Career Services Corner: Government jobs

The United States is experiencing a recession and for students seeking summer jobs, internships, or full-time professional positions the task has become more difficult than in past years. One organization that is actively hiring is the United States Government. There are many excellent opportunities for students and recent graduates with the federal government that help students get their foot in the door and receive valuable experience. There are interesting and challenging positions for just about every major. These programs range from summer internships to two-year commitments.

Listed below is a summary, by makingthedifference.org, of the four federal student programs:

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

The STEP, another name for a temporary internship with a federal agency, is a great way for students to be exposed to the government. STEP positions are paid and can range from a summer job to a position that lasts as long as the student is in school. It is not necessary for the work to be related to the student's academic major, which allows the student to gain experience in a variety of fields. Students enrolled in high school, a two-year or four-year college or university, a technical or vocational school, or a graduate program, are eligible to apply. Information is available at http://www.opm.gov/employ/students/intro.asp.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

SCEP positions, which are for undergraduate and graduate students, are substantive internships in federal agencies. The work must be related to the student's area of study and requires the agency to have a formal commitment with the student's institution. Most positions are paid, and the student may receive academic credit. If the student successfully completes 640 hours of work, he or she can be appointed to a permanent position without going through the traditional hiring process. For information visit http://www.opm.gov/employ/students/intro.asp.

Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)

The highly competitive PMF program is an excellent way to launch a career in the federal government upon completion of a graduate program. These are two-year positions in which fellows have the opportunity to complete rotational assignments and receive extensive training. The application deadline is in early fall of the final year of graduate school, and students must be nominated by their school. Go to http://www.pmf.opm.gov/.

Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP)

FCIP is designed to help agencies attract outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to a variety of entry-level paid positions. These are two-year, full-time commitments, and are not short-term internships. They involve various development and training programs, often grouping new FCIPs into a cohort. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may be eligible for permanent placement within an agency. Individuals interested in Career Intern opportunities should contact the specific agency directly. For more information go to http://www.opm.gov/careerintern/.

Additional useful websites for students:

makingthedifference.org Federal jobs and internships: Where to find them and how to get them

studentjobs.gov One-stop portal for a range of employment opportunities for students within the federal government whether in high school, college, or graduate school

usajobs.gov

The official jobsite for the United States Federal Government

usa.gov Contains an A-Z index of all federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies

Contact Career Services to learn more about these excellent opportunities.

Tony Abbruzzi Assistant Director, Career Services Center