Hunt Intern Shevani Mehta and Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. sit together in conversation.

Hunt Internship Program

Young leaders are our future, and the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) fosters North Carolina’s future public policy leaders through its Hunt Internship Program. The program provides a paid, year-long internship to an NC State University undergraduate interested in a career in public service and/or public policy. The program was founded and endowed by the late Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. and his wife, Carolyn. It is designated as a High-Impact Experience (HIE) by NC State University.

The application period for the 2026-27 Hunt Internship is closed at this time. Applications for the next academic year will open March 2027.

What Do Hunt Interns Do?

Gain hands-on experience in public policy by working with North Carolinians to address new issues and solve problems facing the state
Learn from professionals with deep experience in public policy
Support the development of the Emerging Issues Forum, an annual gathering of international, national and statewide thought leaders and stakeholders who discuss challenges and opportunities for North Carolina
And more!

What is something you’ve learned?

“Being in a public policy and public service-oriented role as an environmental student meant I had a lot to learn about how government, industry and community groups interact. I learned a lot through working on outreach for the Emerging Issues Forum, reading the reports from focus groups, and simply being in proximity to public policy and economic development work. Now, as I reach the end of my internship, I feel like I’ve gotten to know North Carolina much better than before.”

– Rosie Thyne, 2025-26 Hunt Intern