April 24, 2009

As you may have heard, the Federal government is hiring. And internships and similar opportunities are among the best-kept secrets for securing a full-time job with the Federal government when you graduate. The Federal government also offers post-graduate fellowship/internship programs in numerous agencies.

The Departments of Justice, State, Health and Human Services, Defense, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Agency for International Development are just some of the Federal agencies looking for talent through internship and fellowship programs and full-time job postings.  You can find a complete listing of Federal agencies and jobs on usajobs.gov and internships at studentjobs.gov.

Highlights of Federal student programs include the following:

• Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)
  STEP provides part-time Federal jobs to students that can last as little as one summer or as long as the duration of your college career. STEP positions are paid. The work does not have to be related to your field of study, allowing you to gain experience in other fields.
• Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
  SCEP allows you to gain experience working for the government in a job related to your field of study. Most positions are paid and some also provide academic credit towards your degree.
• Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP)
  The FCIP is a two year entry level appointment designed to bring talented people into the Federal government through a streamlined process. Applicants should apply directly to the Federal agency using usajobs.gov or searching on the specific agency's Web site.
• Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)
  The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) is a prestigious two year program which is designed to prepare you for upper-level management positions in the Federal government. You must be in your final year of a graduate program and must receive a nomination from your school before being considered for the PMF program.