How to get an Internship with the Federal Government

If you aspire to work with the federal government or are not sure about the roles you can play in the public sector after graduation, interning with the government is a great way to assess opportunities. It also gives government agencies a fair chance to observe your work and see if they would like to offer you a full-time position once you have graduated. 

Additionally, some Washington jobs in the summer also offer school credit. Here is how you can get yourself a federal job in Washington while you are studying – 

1.      The first thing to do while looking for an internship is to pursue basic research on the range of opportunities that exist with the federal government.

2.      Get hold of directories which list over 200 internship programs. Through this directory you can search for openings based on location, eligibility, agency and a range of other actors.

3.    There are also a number of government run websites which post information on temporary employment and federal internship opportunities.

4.   Federal agencies aren’t mandated to post their internships. Since internships are more decentralized in nature, it is likely that you will find positions only on the agency website. You will be expected to put in some additional time in research to identify government agencies which align with your professional goals.

5.        If you are not able to find any relevant information on their website, feel free to send out an email or call their human resources office.

6.      Another option is to get in touch with staffing companies and organizations that help students with internships.

Getting a job with the government also has a lot to do with who you are and the people you know. Network with the right group of people; find yourself a mentor who will guide you through the workings of the public sector. 

Attend sessions, receptions and seminars that allow you to interact with relevant people and once you have gotten yourself an internship, make sure you are even more proactive with your networking. This way, not only will you be able to optimize your internship experience but also carve a path into the federal government for a long and sustainable career.