USGS Pathways Programs:
Internship, Recent Graduates, and Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program
Internship Program: 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.
Eligibility - Current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certification.
Program -
- The Internship Program has two types of Internship appointments: (1) appoint a student on a temporary basis, not to exceed 1 year, to complete temporary or short-term projects; or (2) appoint a student for an initial period expected to last more than 1 year and may lead to permanent employment.
- Interns may work part- or full-time.
- USGS and the Intern must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
For additional information about USGS’ Internship Program visit: Student Internship Program or visit US Office of Personnel Management Internship Program Fact Sheet.
Recent Graduates Program: This Program affords developmental Federal experiences intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Recent Graduates who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
Eligibility - The Recent Graduates Program is for individuals who have completed a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate educational program within the preceding 2 years (with exceptions for certain veterans and individuals graduating from December 27, 2010 to July 10, 2012).
Programs -
- Orientation program for Recent Graduates hired for the program and mentorship throughout the program.
- USGS and Intern must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
- Individual Development Plan (IDP) to create and track Recent Graduates' career planning, professional development, and training activities.
- At least 40 hours of formal, interactive training each year of the program.
- Positions offer opportunity for career advancement.
For additional information about USGS’ Recent Graduates Program visit: Graduates Web page or visit US Office of Personnel Management Recent Graduates Program Fact Sheet.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: This employment program is designed to attract outstanding graduate students to the federal service upon graduation from their advanced degrees. 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.
Eligibility - The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) coordinates this program on behalf of federal agencies. Finalists are pre-qualified at the GS-9 level, although agencies may initially appoint at the GS-9 through 12, or equivalent. OPM provides agencies access to a list of the finalists’ resumes, access to post agencies PMF opportunities, and OPM conducts an annual career fair so that agencies can interview PMF candidates for selection under the program.
Programs -
- PMF selectees receive an initial two-year excepted service appointment.
- Fellows receive 80 hours of formal classroom training each year (for a total of 160 hours) and participate in a 4 to 6 consecutive month-long developmental assignment during their two-year fellowships. Agencies can also sponsor Fellows for rotational assignments.
- After successful completion of the program, PMF's are eligible for conversion to permanent career-conditional appointments.
- The agency provides a reimbursement fee to OPM per Fellow includes recruitment, assessment, selection, and placement of Fellows; PMF Program sponsored events (e.g., Job Fair, Orientation, Forums, and Graduation); and training and support for agencies and Fellows.
For additional information about PMF visit: http://www.pmf.opm.gov/
