The Pathways Internship Program targets students accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate at an accredited educational institution. The program provides students with paid internship opportunities to explore Federal careers while in school. Students receive training to help them advance in their internship as well as work experience that augments their education. Students who successfully complete the program may obtain a permanent job in the Federal Government.
Summary
The Pathways Internship Program targets students accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate at an accredited educational institution. The program provides students with paid internship opportunities to explore Federal careers while in school. Students receive training to help them advance in their internship as well as work experience that augments their education. Students who successfully complete the program may obtain a permanent job in the Federal Government.
Refer to 'Eligibility Requirement' in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position.
*** This announcement was extended and will now close on Monday, May 16, 2022. ***
Duties
Students placed in internships via this announcement will work with SEC staff members on various projects and assignments that cover a broad range of the Commissions' work. The work assigned will depend upon a student's placement within a Division or Office. Internship assignments range from supporting securities regulations to assisting in professional administrative duties such as human resources, contracting, auditing, etc.
Typical duties include the following:
Assist in conducting analysis and research in support of assigned program areas.
Respond to routine questions within the assigned program areas.
Assist in the maintenance of automated databases.
Locations
The SEC's Headquarters is located in Washington, DC. The SEC consists of 11 Regional Offices located across the United States, refer to the "Locations" section of this announcement for the list of locations. The 11 Regional Offices are comprised mainly of the Division of Enforcement and Division of Examinations. Please visit www.sec.gov to learn about the Divisions and Offices at the SEC. You will be asked to rank your top three (3) Division/Office preferences to include location for internship placement.
Hourly Rates
Hourly minimum and maximum rates vary based on location. Hourly rates are as follows:
SK-05: $18.95 to $35.61 ($39,549 to $74,319 Per Year)
SK-07: $23.47 to $44.76 ($48,989 to $93,409 Per Year)
Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all the instructions carefully. Failure to follow the instructions may result in you not being considered for this position.
Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.
This internship has promotion potential to the SK-09.
TRIAL PERIOD: This appointment may require completion of a two-year trial period.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment security investigation. Favorable results on a Background Investigation may be a condition of employment or selection to another position.
DRUG TESTING: This position may be subjected to drug testing requirements.
PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS): Moving/Relocation expenses are not authorized.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.
UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP: Must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: You must meet all eligibility requirements for the Pathways Internship Program at the time of application as well as the duration of the appointment . You will be required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
GPA: You must have at the time of application and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent for the duration of the appointment.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENT: You must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. You must maintain status as a current student while on this appointment.
PROOF OF ENROLLMENT: You must furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and provide verification of academic status (transcript) at the end of each school term.
WORK SCHEDULES: Interns shall work full-time during the summer AND full-time or part-time (i.e., at least 20 hours per week) work schedules during the school year (based on agency needs) while continuing their education.
The anticipated start date of this position is in August 2022.
Due to COVID-19, the SEC is currently in an optional telework posture. This position is eligible to request telework in accordance with the SEC's telework policy.
Qualifications
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT
All eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
To be eligible for consideration for this internship under the Pathways Internship Program, you must meet the following:
You must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate at an accredited educational institution on at least a half-time basis (as determined by the educational institution) and
You must possess a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.
If selected, you must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout the duration of the appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.
Note: Students must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled in the upcoming Fall 2022 semester for consideration and placement in this internship.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT
The qualification requirements must be met within 60 calendar days of the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifying education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. An academic year of undergraduate education is considered to be 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent as defined by an accredited educational institution. An academic year of graduate education is considered to be 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours, or the equivalent as defined by an accredited educational institution.
In order to qualify for this position at the GS/SK-05 level, you must possess the following:
Four (4) academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree. (Note: If you select this response, you must submit relevant transcripts.)
In order to qualify for this position at the GS/SK-07 level, you must possess at least one of the following:
(A.) One (1) full academic year of graduate level education. (Note: If you select this response, you must submit relevant transcripts.) OR
(B.) Successfully completed all the requirements for a bachelor's degree and claim Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. Superior Academic Achievement is based on: (1) Class Standing - You 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; or (2) Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) - You must have a grade point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your 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 (b) 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; or (3) Honor Society Membership - You may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. (Note: If you select this response, you must submit relevant transcripts.)
Education
You MUST provide your transcript(s) (unofficial transcript is acceptable) or equivalent documentation to support your educational claims. Refer to the "Required Documents" section for more information on what documentation is needed. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
Note: A "certificate program" is defined as a post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
SEC Compensation Program: The overall salary range listed above is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade; however, a selectee's initial pay is always set below the maximum rate of the range. Please click here for additional information.
Conversion Eligibility: If selected, you may be non-competitively converted to a permanent or term appointment upon graduation as long as you meet the following criteria: (1) complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the program; (2) obtain a degree or certificate; (3) meet the qualification standards for the position to which to be converted; (4) receive a recommendation for retention from a supervisor; and (5) meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the Participant Agreement.
If converted to a permanent or term appointment, the anticipated target position's full performance level is SK-11; however, the full performance level may change based on the needs of the organization at the time of conversion.
Note: The SEC is NOT obligated to make an offer of permanent or term employment. Agencies may credit or waive up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work experience based on certain criterion, done on a case-by-case basis.
