Federal Internships and  Early Career Opportunities

Most Federal agencies offer internships and opportunities for recent graduates through the Pathways Program. The Pathways Program includes internships for students from high school through post-graduate school. Many of these Federal internship opportunities can open the door for full-time jobs and serve as an excellent way of entering the Federal workforce.

• Federal Internship Program (Pathways) – This Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with 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. Additional information about the Internship Program can be found at https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students

• Recent Graduates Program – This program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. 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 have up to six years after degree completion to apply). Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. Additional information about the Internship Program can be found at https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students

• Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) – The Program attracts and selects the best candidates possible, but is really designed with a more narrow focus – developing a cadre of potential government leaders. It provides some sustenance during the first years of employment and encourages development of leadership capabilities. The PMF Program inculcates a lasting bond as well as a spirit of public service, ultimately encouraging and leading to a career in the government. Additional information about the Internship Program can be found at https://www.pmf.gov/

• USDA Internship Program – Student employees gain valuable professional experience as an assistant in scientific, professional, technical, and/or administrative areas. The Student Intern Program (SIP) could be a paid or unpaid internship. The internship opportunity gives students insight into considering a future career with USDA. Annually USDA employs thousands of students nationwide throughout our 7 Mission Areas, 19 agencies and 16 Administrative Offices. Additional information about USDA SIP can be found at https://www.usda.gov/da

• Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) – The Virtual Student Federal Service program connects the talents of U.S. citizen college students with the needs of federal agencies. Since 2009, more than 10,000 remote interns have advanced the work of the federal government. The time commitment is about 10 hours per week during the school year. There are opportunities for all, from data visualization to political analysis. Internships are unpaid but may be eligible for course credit. Speak with a guidance counselor regarding course credit requirements. U.S. citizen high school graduates, from rising college freshmen through Ph.D. students, who are enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the school) in college during their application and participation are eligible. Because the program is virtual, students can intern from anywhere. Additional information can be found at https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/virtual-student-federal-service/
  
  Pathways Programs FAQs – https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=Pathways-FAQs

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
  The Internship Programme is a learning opportunity aimed at attracting talented young women and men who are strongly motivated to share their new perspectives, innovative ideas and latest research experience in FAO’s domains. Also, provides selected students, enrolled in an under-graduate or post-graduate degree programme or recent graduates, with the opportunity to supplement their academic knowledge with a practical work experience in a field related to the work of FAO. It will enable them to gain a better understanding of FAO’s mandate and programmes. Include international opportunities. Additional information can be found at https://www.fao.org/employment/young-talent-programme/internship-programme/en and https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobsearch.ftl

• The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program
  The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of American Indian and Alaska Native students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines. The program provides full tuition, employment, housing or a living stipend, employee benefits, fees, and books each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline beginning at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities and continuing at other higher education institutions. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor’s degree.
  
  For more information: https://www.usda.gov/tribalrelations/1994-tribal-scholars-program

• The HACU National Internship Program (HNIP)
  The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
  
  The HACU National Internship Program (HNIP) stands as a testament to fostering the professional development of aspiring students of all communities nationwide. Partnering with corporate and federal entities, the HNIP offers internship opportunities that aim to prepare the next generation of leaders, bridging the gap between academics and real-world experience. Through the HNIP, every internship unfolds as a journey of discovery, growth, and empowerment. For more information: https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Apply.asp

• USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
  USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) manages the 1890 National Scholars Program, which is aimed at increasing the number of students from rural and underserved communities who study food, agriculture, natural resource and other related sciences. The scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, fees, books, room and board. Scholars attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship may also include work experience at USDA. The program is a crucial part of USDA’s Next Generation efforts. For more information:  https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars

• Thurgood Marshall College Fund
  Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), and historically Black community colleges (HBCCs).  -TMCF member-schools represent 80% of all students attending HBCUs. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource from Kindergarten through higher education. The organization is also a source for top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.
  
  For more information: https://www.tmcf.org/