The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. We accomplish our mission by providing objective and reliable information and analysis to the Congress, to federal agencies, and to the public, and recommending improvements, when appropriate, on a wide variety of issues to make government work better.
Summary
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. We accomplish our mission by providing objective and reliable information and analysis to the Congress, to federal agencies, and to the public, and recommending improvements, when appropriate, on a wide variety of issues to make government work better.
As a GAO intern, you will learn how to conduct federal audits and program evaluations and apply that knowledge as part of a team. You will assist GAO analysts in planning and conducting in-depth reviews of executive and legislative branch programs. You will collect appropriate data, analyze the data, develop data-based findings and conclusions, and present the information both orally and in writing to diverse audiences. To learn more about GAO and our mission teams, please visit us on the web at:
•Planning, prioritizing, and/or balancing own work assignments, identifying feasible work management approaches that address required activities and timelines. •Developing, identifying, contributing to, and/or using techniques, tools, and processes that are methodologically sound and targeted to job requirements. •Collecting relevant information that is aligned with objectives/planning decisions and meets needs. •Conducting analyses that yield quality information aligned with needs; identifying relevant information, patterns/inconsistencies, relationships, interdependencies, and potential implication. •Preparing quality written work that meets relevant writing and evidence standards, and that is appropriately targeted to the audience and purpose. •Communicating relevant and accurate information during formal or informal presentations, meetings, or interviews. •Partnering or collaborating with others to address issues or solve problems; following up with others to ensure needs are met. •Contributing to team efforts through participation in activities/meetings, soliciting and listening to others’ opinions, and working collaboratively to accomplish team goals. •Soliciting, listening to, and considering diverse perspectives, approaches, or viewpoints, and incorporating others’ perspectives into decision-making (when appropriate).
Be enrolled and in good standing in an accredited graduate degree program.
Selective Service registration if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959.
Will be subject to a background investigation/ suitability determination.
Proof of enrollment (current)
For the essay question of this vacancy announcement, any application that does not provide an "actual narrative response" that addresses the KSA listed below, or that says “Please see resume” or the equivalent or “N/A” will not be accepted.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the start of the internship.
To qualify for the GS-7 level you must be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program, and meet one of the following criteria:
1. You must have completed between 18 to 35 semester hours or 27 to 53 quarter hours of graduate level education.
2. You must possess a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (defined below).
Superior Academic Achievement: Superior academic achievement (SAA) recognizes individuals who have achieved superior academic standing. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)-- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: a.3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or .3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
To qualify for the GS-9 level you must be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program, and meet one of the following criteria:
1. You must have completed 36 or more semester hours or 54 or more quarter hours of graduate level education.
2. You must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent Graduate Degree.
Foreign Education: If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service.
NOTE: You must be a current student enrolled in a graduate program seeking a degree from an accredited educational institution on a full or half-time basis. If at any point during the Summer internship (and for any reason) your status as a student changes to that of a non-student, your internship will be terminated.
Additional information
This position does not have promotion potential.
Interns must work a minimum of 400 hours, not to exceed a total of 640 hours.
The anticipated start date is May/June 2019. Student interns may have an opportunity for a permanent or term position based on a successful intern experience (completion of a minimum of 400 hours of work) and successful completion of degree requirements. In addition, the conversion could be team specific. The ability to convert to a permanent or term appointment with 400 hours of work experience is contingent upon budgetary conditions and staffing needs at the time of eligibility.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
There is an application limit associated with this announcement. The announcement will close at 11:59 ET on the day we receive 1000 applications, or at 11:59 PM eastern on 01/08/2019, whichever comes first. Any required documents must be submitted at the time that you apply as documents will not be accepted past the day the application limit is reached, if applicable. If you choose to edit your application after it has been submitted, it will be removed from consideration until you re-submit your application. The date your application is last submitted will be used to determine whether you meet the cut-off criteria.
This is a Non-bargaining unit position
OPTION FOR ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS: Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid for by the GAO.
