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Students & recent graduates

If you're a current student or recent graduate, you may be eligible for federal internships and job opportunities through the Pathways and other student programs.

Pathways logo

The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available.

Eligibility

  • The Internship Program is for current students. If you're a current student in high school, college, trade school or another qualifying educational institution, you may be eligible. This program offers paid opportunities to work in federal agencies and explore federal careers while completing your education.

    Learn more about the Internship Program .

  • This program is for students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree. Agencies may offer time-limited appointments of up to one year or more than one year, but not to exceed four years. You may be eligible if you are:

    • A U.S. citizen or national.
    • Enrolled in or pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree on at least a half-time basis.

    Learn more about the Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority .

  • The Recent Graduates Program is for those who have graduated, within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. The Recent Graduates Program offers career development with training and mentorship.

    You must apply within two years of getting your degree or certificate (veterans have up to six years to apply due to their military service obligation).

    Learn more about the Recent Graduates Program .

  • This program is for those who have completed a bachelor's or graduate degree within the last two years. Veterans may have up to six years to apply. The program offers appointments to a permanent position.

    Learn more about the College Graduate Hiring Authority .

Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program

  • This program is for recent graduates with an advanced degree—either a professional or graduate degree such as a master's, Ph.D. or J.D. You may be eligible if you:

    • have completed an advanced degree from a qualifying educational institution or program within the past two years of the annual application opening date.
    • Expect to complete all advanced degree requirements, including the completion or successful defense of any required thesis or dissertation, by August 31 of the next year, from the opening date of the annual application announcement.

  • Email pmf@opm.gov for questions related to the Presidential Management Fellows Program. Questions about a specific announcement found on USAJOBS should be sent to the hiring agency using the contact information in the announcement.

    Learn more about the Presidential Management Fellows Program.

How do I know a job is open to Students & recent graduates?

In the job announcement look for the This job is open to section. When a job is open to Students you'll see the Students icon: . When a job is open to Recent graduates, you'll see the Recent graduates icon: < . There may be other groups listed that can also apply.

You can also select the Students or recent graduates filter. Your results will display all jobs open to students and recent graduates.

Documents you may need

TRANSCRIPTS

Upload and submit through USAJOBS

You can upload and save documents to your USAJOBS account. Once uploaded, you can submit these forms with your job application as needed. Sign into USAJOBS or learn how to upload documents.

Contact information

Please contact pathways@opm.gov with any issues or questions related to the Pathways Programs for students and recent graduates.

Additional Resources

Other Hiring Paths