This post Thanksgiving blog offers an opportunity that may have you giving thanks for a long time to come.
Considering a career in Public Service? Read the Office of Personnel article on Pathways Programs; it explains possible ways forward to a rewarding career with the Federal Government that you may not have considered before. Through the Federal Pathways Programs you may be able to put your education, skills and attributes to work in a variety of open positions that also includes an Internship Program.
Read on and enjoy!
Federal Pathways Programs: A Great Way to Use Your Education
By Carmen Andújar-Carreras
The Federal Government benefits from a diverse workforce that includes students and recent graduates, who lend unique perspectives to Federal agencies. The Pathways Programs (Programs) are ideal for reaching out and connecting Federal agencies with job seekers of all backgrounds who possess a broad range of talent. The Programs offer three innovative paths for students and recent graduates to get direct experience with Federal employers, and encourage careers in public service.
Who should apply:
New students and graduates; job seekers making a career change; people who temporarily left the workplace to seek new degrees; veterans who went to school on the new GI Bill®; and anyone else whose education prepared them for careers with variety that places them at the forefront of national service.
Here are details on each of the Programs:
The Internship Program: Current students from a variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level are eligible to apply. Interns enjoy paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. They may work part- or full-time and may be hired for long-term or summer work. Students receive meaningful work assignments and are often provided training, and possibly a mentor. Once they complete academic and work requirements, students may be eligible for permanent employment.
The Recent Graduates Program: The “career development program,” open to anyone who completed a formal education program beyond high school are eligible to apply for up to two years after degree completion. Certain veterans have up to six years to apply if service obligations kept them from doing so during the two-year period. This year-long program (in certain cases two years) offers training and developmental opportunities, an assigned mentor, a “road map” for success called an Individual Development Plan (IDP), and career advancement opportunities. After program completion, Recent Graduates may be eligible for permanent employment.
How to apply:
Pathways jobs are filled through fair and open competition. Positions are posted on USAJOBS, job seekers can perform searches using keywords such as “Intern,” “Recent Graduates,” or “Pathways” to find and apply for individual Pathways job postings. Follow instructions in the “How to Apply” section. If you are ready to use your education to have a positive impact on your fellow Americans, consider the Pathways Programs. Contact us at pathways@opm.gov with questions. Visit USAJOBS for more information on Federal employment.
Ms. Carmen Andújar-Carreras is the manager of the Recruitment Policy and Outreach Office, which includes leading Government-wide student employment programs, at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
