The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) invites students to apply to our Intern positions. The ideal candidates are current Certificate Program, Undergraduate or Graduate students who demonstrate innovation and self-initiative. You will have an opportunity to train and develop your skills in career fields such as human resources, policy, healthcare, insurance, retirement, or information technology and have a positive impact on the people and communities that OPM serves.
Summary
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) invites students to apply to our Intern positions. The ideal candidates are current Certificate Program, Undergraduate or Graduate students who demonstrate innovation and self-initiative. You will have an opportunity to train and develop your skills in career fields such as human resources, policy, healthcare, insurance, retirement, or information technology and have a positive impact on the people and communities that OPM serves.
Participate in the design, development, testing, and implementation of new or modified applications software. This subject matter specialty will enhance your familiarity with or understanding of:
C#.NET, VB.NET, Python, Go, Rust, Java, JavaScript, SQL, PowerShell, BASH, PHP, or other modern programming languages and solid debugging principle
Web Development Frameworks such HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Cloud Application Development
Source Control methodologies with Git based technologies
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment Pipelines and tooling
Agile Project Management Principles
Experience with REST APIs
Prototyping simple and intermediate complexity applications, algorithms, scripts, and interfaces
OR
Assists with the identification, analysis, reporting, and monitoring of cybersecurity risks.This subject matter specialty will enhance your familiarity with or understanding of:
Information Security Risk Management Frameworks
Risk and threat assessment tools and techniques
Cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and remediation strategies
System security testing and evaluation methodologies
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model and networking protocols such as TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory services
IT infrastructure (Networking, Operating Systems, Applications, Databases, Cloud)
Laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity and privacy
Incident response and handling methodologies
Cryptography and key management principles
The Skills to be Successful as a Student Trainee:
You work smart (not just hard), and know how to drive projects, meet deadlines, and get things done.
You have a bias for action and are proactive.
You don't sweat the small stuff, but also understand the importance of paying close attention to detail and being very precise.
You are flexible, creative, curious, and a willing to take initiative.
You are a quick and flexible learner: open-minded, adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity, and excited by dynamic change.
You inspire trust, forge relationships quickly, and earn the confidence and cooperation of your business partners.
You have high standards, integrity, and ethics.
What We're Looking For:
Currently enrolled in an educational institution
A solid team player who's also an independent thinker
Deadline-driven, organized, and able to multitask
A robust analytical skill set
Strong verbal, written and presentation skills
Endless curiosity and a penchant for thinking the impossible
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software products
Attentive to team needs as demonstrated by rapid and high-quality responsiveness to requests
Excellent interpersonal skills; able to maintain solid rapport with team members as well as maintain professionalism with those outside of the team
Excellent oral and written communications skills that demonstrate a professional demeanor and the ability to interact with others with discretion and tact
Keen attention to detail
Capable of identifying and completing tasks independently, with a sense of urgency and ownership
Demonstrated success at maintaining high personal work standards
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and tact
Strong presentation skills to audiences comprised of all levels of leadership
Highly motivated, self-starter able to work autonomously and drive the work they own forward effectively
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Age: You must be at least 16 years of age Background Investigation: Must be suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. Availability for Work: Applicants for this position must be available to work a regular full/part-time schedule during the period of 18 MAY 2026 through 23 AUGUST 2026. Student Status: Applicants must have at least 1 academic year (fall and spring session) remaining in their studies before they complete their current degree requirements. Graduation Status: Applicants that graduate prior to MAY 2027 will not be considered for this position unless you have been accepted into a follow-on degree or certificate program and provide verification of future enrollment status prior to start date. Pathways Agreement: If selected, you will be required to sign a Pathways Agreement which specifies the conditions of your employment as we've indicated in this job announcement. You must continue to meet the Pathways Program requirements throughout the duration of your appointment. To verify that you do, we will require proof of your continued enrollment and good standing each semester or grading period throughout your internship. Failure to do so will result in termination of your internship and employment. Trial Period: Selectee must complete a trial period while on the Pathways internship appointment. Trial Period: Selectee must complete a trial period while on the Pathways internship appointment. Bargaining Unit: Depending on the location and program for which selected:
if the duty station is finalized in the Boyers/East Butler, PA offices, employees in this position will be represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2450.
if the duty station is finalized in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, employees in this position will be represented by the AFGE Local 32.
if the duty station is finalized outside the localities above, this position will not be represented by a bargaining unit.
Qualifications
You must meet the education requirements detailed below by the close of the vacancy.
GS-4: Completion of two academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree.
An academic year of undergraduate education is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in an accredited college or university.
