Student Employment

Why wait until you've graduated to get started on your career path? Get a head start on your career at the Social Security Administration (SSA). Gain insight from on-the-job experience that even the best classes couldn't provide.

Student programs are open to students in academic, technical, or vocational programs.

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

STEP provides an opportunity for students to gain temporary work experience and internship opportunities. As a student, you may be hired to perform duties that give you work experience related to your academic major. Some related fields of study may be: Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Economics, Information Systems, Law, Office Automation, and other disciplines that may be related to SSA's positions. These opportunities could last for one summer or throughout your academic career. Students hired for summer employment may work approximately 90 days (not to exceed September 30th of each year). You may be hired for part-time work during the school year and you may continue in the program as long as you remain a student.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

SCEP offers valuable work experience directly related to your academic field of study. The program is designed to recruit and train college degree-seeking students for permanent placement in professional, administrative, and technical positions throughout SSA. Formal periods of work and study are integrated into the program. If your work and academic experiences are successful, you may be eligible for permanent employment upon completion of your education.

Volunteer Internship Program (VIP)

As a student volunteer, you are provided educationally-related work assignments to supplement your academic program. The assignment may be in exchange for academic credit(s) based on the educational institution's requirements. Normally, the work assignment would not exceed one semester or quarter; however, it may be set for longer periods when the academic reason justifies the extension of the assignment. A written agreement which outlines the conditions of the assignment is completed by you, the educational institution, and SSA.

Federal Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for College Students with Disabilities

The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP) is a resource coordinated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Department of Defense. The program's purpose is to connect public and private sector employees nationwide with highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workforce. SSA uses WRP to fill temporary and full-time positions in a variety of fields. Students interested in the program must work through their college or university's disability services or career services coordinator. For more information about the WRP, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/brochures/wrp1.html.