Federal Internship Fact Sheet

Finding a job or an internship with the Federal Government is a different process than any other job. That’s why we have prepared this helpful fact sheet for you. Please note: while this fact sheet is focused on internships, it can easily be applied to looking for jobs as well.

• Federal internships can be  found on the respective organization’s website with directions to apply on USA Jobs (except for internships in Congress, those can be found on Member’s websites)
  • USA Jobs allows you to create an account and receive notifications when specific positions you are interested in are about to expire
  • You can save searches in your USA Jobs account and receive suggested positions based on your preferences
• Examples of federal agencies available on USA Jobs are:
  • Department Of Agriculture
  • Department Of Commerce
  • Department of Defense
  • Department Of Health And Human Services
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Department Of Justice
  • Department Of Labor
  • Department of the Air Force
  • Department of the Army
  • Department Of The Interior
  • Department of the Navy
  • Department Of The Treasury
  • Department Of Transportation
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Executive Office Of The President
  • Judicial Branch
  • Legislative Branch
• Deadlines vary between organizations but generally their applications are due earlier than other non-federal organizations.
• Most unpaid federal internships provide a transportation stipend for your daily commute on the Metro to work.
• Many federal internships require Security Clearances, and this requires you to submit large amounts of personal information regarding employment history, travel experience, criminal records, etc.
• When applying on USA Jobs, be sure to match your resume and cover letter with key words from the internship application.
• Popular Internships Include:
  • The White House:
    • Deadlines include: Summer 2014 (Jan 5, 2014), Fall 2014 (April 13, 2014), Spring 2015 (Sept. 7, 2015)
  • Central Intelligence Agency:
    • Applications are generally due 9-12 months before the desired start date
  • Department of State:
    • Deadlines Include: Summer (November 1), Fall (March 1), Spring (July 1).