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Pathways Internship Program

By Human Capital

DOI - USGS Pathways Internship Program
Effective 07/10/2012

The USGS Internship 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 getting paid for the work performed.

Program Features

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.

Click to view a Comparison Chart between the two types of Intern appointments.

 

Eligibility Requirements

The Internships are available to all levels of students. Students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, and community/junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree program; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.

 

Intern-Temporary Position

Job opportunities under this internship offer temporary employment that can provide you with a valuable work experience. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that may last as long as you are a student (in 1-year increments or less). The duties do not have to relate to your academic field of study.

A Participant Agreement is established between you and the USGS which sets the requirements and expectations. It provides the educational and work requirements for your internship and anticipated completion date of education and the needs of the office. Students in this program may be eligible to apply for another Internship opportunity based on their area of study. Click here for a copy of the Participant Agreement for Internship Program.

 

Intern-Career Position

This component offers you valuable work experience related to your academic field of study or career goals. The program is designed to be a partnership between you, and the USGS. The internship combines academic classroom learning with practical, on-the-job experience and provides you with paid work experience in your academic career goals or field of study.

A Participant Agreement is established between you and the USGS which sets the requirements and expectations of your internship. It provides the educational and work requirements for your internship and anticipated completion date of these requirements. This internship may lead to permanent employment (or, in some circumstances a term appointment lasting 13 months but not exceeding a total of 4 years) after you successfully complete your education and program requirements. Click here for a copy of the Participant Agreement for Internship Program.

To be eligible for conversion, Interns must:

  • Be a US Citizen
  • Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program (Note:* may waive up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work under specific conditions)
  • Successfully complete their degree or certificate requirements
  • Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted
  • Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the Participant's Agreement, and
  • Demonstrates successful job performance

Note*:

  • Agencies may waive up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work for Interns who demonstrate high potential as evidenced by outstanding academic achievement (3.5 GPA) and exceptional job performance; or
  • Students working in agencies through third-party intern providers may count up to 320 of the hours they work toward the 640 hour requirement; or
  • Time spent under a previous Internship Program appointments may count towards required work experience hours; or
  • Served active duty in the armed forces including the National Guard and Reserves and discharged under honorable conditions; or
  • Student volunteer experience designed to give internship experience to students

The non-Federal internship experience is in a field or functional area related to the students target position.

 

Program Features Under Both Type of Appointments

  • Students may be employed year round.
  • Students may have flexible work schedules.
  • Open to all students in high school, under-graduate, graduate, and vocational/technical.
  • Students may be eligible for tuition assistance.
  • Are a student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) seeking student.
  • Are at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
  • Are enrolled as at least a half-time student (or students who have been accepted for enrollment) in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school.
  • Have a satisfactory academic record, 2.0 or better cumulative G.P.A. is required. Each year provide a copy of your most recent transcript.
  • Are a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if eligible to work under U.S. immigration laws and no qualified U.S. citizens are available for the position. (U.S. citizenship is required if you are converted to a permanent position from the Intern-Indefinite program.)
  • Meet the qualification requirements for the position and submit all required documentation as specified in the vacancy announcement.
  • Under both of these internships, for specific benefits see Benefits.

 

Employment Outlook

Like the private sector, USGS is undergoing streamlining and restructuring to become more efficient. USGS is still recruiting job opportunities that provide critical services, and maintain our high scientific and technical expertise. USGS intern vacancies are highly competitive. We want to attract students who demonstrate the talent, skills, and abilities that meet our future work force needs.

As an employee of the USGS, your compensation is more than a paycheck. You receive a competitive benefits package designed to meet the needs of today's diverse workforce as described below.

 

Resources

 

Important Links

 

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