OPM Director Janice R. Lachance said the Federal Career Intern Program will make the government a more attractive employer among job seekers, as the program will offer interns a unique package of professional experiences and formal training opportunities that are tailored to meet their professional goals and interests.

"With the Federal Career Intern Program, agencies will give men and women in diverse fields the opportunity to learn' the federal system and the chance to have challenging professional experiences in the dawn of their careers," said Lachance. "The intern initiative is an attractive and comprehensive program that feeds agencies a steady stream of qualified employees in many occupations who can advance and assume greater responsibility."

In July, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13162 authorizing the Federal Career Intern Program as a tool to attract "exceptional men and women to the federal work force who have a variety of experiences, academic disciplines and competencies."

Individuals wishing to participate in the intern program should contact agency human resource offices for information on specific vacancies. Job seekers also are advised to access OPM's web site at www.opm.gov for general information and program updates.

In general, individuals hired into the program will receive excepted-service appointments not to exceed two years. They will be hired at grades GS-5 through GS-9. The intern program must include a two-year training component designed and approved by the employing agency. Individuals who successfully complete the program are eligible for conversion to career or career-conditional appointments.