To meet the Intern Eligibility requirements, you must be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which you are enrolled).
Certificate programs must be at least one-year duration of full-time academic study in post-secondary education.
Accepted for Enrollment: If you have been accepted for enrollment in an institution or career or technical education program, but have not yet begun coursework, you must submit an Acceptance Letter from the institution and your most recent academic transcript from your previous program.
NOTE: You will NOT be considered under Pathways unless you provide supporting information from your school. Documentation may be provided in letter format from your academic advisor, school counselor, admission office, etc. to prove enrollment OR it may be provided in the form of several official documents from your school such as a copy of your official transcripts and a copy of your class schedule for next semester. Copies of documents from your school website are acceptable if they contain all relevant information as listed above. Letters from advisors or other school officials must be on school letterhead. Official transcripts will be required prior to final offer of employment.
Education
Additional information
We understand that not everyone will demonstrate proficiency in all of the duties listed in this job posting. At OPM, we strive to raise the bar! We encourage all to apply if you feel your skills and life experiences are transferable to some of the duties listed in this vacancy.
What Do We Offer?
Upon graduation and completion of the student internship program requirements you MAY BE non-competitively converted, without a break in service, to a term (time-limited), career, or career conditional (permanent) appointment in the federal government, to a position up with a full performance level up to the GS-12. Grade level upon conversion will be determined by management and neither conversion nor promotion is guaranteed.
Interns must meet the qualification requirements for the position to which promoted or converted.
Extensions: This temporary appointment and may be extended without further competition based on the need of the organization for the work to continue and provided the individual continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.
Hourly pay rates range from $17.44 to 19.96 per hour and may vary based on the duty location.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Once the application process is complete, your resume will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement.
Qualified applicants will be placed in one of four groupings:
Preference eligible having a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more
Other 10-point preference eligible
5-point preference eligible
No preference eligible
Selection will be made from the highest available preference group, as long as at least three candidates remain in that group. When fewer than three candidates remain in the highest group, consideration may be expanded to include the next grouping.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume:
Your Resume showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Only the first 2 pages of the resume/application will be used to verify minimum qualifications. Please be sure to include specific dates of employment and work schedule(s).
2. Transcripts and Proof of Enrollment:
You are required to submit a copy of your transcripts and proof of enrollment.
We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned.
Official transcripts will be required prior to final offer of employment
If you have been accepted for enrollment in an institution, but have not yet begun coursework, you must submit an Acceptance Letter from the institution, your most recent academic transcript from your previous program and provide proof of future enrollment status prior to start date.
3. Veteran's Documents:
If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents
DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form (and any required documents listed on page 2) and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility at FedsHireVets.
An incomplete package may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST)on 04/10/2026 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account and select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
The Assessment Questionnaire identifies the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. Your ratings in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your ratings.
What You Can Expect Next
Once your online application is submitted you will receive confirmation emails at various points in the hiring process. Please be sure to check your SPAM box.
The Summer 2026 Cohort Student Internship Cohort is expected to start May 2026 and continue through August 2026 or, in some cases a student intern may be extended without further competition. Please consider these dates before submitting an application.
An agency may not request, orally, in writing, or electronically through the USA Jobs website or other electronic means, that an applicant for appointment for a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information before the appointing agency extends a conditional offer of employment. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/opportunities/
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume:
Your Resume showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Only the first 2 pages of the resume/application will be used to verify minimum qualifications. Please be sure to include specific dates of employment and work schedule(s).
2. Transcripts and Proof of Enrollment:
You are required to submit a copy of your transcripts and proof of enrollment.
We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned.
Official transcripts will be required prior to final offer of employment
If you have been accepted for enrollment in an institution, but have not yet begun coursework, you must submit an Acceptance Letter from the institution, your most recent academic transcript from your previous program and provide proof of future enrollment status prior to start date.
3. Veteran's Documents:
If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents
DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form (and any required documents listed on page 2) and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility at FedsHireVets.
An incomplete package may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST)on 04/10/2026 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account and select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
The Assessment Questionnaire identifies the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. Your ratings in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your ratings.
What You Can Expect Next
Once your online application is submitted you will receive confirmation emails at various points in the hiring process. Please be sure to check your SPAM box.
The Summer 2026 Cohort Student Internship Cohort is expected to start May 2026 and continue through August 2026 or, in some cases a student intern may be extended without further competition. Please consider these dates before submitting an application.
An agency may not request, orally, in writing, or electronically through the USA Jobs website or other electronic means, that an applicant for appointment for a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information before the appointing agency extends a conditional offer of employment. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/opportunities/
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