Males born after 12/31/59 and at least 18 years of age must be registered with the Selective Service System. Visit https://www.sss.gov/
Selectees will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. If selected, at the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees (and interns) with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please email ReasonableAccommodations@gao.gov
The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The U.S. GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the GAO require completion of a one-year or two-year probationary period.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Individuals selected will be eligible for transit benefits, sick leave and may be eligible for annual leave and/or health benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
After you submit your application, it will be reviewed to determine whether you have submitted all of the required documents as set forth below by the closing date of the announcement and meet the eligibility requirements. If you have submitted all required documents in a timely fashion and meet the eligibility requirements, your application will be reviewed by a screening panel. The panel will assign scores for each of the following three knowledges, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) based on the answer you provide to the essay question contained in this announcement and your resume: Analytical Ability, Writing Ability, and Research Ability. (A more detailed description of the KSAs can be found in the essay question.) The screening panel will assess the extent and quality of your accomplishments, experience, and/or education as they relate to the KSA’s. It is important to have a well written, thoughtful response to the essay question that is supported by your resume. You may draw upon academic, volunteer, and/or work experience as a basis for your response. The essay cannot exceed 2,000 characters, including spaces. You must provide an actual narrative response. Any application that says “Please see resume” or the equivalent or “N/A” or that does not address the KSA, will not be accepted. Please note that your narrative response must be supported by your resume and must reflect the experience on which you rely. It is important that you do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. If the panelists conclude that your narrative response is not supported by your resume, they will assign scores accordingly.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Individuals selected will be eligible for transit benefits, sick leave and may be eligible for annual leave and/or health benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You are required to submit the following documents by the closing date of this announcements:
-A resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional). Your resume must show the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment.
- All applicants must submit college or university graduate and/or undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial) that support the number of hours completed or degree conferred. If you are a first-year graduate student and do not yet have a transcript, you must submit undergraduate transcripts as proof of Superior Academic Achievement AND proof of enrollment in an accredited graduate degree program (i.e. class schedule from the college or university's registration system or Registrar's Office, enrollment verification letter, etc.). If you are completing your first graduate degree and have been accepted into a graduate program to pursue a 2nd graduate degree and do not yet have a transcript, you must submit proof of acceptance/enrollment into your new graduate program, along with the transcripts from your current graduate program.
- Current proof of enrollment.
-If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service. For additional information please visit http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp
- If you are claiming veteran preference you must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. Other copies WILL NOT BE accepted. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. If you are currently active duty and are within 120 days of discharge or release from active duty, you must submit certification of expected discharge or release under honorable conditions with your application. The certification must be an official statement of service from the armed forces command.
Veterans Preference applies to this announcement. For more information regarding veterans’ preference please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/index.aspx
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
All applicants must submit their academic transcripts in order to be eligible. The transcripts may be unofficial and must show your status as a student. If you are selected for this position you will be required to provide an official transcript on the day of your orientation or within 3 business days after orientation. This transcript must show that you meet the education requirements for the GS-7 or GS-9 grade level, and that you are currently enrolled through at least August 2019. Failure to meet the requirements or provide the transcript will result in Termination of your internship.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
1. To apply on-line, you must create a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. If you have questions about:
The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement.
Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your résumé, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents to determine if you meet the key requirements and basic qualifications for the position. If you are determined to be eligible and you meet the basic qualification requirements for the position, your application will be forwarded to a subject matter expert panel for further consideration.
If your application is rated "best-qualified" by the screening panel, (see Evaluations section above) your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. If you do not meet the key requirements and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered. You can check the status of your application in your personal USAJOBS account at any time.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You are required to submit the following documents by the closing date of this announcements:
-A resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional). Your resume must show the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment.
- All applicants must submit college or university graduate and/or undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial) that support the number of hours completed or degree conferred. If you are a first-year graduate student and do not yet have a transcript, you must submit undergraduate transcripts as proof of Superior Academic Achievement AND proof of enrollment in an accredited graduate degree program (i.e. class schedule from the college or university's registration system or Registrar's Office, enrollment verification letter, etc.). If you are completing your first graduate degree and have been accepted into a graduate program to pursue a 2nd graduate degree and do not yet have a transcript, you must submit proof of acceptance/enrollment into your new graduate program, along with the transcripts from your current graduate program.
- Current proof of enrollment.
-If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service. For additional information please visit http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp
- If you are claiming veteran preference you must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. Other copies WILL NOT BE accepted. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. If you are currently active duty and are within 120 days of discharge or release from active duty, you must submit certification of expected discharge or release under honorable conditions with your application. The certification must be an official statement of service from the armed forces command.
Veterans Preference applies to this announcement. For more information regarding veterans’ preference please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/index.aspx
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
All applicants must submit their academic transcripts in order to be eligible. The transcripts may be unofficial and must show your status as a student. If you are selected for this position you will be required to provide an official transcript on the day of your orientation or within 3 business days after orientation. This transcript must show that you meet the education requirements for the GS-7 or GS-9 grade level, and that you are currently enrolled through at least August 2019. Failure to meet the requirements or provide the transcript will result in Termination of your internship.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
1. To apply on-line, you must create a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. If you have questions about:
The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement.
Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your résumé, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents to determine if you meet the key requirements and basic qualifications for the position. If you are determined to be eligible and you meet the basic qualification requirements for the position, your application will be forwarded to a subject matter expert panel for further consideration.
If your application is rated "best-qualified" by the screening panel, (see Evaluations section above) your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. If you do not meet the key requirements and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered. You can check the status of your application in your personal USAJOBS account at any time.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
