Post-Graduate and Internship Opportunities with the Federal Government
The Federal Government offers a wide range of career and professional opportunities. From roles with the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Justice, there are opportunities for students and recent graduates who possess a wide range of skills and career interests.
How do I find opportunities with the Federal Government?
Most federal government roles are hosted on USAJOBS.gov. In order to navigate USAJOBS and apply for roles, you will need to create a profile that contains basic information about yourself.
Most students and recent graduates find opportunities through the Pathways program – an initiative that is designed to give these groups access to entry-level roles in the federal government.
Students and recent graduates can find appropriate opportunities by using the following search terms and filters:
- In the keyword box, type in “Pathways”
- Then, check “student” and/or “recent graduates” under the filter tab
You can save searches so that you will receive automatic alerts when new opportunities become available.
How do I know if an opportunity is right for me?
The federal government is very rigorous and specific about qualifications for each role. Each posting will have contain a “Requirements” section. You must meet all the listed requirements in order to qualify for the role.
Each posting contains a “GS” level. This level helps you understand how much experience is required for the role and how much you can expect to be paid depending on your level of experience. Most students and recent grads will not exceed the level of GS 7.
How do I know what the starting date is for each opportunity?
Some postings may list the starting date, but many do not. In general, you can apply for roles up to five months before they begin. For roles that require more rigorous security clearance (e.g. work with intelligence agencies, the military or State Department), processing time for security clearances may exceed one year.
Most roles do not specify whether they are summer or year-long roles although most are designed to be completed on a temporary basis meaning that they could be completed as summer or semester-long internship.
How do I apply for these roles?
Most applications will be submitted through the USAJOBS website using their online application platform. On this platform, you’ll have the opportunity submit resume and any other relevant materials. It is recommended that you utilize the USAJOBS resume builder tool to ensure that you include sufficient information about your work history.
It is important to note that the federal government resume contains information that is quite different from a typical resume. For example, you will be asked to provide:
- The number of hours worked in each role
- Contact information for your supervisor
The federal government resume does not have a page limit. In fact, it is in your best interest to include all of your professional and/or volunteer experiences to give the reviewer a full understanding of your qualifications for the role.
Most federal government applications require you to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire asks you about your ability to complete specific tasks that are related to the role. When developing your resume, tailor your content to highlight your experience in completing tasks listed both in the role description and the questionnaire.
GoGovernment, a website which contains resources on navigating the federal government job search, offers helpful guidance for creating an effective federal resume.
Additional Resources