Interning with a federal agency enables students to gain more insight into possible careers in the public sector and provides great professional experience, which could result in post-graduate employment. However, applying for a federal internship is a competitive process and consists of multiple steps, each of which must be completed accurately in order for your application to advance successfully through the federal hiring process. Students must prepare internship applications at least six months to a year in advance since some agencies may require a security clearance.
Tips for Applying to a Federal Agency
- Most federal agencies hire Summer interns and will begin the internship hiring process around September. However, some agencies, such as the Government Accountability Office (GAO), hire interns throughout the year on a part-time or full-time basis. Therefore, it’s important to monitor USAJobs vacancy announcements or sign up for USAJobs notifications.
- When applying to a federal agency, it is imperative that application directions are followed thoroughly and concisely, or your application will not be considered.
- If you are applying for an internship listed in USAJobs, prepare a federal resume
- Agencies, such as the FBI, will advertise internship and job opportunities on its internal website.
- Federal agencies receive many internship applications from college students nationwide. Therefore, it is vital to ensure application materials are competitive. If you need help drafting a resume or cover letter, visit the Student Engagement and Career Development (SECD) website and Lifelab.
- The SECD offers career advising and a document review service where you can upload a resume and cover letter and receive feedback within 3-4 days.
Resources
- USA Jobs – Federal agencies primarily hire interns on USA Jobs. Create a USA Jobs account. Students are encouraged to create a USAJobs account early (even before there is a posting you would like to apply for).
- You can find instructions on how to set notifications here: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/search/save/ and a short video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd-MuzSK3qw. The notifications can be beneficial because students will receive automatic emails from USAJobs when relevant opportunities are posted, including information on whether there is an application limit (e.g. when agencies will only consider a limited number of applications before they close the announcement). The sooner students know about an opportunity, the more time they will have to submit their application. - Gogovernment.org - provides a comprehensive overview of applying for a federal agency and insight into the federal hiring process.
Common Reasons for Ineligible Applications:
- Applications must include official or unofficial transcripts that support number of hours completed or degree conferred.
- Applications must include proof of enrollment in an accredited degree program for the period of your internship. This can usually be confirmed from the transcripts, but, if not, submit a letter from school or copies of class registration to show current/planned enrollment.
- Applications must include a narrative response to the assessment question (if there is one); students cannot just say, “See Resume.”
Pathways Programs
You can find internships with the following federal agencies through the Pathways Program
- U.S. Attorney's Office - Department of Justice
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
- DEA
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of State - Western Passport Center
- Office of International Affairs - U.S. Coast Guard
- Office of International Affairs - Department of Justice
- Bureau of Prisons
Apply to the Pathways Program online through USAJOBS.GOV
Federal Agencies
Visit the following agencies to learn more about their individual internship programs.
Federal Law Enforcement Agencies:
- Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement
- U.S. Marshals
- Defense Intelligence Agency - https://www.dia.mil/Careers-Opportunities/Internships/
- FBI - https://fbijobs.gov/students-and-graduates
Legislative Branch Internships:
- U.S. Government Accountability Office
- Government Printing Office - http://www.gpo.gov/careers/collegegrads.htm
- Congressional Budget Office - http://www.cbo.gov/about/our-careers/our-internships
Executive Branch Internships:
- U.S. Trade Representative - https://ustr.gov/about-us/office-human-capital-and-services/careers/student-internship-program
- U.S. Dept of Agriculture - https://www.usda.gov/youth/career
- U.S. Dept of Commerce- http://www.commerce.gov/about-commerce/internships
- U.S. Dept of State- http://careers.state.gov/students/programs
- U.S. Dept of Education- http://www2.ed.gov/students/prep/job/intern/index.html
- U.S. Dept of Energy - http://energy.gov/student-programs-and-internships
- U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development - http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/jobs/internship
- U.S. Department of Treasury - https://home.treasury.gov/about/careers-at-treasury/studentinternship-programs/headquarters-student-internship-program
Judicial Branch Internship:
Administrative Office of the United States Courts - https://www.supremecourt.gov/jobs/internship/internshipprogram.aspx