The U.S. Department of State‡s Pathways Internship Program includes both the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs are targeted toward U.S. citizens enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate school and professional academic levels. Both programs provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers while being paid for the work performed.
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (IEP)
Interns in this program are appointed to permanent, excepted service appointments and do not have a not to exceed date. The appointment is expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled. IEP participants, while in the program, are eligible for noncompetitive promotions if they meet the developed qualification standards for the position. IEP interns are also eligible for federal employee benefits (e.g. life, health, and retirement). Like ITEP participants, IEP participants are eligible for noncompetitive conversions to the competitive service within 120 days of program completion.
INTERNSHIP TEMPORARY PROGRAM (ITEP)
The temporary nature of the ITEP allows for interns to work during seasonal and holiday breaks in academic programs as well as year-round. Interns in this program are appointed to temporary appointments, not to exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter) and extensions may be made in one year increments. The positions to which the interns are appointed have no promotion potential, therefore, students must apply through USAJOBS to be considered for higher-graded positions. ITEP participants who are expected to work 130 hours per month or more for at least 90 days will be eligible to enroll in a health benefits plan. ITEP participants ar not eligible for any other benefits until after conversion into the competitive service. ITEP participants are eligible for noncompetitive conversions to the competitive service within 120 days of completion of the Pathways Program.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement
- You will be subject to random drug testing
- Be able to receive with a Secret or Top Secret security clearance
- Must maintain student eligibility for duration of internship*
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and throughout internship appointment
* A student means you have been accepted for enrollment, or are enrolled as a degree-seeking student in an accredited college or university at least half time. You may also be currently enrolled in high school for some positions. Your degree does not have to be related to the position/series you apply for.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for this position at the GS-01 grade level: Enrollment in a high school or GED Program.
To qualify for this position at the GS-02 grade level: High school diploma or equivalent.
To qualify for this position at the GS-03 grade level: Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study.
To qualify for this position at the GS-04 grade level: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or associate‡s degree.
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor‡s degree or equivalent degree.
To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor‡s degree or equivalent AND completion of 1 semester or equivalent of graduate level education; or Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor‡s degree.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level: Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education or eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision after completing a bachelor‡s degree.
How To Apply
Once an announcement is posted on www.usajobs.gov, complete applications (to include all required documents) must be submitted electronically through the “Gateway to State” system.
