UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Undergraduates at the University Park campus can now apply for a paid internship as orientation leaders for summer 2026.
The application can be found at oteam.psu.edu. The deadline to apply is Jan. 28, 2026.
Orientation leaders play a critical role in helping newly admitted students adjust to campus life. From June to August, they will staff the two-day overnight New Student Orientation sessions, welcoming newly admitted students and their families to campus and facilitating guided sessions and activities. In summer 2025, the “OTeam” welcomed 9,282 students and 8,098 guests to campus.
Many current and former OTeamers say the experience is impactful and memorable, allowing them to forge close friendships and develop career-ready skills.
“Not only did my students gain knowledge and information from me, but I learned from them as well,” said Imani Thomas, a third-year criminology major, who was on the summer 2025 OTeam. “I also gained friendships and connections that will last a lifetime from working with an amazing staff.”
Sophie Walsh, a second-year student majoring in mechanical engineering, also spent her summer with OTeam.
“The most valuable skill I gained from the orientation leader position would be my ability to create connections with others in a short amount of time,” Walsh said. “This has been particularly useful at the start of the semester when I am meeting many new people in my classes or at networking events hosted on campus.”
Those interested in applying to the OTeam can attend one of the upcoming information sessions:
- 6-7 p.m. Nov. 19, 111 Thomas Building
- 6-7 p.m. Dec. 9, 134 HUB-Robeson Center
- 5-6 p.m. Jan. 26, 131 HUB-Robeson Center
Attendees don’t need to stay for the entire session and can drop by to have their questions answered. This also is an opportunity to work on the orientation leader application in a supportive environment. Questions can be directed to oteam@psu.edu. Find more OTeam events at oteam.psu.edu.
Pay for the 2026 summer OTeam will be $15 per hour, with a 25-30 hour per week time commitment.
Student Orientation and Transition Programs is part of Penn State Student Affairs and Penn State Undergraduate Education.