Launch Your Career in Public Service
Federal Internships Overview
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. Securing a federal internship isn’t easy, but it can help a student gain valuable experience.
Why Intern with a Federal Agency?
- Get real-world experience in government
- Test drive a career in public service
- Build a network of federal professionals
- Stand out to future employers
- Possibly land a full-time offer after graduation
Tip: Start planning 6–12 months early—some internships need a security clearance
When to Apply
- Most agencies hire for summer internships and recruit in September
- Some agencies (like the Government Accountability Office) hire interns year-round
- Always keep an eye on USAJobs.gov or sign up for email alerts
Tips for Applying to a Federal Agency
- Federal Resume Needed when applying for a position directly listed on USA Jobs - It’s different from your usual resume. Students can build a federal resume in USA Jobs: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume/build
- Follow Instructions – If instructions are not followed, your application won't even be seen
- Monitor USAJobs
- Agencies, such as the FBI, will advertise internship and job opportunities on their internal website.
- Have someone review your application materials. 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.
Common Application Mistakes
- Missing transcripts (an unofficial transcript is acceptable at most agencies. Download your unofficial transcript in UAccess)
- Missing proof of enrollment (submit an unofficial transcript. submit a letter drafted by the UA Registrar, or provide a copy of your class registration)
- Leaving narrative questions blank – “See resume” isn’t acceptable on federal applications
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).
- Gogovernment.org - provides a comprehensive overview of applying for a federal agency and insight into the federal hiring process.
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 internship programs
Federal Law Enforcement Agencies:
- Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Marshals
- Defense Intelligence Agency - https://www.dia.mil/Careers/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 (recruits applicants in early- Jan) - http://www.cbo.gov/about/our-careers/our-internships
Executive Branch Internships:
- Central Intelligence Agency - https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-programs/undergraduate-internship-program-directorate-of-operations/
- 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