Internships in Acquisition

About the Program

The Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program was established by Executive Order in 1977 to attract outstanding individuals to the Federal service sector from a wide variety of academic disciplines. For more than three decades, the PMF Program has been the Federal government’s premier leadership development program for individuals who have received a qualifying advanced degree within the preceding two years. Prime candidates are those with a commitment to a career in government and interest in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. By drawing graduate students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, the PMF program provides a continuing stream of trained men and women to meet the future challenges of public service.

Pathways Programs

The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to Federal internships for students and to careers for recent graduates, providing meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their Federal service.

Internship Program

The Pathways internship program offers students, currently enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level, paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.

Recent Graduates Program

The Pathways recent graduate program is for individuals who have recently received degrees or certificates from qualifying educational institutions or programs and seek a dynamic, career development program with training and mentorship. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply).

Department of the Army (DA) Logistics Management Intern Program

The Logistics Management Intern Program is a dynamic two-year program offering permanent upward mobility positions with the federal government. The Department of the Army (DA) recruits and trains civilians as Logistics Management Specialist Interns, preparing them for a future career as a member of the Army civilian team supporting soldiers throughout the world.

• Two-year program of professional development through formal classroom training and a series of rotational on-the-job training with Department of Defense (DOD) agencies throughout the United States
• Training emphasizes transportation, supply, maintenance, financial management, contract negotiations, and leadership development
• Upon completion, individuals are placed in positions throughout the world

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP)

As a member of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acquisition team, you will procure everything from IT hardware and software, boats, and aircraft. You will be part of a team that procures over $20 billion worth of goods and services annually in support of the Department's mission, the third largest procurement budget in the Federal Government.

Department of the Navy (DON) Naval Acquisition Development Program (NADP)

The NADP offers an extraordinary opportunity for entry-level and associate employees to rapidly advance their professional career while supporting the mission of the DON. Benefits include professional working environments, predictable promotions, mobility, travel, and association with acquisition, logistics, and technology programs vital to our nation and Naval Forces.

Department of State (DOS) Student Programs

Intern in Washington, D.C. or Abroad

The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is an unpaid internship offering the opportunity to work in U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices around the United States. This program provides substantive learning experiences in a foreign affairs environment.

Duties

• Participate in meetings with senior-level U.S. Government or foreign government officials
• Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policymakers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives
• Support events, including international and/or multilateral meetings and conferences
• Engage directly with U.S. audiences in helping to explain the work of the Department of State or foreign audiences in helping to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acquisition Intern Program (AIP)

The VA Acquisition Intern Program (AIP) is an 18-month program to develop future contract specialists. Interns begin at the GS-7 level with career potential to the GS-11 level.

• Includes rigorous classroom training in Frederick, Maryland, and distance learning training
• Approximately 70 percent of the program time is dedicated to on-the-job training
• Interns return to their hiring organization more competent and confident after each training block
• Graduates satisfy all training requirements for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Levels I and II

Open to other Government agencies, the program is administered through the VA Acquisition Academy.

Warriors to Workforce (W2W) Program

The Warriors to Workforce (W2W) Program is a 10-month program offering returning Veterans with little or no post-high school education an opportunity to transition into a new career as a contract specialist.

• Focuses on business acumen, transitional support, mentoring, professional development, and foundational career training
• Interns complete the program as a cohort, fortified by a built-in support system mirroring the team environment and camaraderie experienced in the military
• Interns begin at the GS-5 level and, after successful completion, advance to the Acquisition Intern Program (AIP)
• Veterans are taught in-demand skills and competencies to continue serving their country as civil servants

Open to other Government agencies, the program is administered through the VA Acquisition Academy.