Oh Young-joo, Minister of SMEs and Startups, "Internship in Public Office is an Opportunity to Participate in Policy Decision-Making Process"

Orientation Held for 60 Youth Interns in the First Half of the Year
Minister Oh Young-joo Encourages Interns to Propose Innovative Policies from a Youth Perspective

On the 14th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups held an orientation for 60 youth interns hired in the first half of this year at the Ministry's Eoullim Hall in Sejong City. The youth internship program was launched in 2023 to provide young people with opportunities to gain public service experience and to incorporate their diverse perspectives into policy. The Ministry had hired 146 youth interns up until last year. This year, a total of 118 interns will be hired in two rounds, in the first and second halves of the year.

A total of 275 applicants applied for the Ministry’s youth intern recruitment in the first half of the year. After document screening and interviews, 60 were finally selected and assigned to headquarters and regional offices, where they will gain administrative work experience such as policy promotion and data collection and analysis for 3 to 6 months.

Additionally, through visits to policy sites such as SMEs, startups, and traditional markets, as well as youth policy competitions and activity essay contests, the interns are expected to propose innovative policies from the youth perspective. Especially this year, the Ministry plans to provide more policy experience opportunities and expand networking among youth by linking with youth organizations such as the 2030 Advisory Group and the Ministry’s Government Innovation Avengers.

During the orientation, various information necessary for early adaptation to public service was provided, including an introduction to the Ministry and guidance on youth intern operation plans. A special lecture on communication and leadership titled "Awaken the Leader Within Me" was also held.

Minister Oh Young-joo of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups said, "An internship in public service is not just about work experience but a valuable opportunity to participate in the policy-making process," adding, "I hope you frequently visit policy sites and propose SME and small business policies that reflect the fresh perspectives of youth."