Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. Students must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution, and participation must be with the permission of the institution at which the student is enrolled.
Summary
Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. Students must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution, and participation must be with the permission of the institution at which the student is enrolled.
With this project, you'll support a communications-based project at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), the Federal agency that helps labor and management resolve disputes, negotiate contracts, and prevent workplace conflict nationwide.
As part of your daily duties, you will:
Assist in planning and scheduling content across FMCS social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, X).
Help design graphics and short-form video highlighting FMCS mediation, arbitration, and training services.
Draft copy for agency newsletters, web content, and outreach materials.
Track engagement analytics and prepare periodic summary reports for the communications team.
Support coverage of agency events, such as training sessions and stakeholder conferences, through real-time or recap content.
Collaborate with the Office of the Director (OD) and program staff to ensure content aligns with agency mission, tone, and clearance requirements.
Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National studying in the U.S. or abroad. International students on valid visas may participate if they meet applicable immigration, visa, and agency authorities.
Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
Commit to volunteering 8–20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by FMCS and your academic institution.
Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills, or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should:
Demonstrate interest or coursework in communications, journalism, marketing, graphic design, public relations, or a related field.
Have experience creating content for social media platforms (personal, academic, or professional).
Possess strong writing skills and attention to detail.
Be comfortable using basic graphic design or video editing tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe, Wondershare).
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a hybrid work environment.
Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.
Additional information
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.
This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality of their resume, transcript, and any submitted work samples, as well as the alignment between their stated interests and the skills needed to complete project deliverables. Selected candidates may be invited to a brief informational interview with the project supervisor.
This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing your work experience (start and end dates), education information, and any knowledge, skills, or abilities gained through education that relate to the project.
Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
(Optional) A brief work sample, such as a social media post, graphic, or writing sample.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. Applicants will apply through USAJOBS and will need a USAJOBS account to begin.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing your work experience (start and end dates), education information, and any knowledge, skills, or abilities gained through education that relate to the project.
Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
(Optional) A brief work sample, such as a social media post, graphic, or writing sample.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. Applicants will apply through USAJOBS and will need a USAJOBS account to begin.
