This is a developmental Pathways Internship position located in the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) IN WASHINGTON, DC.
This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 200th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first.
Summary
This is a developmental Pathways Internship position located in the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) IN WASHINGTON, DC.
This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 200th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first.
This job will close when we have received 200 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
MANY vacancies in the following location:
District of Columbia, DC
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$85,447 - $111,087 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Promotion potential
11 - As a Pathways Intern, the full performance level of the internship appointment is GS-11. If non-competitively converted to a permanent position upon successful completion of Pathways Program, the full performance level of the position will be GS-14.
This job is open to current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Those in Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Job Corps programs are also eligible to apply. This is a Pathways Internship position which may confer eligibility for non-competitive conversion to a permanent or term appointment.
THIS IS A PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP POSITION WHICH MAY CONFER NON-COMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY TO A PERMANENT OR TERM POSITION.
RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.
THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.
MAJOR DUTIES
The incumbent participates in the application of economic theory, econometrics, and data analysis to support Commission decision-making regarding policies to advance telecommunications, broadband, spectrum allocation, and emerging communications technology.
This position is part of the Pathways Internship Program, designed to provide current students with developmental opportunities that build analytical, research, and policy evaluation skills in telecommunications economics.
Must be actively enrolled in an Economics Ph.D. or related degree program.
Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
Education-Transcripts Required.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.
Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
Job Market Paper Must Be Submitted.
Please note your resume must thoroughly support your qualifications for this position. Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications for the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.
Must maintain at least half-time enrollment status as defined by your school. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, you should only report attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You may verify accreditation at the following website: http:www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html All education claimed will be verified.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be actively enrolled in an accredited Economics Ph.D., or equivalent degree program.
Candidates must submit a job market paper (a peer reviewed publication, dissertation chapter, working paper, or similar economic research reflecting a written application of their ability to apply economics, econometrics, and/or data analysis), which they may be asked to present if selected for follow-on interviews.
Enrolled in a school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Enrolled at least half-time as defined by your school.
Be in good academic standing (i.e., must have at least a 3.0 GPA or its equivalent).
US Citizen or if you are not a citizen you must meet one the following criteria: 1. owe permanent allegiance to the United States (for example, natives of American Samoa and Swains Island); 2. be a lawfully admitted for permanent residence and seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); or 3. be admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or have been granted asylum under 8 .S.C. 1158 and have filed a declaration of intention to become lawful permanent resident and then citizen when eligible.
Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
To be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED", applicants must meet all of the following qualification criteria as outlined within this vacancy announcement:
PART A-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
PART B-QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
PART C-ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
PART D-COMPETENCIES
PART E-OPM POSITIVE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
PART A- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be actively enrolled in an accredited Economics Ph.D., or equivalent degree program.
Candidates must submit a job market paper (a peer reviewed publication, dissertation chapter, working paper, or similar economic research reflecting a written application of their ability to apply economics, econometrics, and/or data analysis), which they may be asked to present if selected for follow-on interviews.
Enrolled in a school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Enrolled at least half-time as defined by your school.
Be in good academic standing (i.e., must have at least a 3.0 GPA or its equivalent).
US Citizen or if you are not a citizen you must meet one the following criteria: 1. owe permanent allegiance to the United States (for example, natives of American Samoa and Swains Island); 2. be a lawfully admitted for permanent residence and seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); or 3. be admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or have been granted asylum under 8 .S.C. 1158 and have filed a declaration of intention to become lawful permanent resident and then citizen when eligible.
PART B-QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
GS-11
Education: Completed at least 3 years higher level graduate education leading to an Economics Ph.D. degree or an equivalent doctoral degree program. Candidates must be actively enrolled in an Economics Ph.D. degree or equivalent degree program to be eligible for consideration.
OR
Specialized Experience: Candidates must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as follows:
1. Experience conducting economic research and quantitative analysis.
2. Experience developing economic models.
3. Experience presenting economic findings.
OR
C. A combination of both education and specialized experience.
PART C-ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
(1) Experience performing research used in publications in peer-reviewed journals (even if candidate is not an author of a peer-reviewed journal publication) focused on applied microeconomics, industrial organization, or the economics of telecommunications or other network industries, including but not limited to industry-relevant technological innovation.
OR
(2) Experience assisting senior economists in the teaching of economics courses focused on applied microeconomics, industrial organization, or the economics of telecommunications or other network industries, including but not limited to industry-relevant technological innovation.
OR
(3) Experience contributing to an agency or private sector organization/company policy making, involving microeconomics analysis focused on applied microeconomics, industrial organization, or the economics of telecommunications or other network industries, including but not limited to industry-relevant technological innovation.
PART D-COMPETENCIES
SME REVIEW
At the time of application you are required to take an external skills-based assessment which is based upon government-wide recognized competencies and consistent with OPM Merit Hiring Plan requirements and the Chance to Compete Act. Should you receive a passing score of 70 or higher, your application will be reviewed by subject matter experts to determine if you meet the OPM qualification requirements for this position.
