Government-Wide Internship Programs
Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program
The Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program was established by Executive Order in 1977 to attract outstanding individuals to the Federal service sector from a wide variety of academic disciplines. For more than three decades, the PMF Program has been the Federal government’s premier leadership development program for individuals who have received a qualifying advanced degree within the preceding two years. Prime candidates for the PMF Program are those with a commitment to a career in government and interest in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. By drawing graduate students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, the PMF program provides a continuing stream of trained men and women to meet the future challenges of public service.
Pathways Programs
The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to Federal internships for students and to careers for recent graduates, providing meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their Federal service. As a student or recent graduate, you can begin your career in the Federal government by choosing the path that best suits you and your educational track.
The Pathways internship program offer students, currently enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level, paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.
The Pathways recent graduate program is for individuals who have recently received degrees or certificates from qualifying educational institutions or programs and seek a dynamic, career development program with training and mentorship. To be eligible, applicants must apply within 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 to apply).
Internship Listings on USAJOBS.gov
USAJOBS.gov is the official online resource for finding a job in the Federal government. The internship index on USAJOBS.gov lists all Federal agency internships and internship programs that are currently hiring and includes detailed information about each internship, including when and how to apply.
Agency-Specific Internship Programs
Department of the Army (DA)
Logistics Management Intern Program
The Logistics Management Intern Program is a dynamic two-year program offering permanent upward mobility positions with the federal government. The Department of the Army (DA) recruits and trains civilians as Logistics Management Specialist Interns, preparing them for a future career as a member of the Army civilian team supporting soldiers throughout the world. This two-year program of professional development is accomplished through formal classroom training and a series of rotational on-the-job training with Department of Defense (DOD) agencies throughout the United States. Training emphasizes transportation, supply, maintenance, financial management, contract negotiations and leadership development. This high quality program ensures the availability of well-trained and experienced employees equipped with the right skills to support the Army civilian work force of the future. Upon completion of the program individuals are placed in positions throughout the world.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP)
As a member of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acquisition team, you will put your education and experience to work. You will be on the front-line, directly impacting the mission everyday by procuring everything from IT hardware and software, boats, and aircraft. You will be part of a team that procures over $20 billion worth of goods and services annually in support of the Department's mission. This is the third largest procurement budget in the Federal Government.
Department of the Navy (DON)
Naval Acquisition Development Program (NADP)
The NADP is comprised of paid entry level and associate employees and may be right for you. The program offers an extraordinary opportunity for those that desire to rapidly advance their professional career and feel a sense of pride supporting the mission of the DON. For the right candidate, there are professional working environments, predictable promotions, mobility, travel and the opportunity to be associated with acquisition, logistics and technology programs that are vital to our nation and to the support of our Naval Forces.
Department of State (DOS)
Intern in Washington, D.C. or Abroad
How far could a student internship at the U.S. Department of State take you? Just for starters, it would give you a coveted inside look at diplomacy in action, and the range of careers and responsibilities found in the Foreign Service and Civil Service. You’ll gain valuable work experience that you can apply to virtually every endeavor — whether you work in government or the private sector. Most of all, you will feel good about doing something worthwhile for your nation.
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is an unpaid internship with the opportunity to work in U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices around the United States. This program is designed to provide substantive learning experiences in a foreign affairs environment.
While the duties of U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program participants vary from bureau to bureau, office to office, and embassy to embassy, it is not uncommon for these students to:
- Participate in meetings with senior-level U.S. Government or foreign government officials
- Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policymakers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives
- Support events, including international and/or multilateral meetings and conferences or
- Engage directly with U.S. audiences in helping to explain the work of the Department of State or foreign audiences in helping to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Acquisition Intern Program (AIP)
The VA Acquisition Intern Program (AIP) is approximately an 18 month program to develop future contract specialists. Interns begin at the GS-7 level with career potential to the GS-11 level. The program includes rigorous classroom training in Frederick, Maryland and distance learning training. The interns return to their hiring organization more competent and confident after each training block and have an immediate positive impact on their organization's workload. The program includes formal instruction, experiential learning, skill-building workshops, and on-the-job training (approximately 70 percent of the program time). Interns graduating from the program satisfy all training requirements necessary to be eligible for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Levels I and II. Open to other Government agencies, the program is administered through the VA Acquisition Academy.
Warriors to Workforce (W2W) Program
Warriors to Workforce (W2W) is a 10 month program that offers returning Veterans with little to no post-high school education an opportunity to transition into a new career as a contract specialist. The program focuses on business acumen, transitional support, mentoring, professional development, and foundational career training. Interns complete the program as a cohort, fortified by a built-in support system that mirrors the team environment and camaraderie that they experienced in the military. Interns begin at the GS-5 level and, after successful completion of the program, interns advance to the Acquisition Intern Program (AIP) which equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become operational contract specialists. Through the W2W and AIP programs, Veterans are taught in-demand skills and competencies which allow them to continue serving their country as civil servants. Open to other Government agencies, the program is administered through the VA Acquisition Academy.