Reasonable Accommodation: If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation for disability to participate in the application process at the SEC, submit the form for Reasonable Accommodation for Participation in Job Application Process here. Please be sure to submit your request at least 5 business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Information for SEC Job Applicants: Federal EEO laws protect all applicants from discrimination on the following bases: race, color, sex (not limited to conduct which is sexual in nature, includes pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, transgender status), age (40 and over), religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, retaliation for participating in the EEO process or opposing discrimination. Applicants who believe they have been discriminated against on any EEO basis can seek recourse through the SEC's administrative complaints process. To be timely, an individual must enter the EEO process within 45 days from when they know (or should have known) of the alleged discrimination. Click here for additional information.
TTY/ASCII: Video Relay Service users are welcome to contact the appropriate SEC office or employee via the contact information listed above. If you do not otherwise have access to a Video Phone or Video Relay service, you may send us an email or use the Federal Video Relay Service via the internet. For more information about using the Federal Relay Service and to create a new account, please see: https://www.federalrelay.us/
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.
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 review of your application materials, if you are determined to meet the basic eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, you will be referred to the selecting official in unranked order. Veterans' preference applies to selection for positions in the Pathways Programs. Selections must be made in accordance with the requirements of 5 CFR part 302, veterans' preference laws, and OPM guidance.
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.
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 must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Required -- occupational questionnaire: Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire (this is built into the online application).
Required -- resume: Your complete and comprehensive resume that includes a complete history of your work experience and the applicable employment dates with months and years as well as the number of hours worked per week if part-time employment. To determine if you qualify for this position, OHR will review your work history that is relevant to the specific position for which you applied. If you are an external candidate selected for this position, OHR will review your complete work history to establish your starting salary. For external candidates, information on how your resume will be used for pay setting purposes can be found here. If you are a current SEC employee selected for this position, the standard percentage increase will be applied (i.e., 6% for non-supervisory) if your selection results in a promotion. If your selection results in lateral movement (i.e., no change in grade) you will maintain your current salary.Note: Your resume must NOT contain pictures.
Required -- cover letter: Provide a cover letter that includes information you wish to express to the selecting official that is outside of what is included in your resume. The cover letter can simply be addressed to "Dear Hiring Committee."
Required -- proof of eligibility and transcript: For students currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution, please provide your transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable) that includes your (1) first and last name, (2) courses completed as well as those currently in progress (i.e., Spring 2022 courses), and (3) current cumulative grade point average* (GPA). If your transcript does not include courses currently in progress, please also provide proof of enrollment such as your current course schedule. For students that have been accepted for enrollment, but do not yet have a transcript or course schedule, please provide your acceptance letter provided by the accredited educational institution. For students that are graduating during the current semester (i.e., Spring 2022), please provide your acceptance letter or course schedule for the upcoming semester as proof of your continued enrollment in a degree/certificate program. Note: You may need to submit more than one transcript to support your educational claims. If you are selected for this position, official transcript(s) will be required.
Required, if applicable: Veterans' Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veterans' Preference, please include documentation to validate your claim such as a VA Letter, SF-15, etc.).
*If your school uses an alternate grading system, you must submit proof and explanation of the grading system with your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Track Your Online Application."
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be terminated after you begin work, or you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You will be required to submit official documentation before appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, Veterans' Preference, certification of disability, etc.).
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Required -- occupational questionnaire: Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire (this is built into the online application).
Required -- resume: Your complete and comprehensive resume that includes a complete history of your work experience and the applicable employment dates with months and years as well as the number of hours worked per week if part-time employment. To determine if you qualify for this position, OHR will review your work history that is relevant to the specific position for which you applied. If you are an external candidate selected for this position, OHR will review your complete work history to establish your starting salary. For external candidates, information on how your resume will be used for pay setting purposes can be found here. If you are a current SEC employee selected for this position, the standard percentage increase will be applied (i.e., 6% for non-supervisory) if your selection results in a promotion. If your selection results in lateral movement (i.e., no change in grade) you will maintain your current salary.Note: Your resume must NOT contain pictures.
Required -- cover letter: Provide a cover letter that includes information you wish to express to the selecting official that is outside of what is included in your resume. The cover letter can simply be addressed to "Dear Hiring Committee."
Required -- proof of eligibility and transcript: For students currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution, please provide your transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable) that includes your (1) first and last name, (2) courses completed as well as those currently in progress (i.e., Spring 2022 courses), and (3) current cumulative grade point average* (GPA). If your transcript does not include courses currently in progress, please also provide proof of enrollment such as your current course schedule. For students that have been accepted for enrollment, but do not yet have a transcript or course schedule, please provide your acceptance letter provided by the accredited educational institution. For students that are graduating during the current semester (i.e., Spring 2022), please provide your acceptance letter or course schedule for the upcoming semester as proof of your continued enrollment in a degree/certificate program. Note: You may need to submit more than one transcript to support your educational claims. If you are selected for this position, official transcript(s) will be required.
Required, if applicable: Veterans' Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veterans' Preference, please include documentation to validate your claim such as a VA Letter, SF-15, etc.).
*If your school uses an alternate grading system, you must submit proof and explanation of the grading system with your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Track Your Online Application."
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be terminated after you begin work, or you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You will be required to submit official documentation before appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, Veterans' Preference, certification of disability, etc.).
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
