Federal career opportunities for “Students and Recent Graduates”
It’s no secret that navigating Federal hiring is complex and takes a bit of research to figure out, but we have some insider knowledge on how to be successful in your federal job search. The Pathways Programs and the Student & Recent Graduates Hiring Pathway on USAJOBS are designed to help students and recent graduates like you ease into federal employment, and potentially secure full time employment, post-internship. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully navigate these programs and land your dream job.
Understanding The Pathways Programs:
The Pathways Programs consist of three paid tracks.
Internship Program: This program provides current students with paid opportunities to work in federal agencies while still in school. Individual federal agencies post available internship opportunities in their respective office under the Internship Program. Internships may be part-time or full-time, and vary in duration from a yearlong commitment or limited to the summer. Most year-long positions are remote so that students can still manage their course load simultaneously.
Recent Graduates Program: The Recent Graduates Program promotes career opportunities in a federal agency to individuals who, within the previous two years, graduated with an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree. The program lasts for 1 year (unless the training requirements of the position warrant a longer and more structured training program).
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: This highly competitive program targets individuals with advanced degrees and leadership potential. PMF finalists receive two-year appointments in federal agencies and participate in structured development activities.
The important thing to note is that for many federal employees, these programs were the launch-pad into the Federal Government. Check out the following fact sheet for more information about requirements and eligibility.
Introducing Dominic Bossey, a current Pathways Recent Graduate Intern:
Dominic Bossey, a 2nd year graduate student in the Master of Public Administration Program became a Pathways Recent Graduate Intern in Summer 2023 at the Office of Personnel Management as a Administrative Student Trainee. In this role, Dominic works in the Office of the Director on a number of administrative tasks and projects including the coordination of the Federal Internship Program and planning and coordinating official visits of international delegations from South Korea and Ghana in Summer 2023, and many more since then. Dominic began this position as an in-person intern in Washington DC and continues in a remote capacity as he completes his studies at Binghamton University. Dominic has since been hired as a full-time staff member by the same agency and will be moving to Washington DC after graduating in May 2024.
Dominic’s background:
Prior to applying for the Pathways Recent Graduate Internship on USAJobs, Dominic had no experience in government but had an undergraduate academic background in political science and human development related courses. He knew he wanted to pursue a career in public service and became active on campus as an RA, served on the SA President’s Board and was a student staff member in Harpur Edge. These positions really honed his leadership and project management skills, and despite not having direct government-related experience, they prepared him for the Pathways internship with the Office of Personnel Management.
Ready to get started on your federal career? Internship opportunities under Pathways Programs are posted in USAJobs. Follow the USAJOBS Get started Guide to strategically create your account and get started. Need support? Team up with a career consultant at the Fleishman Career Center to refine your Federal Resume. Make an appointment to meet with a career consultant on hireBING!
