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Focal research areas include Advanced Molecular Detection techniques and Wastewater Surveillance. Fellows placed at Kennedy Krieger may also gain clinical experience. Through research, mentorship, and innovative curricula, fellows gain both scientific and leadership skills in public health. Learn more at Kennedy Krieger.
Maternal Child Health Careers/ Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement- Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP)
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in 2026 when applications reopen.
The MCHC/RISE-UP Program is a summer program designed for undergraduate juniors and seniors and recent baccalaureate degree students (within 12 months of the MCHC/RISE-UP program orientation), with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a 4-point scale, who are interested in learning more about public health. MCHC/RISE-UP provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, promotion of health, and care for those with developmental disabilities. Grant funding for this program was awarded to Kennedy Krieger Institute by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program to develop a national consortium of institutions and universities that provides undergraduate scholars with three public health leadership experiences: (1) clinical, (2) research, and (3) community engagement and advocacy. Learn more at Kennedy Kieger.
The Excellence in Mentorship of Under-Represented Groups (EMURG) for Health Equity Leaders Fellowship Program
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in 2026 when applications reopen.
The Excellence in Mentorship of Under-Represented Groups (EMURG) for Health Equity Leaders Fellowship Program is a fellowship program that supports federal public health careers and professional development to address health disparities. This program provides students in a master’s degree or doctoral program with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale and placement in one of the Department of Health and Human Services Agencies. The overarching goal of the EMURG Fellowship is to provide leadership experiences in the federal government, which may include public health research and the development of evidence-informed policies and practices. Learn more at Kennedy Kieger.
Volunteer Opportunities
Scholarships for Internship Opportunities
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) provides up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships to outstanding American undergraduate students with high financial need to pursue credit-bearing academic studies and career-oriented internships abroad. These opportunities equip Gilman Scholars with international experience, global networks, and foreign language skills essential to advancing the U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001. Learn more and apply at Gilman Program.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona.
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship. Learn more and apply at Gilman-McCain Scholarship.
Fullbright
Application deadline: 2026-2027 Competition is now closed. The 2027-2028 competition will open in Spring 2026, please check back.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. Learn more and apply at Fullbright.
Grant lengths and dates vary by award. Please consult the specific award description for details.
Other Resources
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is an Equal Employment Opportunity institution. Title IX Coordinator: Shaunda Makaimoku/Jenna Waipa, eeoaa@hawaii.edu, (808) 932-7642.



