U.S. Government Accountability Office

The duties associated with this position will vary based on the team or office assignments. The following list is to provide applicants with a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of student trainees in the GAO analyst and operations track.  Note: GAO also hires interns with specialized experience (e.g., IT, accounting). Those internship opportunities have different requirements than the ones listed below.

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Student Trainee, Analyst (mission teams)

As a Student Trainee (Analyst), you will learn how to conduct audits and program evaluations and apply knowledge as part of a team. You will assist GAO analysts in planning and conducting in-depth reviews of executive and legislative branch programs. You will collect and analyze data, develop data based findings and conclusions, and present the information both orally and in writing to diverse audiences. Specific duties include:

• Planning, prioritizing, and/or balancing own work assignments with assistance from supervisor as needed, identifying feasible work management approaches that address required activities and timelines.
• Developing, identifying, contributing to, and/or using techniques, tools, and processes that are methodologically sound and targeted to job requirements.
• Collecting relevant information that is aligned with research objectives/planning decisions and meets job requirements and needs.
• Conducting analyses that yield quality information aligned with needs; identifying relevant information, patterns/inconsistencies, relationships, interdependencies, and potential implication.
• Preparing quality written work that meets relevant writing and evidence standards, and that is appropriately targeted to the audience and purpose.
• Communicating relevant and accurate information during formal or informal presentations, meetings, or interviews.
• Partnering or collaborating with others to address issues or solve problems; following up with others to ensure needs are met.
• Contributing to team efforts through participation in activities/meetings, soliciting and listening to others’ opinions, and working collaboratively to accomplish team goals.
• Soliciting, listening to, and considering diverse perspectives, approaches, or viewpoints, and incorporating others’ perspectives into decision-making (when appropriate).

Student Trainee, Management and Program Analyst (operations)

As a Student Trainee (Management and Program Analyst), you will work within one of GAO's Chief Administrative Offices or Staff Office to increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The work assignments may involve any of the following tasks:

• Develop knowledge of the roles and mission within GAO.
• Develop knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques needed to carry out individual work assignments.
• Participate actively in scheduled training programs.
• Participate with senior staff in conducting non-routine projects.
• Provide assistance in planning, monitoring, and conducting special studies, projects and initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to a variety of audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to organize a variety of assignments simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• A working knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft: Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.

Additional Information:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Positions are paid at GS-4, GS-7, or GS-9 federal pay grades. See pay grades by location here (click on hourly rate)
• Work requirements: Minimum of 400 hours - maximum of 640 hours
• Summer internships: full-time only
• Spring and fall internships: full- or part-time
• Undergraduate students must work a minimum of 16 hours per week;
• Graduate students must work a minimum of 24 hours per week
• Student status must be maintained throughout the internship
• Eligible for transit benefits

Must be able to pass a valid background check. You may be required to sign a financial disclosure agreement. Selective Service registration required if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959. Visit http://www.sss.gov.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees (and interns) with disabilities.

Apply: 

More information about GAO careers can be found here: https://www.gao.gov/about/careers.  All applicants must apply for available internship positions at: www.usajobs.gov (search for GAO under the “keywords” search bar).

• Create a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
• Build or upload a resume in USAJOBS. Describe your knowledge, skills, and abilities with specific and detailed examples.
• Provide well-written and thoughtful responses to assessment questions.
• Upload all required documents (e.g., transcripts, proof of enrollment).
  Apply early to ensure your application reaches us before the maximum number of applications are received or to account for possible technical challenges.

Expected Contact:

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the internship position. If you do not meet the key requirements, basic qualifications or fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered. Applicants who are determined to be "best-qualified" may be contacted for an interview. GAO may contact you to determine the most appropriate method for conducting an interview. You can check the status of your application at any time through your personal USAJOBS account.

Contact Information: 

For questions related to internship job announcements, please email Celia Mendive, Senior Analyst (mendivec@gao.gov) or  (GAORecruitment@gao.gov).  For general questions about job opportunities at GAO, please email Careers@gao.gov.

Agency Website:

How to Apply | U.S. GAO