Federal Government Jobs
Helping job hunters find, apply for, and land government jobs
Student Internships, Recent Grads, & Fellows Civil Service Opportunities
More federal job opportunities are now available for current students, recent graduates, and those seeking fellowships in the federal civil service sector. These Pathway Programs are a great way to start your career or to simply explore agencies of interest. Many who take advantage of them are offered full time jobs upon graduation.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released guidance in January to increase opportunities for these programs to enhances the federal government’s ability to attract, recruit, hire, develop, and retain the nation’s best talent.
Agencies were advised to increase the number of interns, fellows, and apprentices throughout the federal government, with an emphasis on increasing paid internship opportunities. These programs offer participants the opportunity to explore career interests and demonstrate their abilities and potential in an actual work environment.
Internships
The Internship Program provides job opportunities for students enrolled in educational institutions, from high school to graduate level. They offer opportunities to work in agencies and explore federal careers while still in school, and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
Recent Graduates Program
The Recent Graduates Program provides developmental experiences in the Federal Government. It promotes careers in the civil service for individuals who, within the previous two years, graduated with an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from qualifying educational institutions.
To be eligible, applicants must apply within the previous two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years after degree or certificate completion to apply.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program
The PMF Program is the Federal Government’s flagship leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. It was established 45 years ago by Executive Order and has gone through changes over the years, but the essential mission remains the same: to recruit and develop a cadre of future government leaders drawn from all segments of society.
The PMF Class of 2024 Application is anticipated to be open in the fall of 2023. Potential applicants are encouraged to check OPM’s 2024 Application Page for specific dates, which will be posted once available, as well as any other application-related updates. The application process takes time and considerable effort to complete. Prepare ahead of time by reviewing the application criteria for this fall’s PMF program announcement.
Eligible individuals apply to be selected as Finalists. Finalists then have 12 months to secure an appointment as a Fellow, which is a two-year, full-time, paid fellowship at a federal agency.
Available Positions
There are over 112 student internship and 31 recent graduates job announcements currently open nationwide, many have multiple openings. Check OPM’s USAJOBS internship and graduate’s listings frequently to find opportunities in your area.