Pathways Program

Overview

Pathway Programs are designed to fairly and transparently recruit, hire, develop, and retain students and recent graduates through the following programs:

• Internship Program
• Recent Graduates Program
• Presidential Management Fellows Program

Pathways offers a clear path to:

• Paid internships for students and
• Careers for recent graduates
• Provide training and career development for individuals starting their Federal career

Start Your Search Today

All positions under the Pathways Program will be posted on USAJobs.gov.

• Start Your Search on USAJobs.gov Now
• Have Questions? Contact Us

Internship Program

The Pathways Internship Program provides students with paid opportunities to work and explore Federal careers while still in school.

Opportunity

• Work full- or part-time
• Be hired on a temporary basis for up to one year, or an indefinite period while still a student
• Be converted upon graduation to a permanent or time- limited position (1- 4 years) and then non-competitively into a permanent slot
• NOT be converted into the Recent Graduates Program

Eligibility

Open to current students enrolled at least half-time in a variety of programs:

• High-school/GED
• Vocational
• Technical
• Undergraduate
• Graduate
• Professional

Recent Graduate Program

The Pathways Recent Graduate Program Provide recent graduates opportunities to apply academic training and knowledge in a professional job

Opportunity

• Build work skills and experience
• Learn from a professional workforce
• Gain experience in their chosen field and pursue a long-term career
• Learn from an assigned mentor
• Participate in formal training
• Be evaluated during their first year

Eligibility

Open to individuals who have completed a qualifying educational program within the preceding 2 years with exceptions for:

• Certain veterans called to active duty
• Individuals who completed educational programs after December 27, 2010

Presidential Management Fellows Program

The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) is the Federal Government’s premier leadership development program for graduate and professional degree candidates since 1977. The program matches graduate students with exciting and meaningful Federal opportunities and build future Federal leaders.

The PMF program was redesigned in May 2012 to align with changes made to the federal government's initiatives for students and graduates. The overarching goals are to: (1) increase transparency; and (2) simplify the application process. The PMF program provides federal agencies an opportunity to recruit recent graduates into federal service and introduce new tools to assess talent and improve the orientation and learning and development activities for participants.

Opportunity

Fellows can:

• Obtain a 2-year appointment as a Fellow
• May be non-competitively converted to a permanent or time-limited position (1-4 years)
• Individuals may now self-nominate
• Newly expanded applicant eligibility window

Fellows receive opportunities to:

• Detail into multiple agencies and divisions
• Receive challenging assignments, formal mentorship, professional training, and evaluations
• Network with current and future leaders
• Pursue a long-term career on a leadership track

Eligibility

Open to individuals who:

• Are currently completing an advanced degree program, or
• Completed the educational requirements for an advanced degree within the preceding two years

How To Apply:

We encourage PMF candidates interested in applying for future PMF programs to visit the PMF Listserve.

Selection Process:

OPM will notify applicants if they have been selected as semifinalists.  For more information visit the PMF Listserve.

DOT Pathway Program Contacts