COMPETENCIES
Ability to write summaries on economic research projects, coordinating data analysis efforts, and analytical work.
Ability to contribute to major economic studies and regulatory analyses.
Ability to evaluate market competition, consumer welfare implications, and industry structure within communications sectors.
Ability to collaborate constructively with other subject matter experts to develop an empirically based understanding of relevant topics, and ability to present and visualize subsequent analyses for stakeholders at any level of the organization.
Ability to conduct independent economic research and quantitative analysis related to telecommunications markets, broadband deployment, spectrum policy, and communications competition.
Ability to develop economic models and apply econometric techniques to evaluate industry behavior and regulatory impacts.
Ability to present economic findings to senior economists, division leadership, and policy officials.
Education
PART E-OPM Positive Education Requirements
Degree: Must be actively enrolled in an economics degree program, that includes at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Pathways Program - U.S. CITIZEN OR NON-U.S.CITIZEN EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
There is no U. S. citizenship requirement to participate in the Pathways Programs. HOWEVER, U. S. citizenship is a requirement for conversion to the competitive service via a term or permanent appointment. **Non-U.S. citizens may apply to the Pathways Internship Program as current students or recent graduates and be employed; however, the student must have been lawfully admitted into the United States as a permanent resident or otherwise authorized to be employed in the Pathways Internship Program. NOTE: A non-citizen student may not be converted to career-conditional employment in the competitive service unless they are U.S. citizens at the time of conversion. Additionally, applicants must be a U.S. citizen for positions that require security clearances.
*NOTE-This position is in the bargaining unit. The exclusive representative is NTEU Chapter 209.
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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting
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.
At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions.
1. 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. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. 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. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific 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 to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question.
*In addition: Candidates must submit a job market paper (a peer reviewed publication, dissertation chapter, working paper, or similar economic research reflecting a written application of their ability to apply economics, econometrics, and/or data analysis), which they may be asked to present if selected for follow-on interviews.
What is the Rule of Many
The FCC adheres to the Rule of Many. The Rule of Many means that more than one applicant can be referred to the hiring manager, not just the top few, nor will candidates be placed into scored qualification categories (i.e. Best Qualified, Fully Qualified, Minimally Qualified).
Everyone who meets minimum qualifications and scores 70 or higher may be referred, even if many applicants qualify. There is no fixed limit on how many people can be referred.
What this Means for Applicants
You do not need to be the highest scorer
You do need to meet qualifications and score at least 70
Multiple applicants can be considered fairly
Selection is based on overall qualifications, not just test scores
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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting
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.
Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below:
Contact Information
Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
Relevant Work Experience
Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022)
The number of hours you worked per week
Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
Resume
Copy of your transcripts showing total credit hours earned and cumulative GPA.
Candidates must submit a job market paper (a peer reviewed publication, dissertation chapter, working paper, or similar economic research reflecting a written application of their ability to apply economics, econometrics, and/or data analysis), which they may be asked to present if selected for follow-on interviews.
Veterans MUST submit form DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," or an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.
Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy. Some positions require supplemental document(s). All required supporting documents MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement. If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. Additionally, you may not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible without the appropriate supporting documentation. Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload the documents. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
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.
As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements.
Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process
If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Apply Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at fedhirehelp@applygovernment.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Apply Government Solutions Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L St NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Applicants are required to take an online skills-based assessment consistent with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan and the Chance to Compete Act. For non-supervisory positions, the estimated time to complete the assessment is approximately 1 hour. For supervisory positions the estimated time to complete the assessment is approximately 1 ½ hours.
Please review all instructions prior to beginning the assessment. You will have the opportunity through the assessment module to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. The FCC will review such requests and will contact you directly, if needed. If you have questions about the accommodations process or a request, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement. The external assessment meets or exceeds the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Once the announcement has closed and the qualifications review process has been completed, the best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below:
Contact Information
Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
Relevant Work Experience
Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022)
The number of hours you worked per week
Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
Resume
Copy of your transcripts showing total credit hours earned and cumulative GPA.
Candidates must submit a job market paper (a peer reviewed publication, dissertation chapter, working paper, or similar economic research reflecting a written application of their ability to apply economics, econometrics, and/or data analysis), which they may be asked to present if selected for follow-on interviews.
Veterans MUST submit form DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," or an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.
Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy. Some positions require supplemental document(s). All required supporting documents MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement. If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. Additionally, you may not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible without the appropriate supporting documentation. Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload the documents. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
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.
As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements.
Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process
If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Apply Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at fedhirehelp@applygovernment.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Apply Government Solutions Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L St NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Applicants are required to take an online skills-based assessment consistent with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan and the Chance to Compete Act. For non-supervisory positions, the estimated time to complete the assessment is approximately 1 hour. For supervisory positions the estimated time to complete the assessment is approximately 1 ½ hours.
Please review all instructions prior to beginning the assessment. You will have the opportunity through the assessment module to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. The FCC will review such requests and will contact you directly, if needed. If you have questions about the accommodations process or a request, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement. The external assessment meets or exceeds the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Once the announcement has closed and the qualifications review process has been completed, the best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
