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.

 

Explore Openings

START HERE: Understanding your eligibility for positions 

What am I qualified for? INTERNSHIPS

Current openings: Search for openings under "Students"

What am I qualified for? JOBS

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

Explore career options

Finding the Right Fit- Federal Jobs/Internship

Create a target list

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.

Some agencies are exempt from posting positions on USAJOBS, so their positions will be publicized on their websites. 

 

Apply

HOW DO I APPLY?

Federal Resumes

Tips for applying on USAJobs

 Executive Order 14170 mandates that all Federal job vacancy announcements graded at GS-05 or above will include four short, free-response essay questions that the applicant is required to answer. 

  • How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience that highlights a connection for you.
  • In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Consider detailing a specific example of where you improved processes/outcomes or saved money.
  • How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
  • How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide some examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question.

Gain insights: Employer Notes

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. 

Understanding the Security Clearance

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: