Internships are one of the best ways to obtain work experience in the federal government. They allow you the opportunity to network, and are the best way to learn if the federal government is for you!

Start by conducting research on the different agencies to see which ones match your interests, skills, and abilities. There are plenty of resources to assist you in your search, such as www.bestplacestowork.org, www.making the difference.org, and www.usa.gov. The student section of the federal jobs website, www.usajobs.gov, is a primary source of available opportunities. However, not every vacant position is listed here. Your best bet is to review the websites of individual agencies, where all of its specific jobs and internships can be found.

There are full-time and part-time internships available within the different agencies. In certain programs you can even obtain academic credit while interning during the summer or school year.

To apply, follow the instructions on the How to Apply tab on each vacancy announcement. You may be directed to use the USAJobs.gov application process or a similar one designed by the specific agency. For more information on internships and programs, please contact Career Development Services, Campbell Hall 5th floor, 973.596.3100.

Four of the formal internship programs are:

• Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)
  This program allows students to work part-time during the summer or during their college career. STEP positions are paid, and all majors are eligible to apply. This program also allows you to gain experience in other fields. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. For more information please visit: www.opm.gov/employ/students/intro.asp

• Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
  This program allows undergraduate and graduates students to gain work experience in their field of study. Most positions are paid and provide academic credit towards your degree. This program is very similar to NJIT’s Cooperative Education Program. If you successfully complete 640 hours of work within the SCEP program, you are eligible to be hired to a permanent position without going through the traditional hiring process. You must be a U.S. citizen. For more information please visit: www.opm.gov/employ/students/intro.asp

• Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP)
  This is a two year entry level appointment designed to bring accomplished candidates into the federal government through a streamlined process. Applicants should apply directly to the individual federal agency using www.usajobs.gov or the specific agency’s website. The deadlines vary depending on the agency. There may be positions available throughout the year. FCIP internships are designed differently, but all participants will receive training. After two years, interns can become permanent civil service employees. For more information about this intern program visit: www.opm.gov/careerintern/index.asp

• Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)
  This a two year program to help prepare graduate level students for upper-level management positions in the federal government. PMF programs are structured by individual agencies; however, all PMF’s will receive training opportunities and developmental assignments (either within the agency or with another agency or branch of government). After two years, you are eligible for conversion to permanent positions. You must be in your final year of a graduate program and receive a nomination from your school in order to apply. Application deadlines are usually in October. For more information please visit: www.pmf.opm.gov