Start applying for positions early in your undergraduate tenure. BSOS majors have access to events and workshops to learn about the federal application process. USAJobs- Attend information sessions and workshops hosted by USAJobs- open to all.
START HERE: Understanding your eligibility for positions
Current openings: Search for openings under "Students"
- All current undergraduates may apply for internships programs.
- UMD National Scholarships Office - manages a list of internship opportunities in DC
- Review sample opportunities.
- U.S. Intelligence Community Options: Each agency has student programs that give students hands-on experience while contributing to the mission of the Intelligence Community.
- Students with disabilities: The Workforce Recruitment Program, connects postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities to positions in the Federal government.
- Search for openings using Filters on USAJobs
Review current openings
- Recent Graduates program: Applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who have up to six years after degree completion to apply).
- Apply for openings by GS Level. BA/BS graduates start at a GS-5 to a GS-7.
- Professionals with a disability: If you're an individual with a disability, you can apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you also may be eligible for a special hiring authority.
- Hiring avenues for Veterans
- 30 Fellowships in US Government for Recent Graduates
- Search for openings using Filters on USAJobs
Finding the Right Fit- Federal Jobs/Internship
- Federal jobs by college major.
- Federal careers by field of interest - Go Government offers information on 18 different federal career fields
- View a list of all government agencies.
- Intelligence Community - job exploration tool
- Occupational Series - Allows applicants to locate job titles categorized into job families.
Use the resources below to research and identify agencies of interest based on their mission statement, mission critical hiring needs, area of work, populations they serve, etc. Create an agency target list by writing down all federal agencies that spark your interest.
- Review the 100+ federal agencies and departments.
- Best places to work in the federal government, the Partnership for Public Services oversees a survey of current employees to create several top ranking lists.
- Top agencies with employees in social sciences.
- Stats on federal employers and work areas to target.
- Intelligence Community - Openings & planning resources.
Some agencies are exempt from posting positions on USAJOBS, so their positions will be publicized on their websites.
HOW DO I APPLY?
- Review the application process
- How to Read Federal Job Announcements
- 2023 Federal Pay Table | Salary ranges
- Understanding the GS Scale (experience & education level determines pay)
- Transcripts- tips for submitting them if required
- Tips for applying under Schedule A
- CIA Application Tips & Programs | Resume Tips
- FBI Application Notes
- Federal Air Marshal Service
- Department of the Treasury, International Affairs
- U.S. Census Bureau
- DOJ Antitrust, Paralegal Program
- U.S. Department of State & Foreign Service Political Officers
- U.S. Secret Service
Log in with your CAS credentials to view the notes.
Some agencies are exempt from posting positions on USAJOBS, so their positions will be publicized on their websites.
- BSOS Majors: Tips for Protecting Your Professional Image
- Background Checks and Security Clearances for Federal Jobs
- 5 Tips to Prepare for a US Government Security Clearance in Advance
- Background Checks and Security Clearances, terms defined
- Clearance Chart
- Security Clearance: Prepare Now to Pass Later Notes
- CIA Application Tips & Security Background Overview
Notes:
Every federal agency completes their own background checks. If you have obtained a clearance in the past, it could improve your application, but it does not mean that the applicant will be automatically accepted.
The Interim Security Clearance: If a hiring office requests an interim security clearance, an applicant may be granted an interim security clearance within a few weeks after submitting a complete security package. Final clearances usually are processed and adjudicated in less than 90 days. With an interim clearance, classified work can be performed but in a temporary capacity until a background investigation has been completed.
"How to" Videos
Additional Resources:
- Maryland internship/job positions
- Resources for a state & local government
