Federal Internships

Federal

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship— One-year fellowships for U.S. citizen terminal degree holders in the sciences and engineering which can be renewed for a second year. (https://www.aaas.org/programs/science-technology-policy-fellowships)

Pathways Internship Experience Program (IEP)— The Internship Program is for current students. If you’re a current student in high school, college, trade school or another qualifying educational institution, you may be eligible. This program offers paid opportunities to work in federal agencies and explore federal careers while completing your education. (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/)

Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF)—Two-year salaried fellowship with benefits for recent graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) of graduate and professional degree programs wherein fellows work for a home office and have 1-2 rotations with other government offices or agencies. Upon completion fellows are eligible for conversion into the Competitive Service. Application window is open for two weeks or so every September. (https://www.pmf.gov/)

Recent Graduates Program--Recent (last two years) graduates from associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate program may apply for experiential positions within the Federal Government for one year with the possibility of conversion into a full-time position with the Competitive Service. (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=intern)

 

State Department

Student Internship Program—Paid internships for college juniors, seniors, and graduate students to work in both United States-based Department of State offices as well as U.S. diplomatic posts abroad.  Operates on Summer, Fall, and Spring application cycles. (https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/student-internship-program/)

U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program—U.S. citizen rising college juniors and seniors with 3.2+ GPAs are eligible to serve as paid interns at the Department of State over ten weeks for two consecutive summers.  In the first summer interns train and work in Washington, D.C. and in their second summer work at a U.S. diplomatic post overseas.  (https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/us-foreign-service-internship-program/)

Colin Powell Leadership Program—Paid fellowships for recent college graduates and paid internships for bachelor’s degree students who are highly motivated and have the potential and aspiration to serve within the Civil Service at the Department of State. (https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/civil-service-fellowships/colin-powell-leadership-program/)

Charles B. Rangle International Affairs Program—A six-week summer program for U.S. citizen undergraduate students (sophomores or above) in Washington, D.C. with preference for minority populations historically underrepresented in the Department of State, women, and those with financial needs.  The program also supports a graduate fellowship which provides two years of funding for tuition, fees, and a stipend as well as summer internships on Capitol Hill and U.S. diplomatic posts and formalized mentorships for those enrolling in a two-year graduate program in the United States in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service. (https://rangelprogram.org/graduate-fellowship-program/overview-eligibility/)


Pathways Internship Temporary Experience Program (ITEP)
—Current students from high schools, colleges, graduate schools, and professional schools are appointed to temporary (up to one year) internships on flexible schedules which can include work over seasonal and holiday breaks. Upon completion students must apply through USAJOBS to be considered for conversion into the Competitive Service. (https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/pathways-programs/pathways-internship-programs/)

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program— Members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and others demonstrating financial need for graduate schools are eligible for support for a two-year master’s degree and the completion of training to prepare graduating fellows to serve as a Foreign Service Officer (there is a five-year service commitment). (https://pickeringfellowship.org/)  

Virtual Student Federal Service— Remote internships for U.S. citizen rising college freshmen through Ph.D. students to work 10 hours per week during their school terms (September-May) with a federal department or agency. Prospective interns apply to work on specific projects posted on USAJOBS. (https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/virtual-student-federal-service/)


Defense Department

The DOD College Acquisition Internship Program (DCAIP) is an opportunity for Army acquisition organizations to hire eligible college students for a 10-week paid summer internship. Upon a student’s successful completion of the internship, the organization may noncompetitively convert the individual to a permanent position in the acquisition workforce through existing hiring authorities. (HCI - DoD College Internship)

Early-Career Development Program— Paid internships for students, recent graduates, or early-career cultural resource professionals at military installations across the country through the Center for Environmental Management of Military Land’s (Colorado State University) Early-Career Development Program. Interns will work for 6-12 months under the guidance of seasoned cultural resources specialists to learn about cultural and natural resources management on military lands. (https://cemml.colostate.edu/students-recent-grads/early-career-development-program)

Interior Department

NPS--high school and college students and graduates within the past two years, can get internships for hands-on work experience while helping preserve and protect the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. The National Park Service collaborates with other organizations to create internship opportunities. (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/jobs-and-internships.htm)

BLM--the Pathways Internship Program offers students paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore federal careers while still in school.  The program covers students enrolled in a variety of academic fields.  Pathways is for current students (16 years of age or older) enrolled or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying accredited educational institution on a full- or half-time basis.  (https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads)

BLM—the Recent Graduates Program provides an entry-level developmental work experience opportunity designed to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government.  The program targets individuals who have recently graduated from a qualifying accredited educational institution.  To be eligible, applicants must apply within 2 years of degree or certificate completion; exception applies for some veterans. (https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/recent-grads)

Council on Environmental Quality

Interns are supervised by CEQ staff and provide critical research and writing assistance on a range of environmental policies such as: implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), environmental justice, sustainability, climate change, resilience, public lands, water, and transportation. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/internship-program/)

Other

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship— One-year fellowships for U.S. citizen terminal degree holders in the sciences and engineering which can be renewed for a second year. (https://www.aaas.org/programs/science-technology-policy-fellowships )

 

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Internship—Opportunities offered annually through AISES (the American Indian Science and Engineering Society). BPA’s Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Compliance (EH) group leads BPA’s compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, working with tribes, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and others to assess the effects of BPA’s actions on significant cultural resources. BPA is partnering with AISES to provide a 10-week practice-based, cultural resources focused summer internship. To qualify, students must be members of AISES and enrolled members, or descendant of an enrolled member of a federally or state recognized tribe. (Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Internships | AISES)