How to Start
Finding an internship position has many of the same aspects of finding full-time employment. Before applying for an internship, successful candidates develop a compelling resume that highlights skills and abilities a prospective employer would consider important. Intern candidates use the position as a learning opportunity as well as a networking opportunity to help build a name in the industry of their choice.
Finding a Position
After developing a compelling resume, intern candidates conduct research on which agencies provide appropriate positions. Finding a good position also requires that the intern candidates consider what they enjoy doing as well as what skills they want to develop during the internship. Most internship programs are posted through individual agencies and on job sites for various departments.
Securing internship positions has become very competitive. Successful candidates prepare in advance, learning about the department, the position, and what is expected of the intern. Candidates will also have to prepare for the interview. Many agencies have multiple interviews, including telephone interviews as well as interviews with the human resources department and the manager responsible for the internship program.
For technical positions, such as internships in the United States Department of Agriculture, or in the Environmental Protection Agency, some lab skills and computer skills may be required.
All internship positions require the candidate to submit to a background check at various levels. While every government position requires a check to ensure that the candidate may legally work in this country and has the education that is listed on their application, some departments also require a more thorough background check before the offer is extended. Positions with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as with the Department of Homeland Security have a more thorough background investigation process.
What to Expect
Most agencies with internship positions know that the person will be at the agency for a limited period of time. These positions are designed to help the intern learn about the department, as well as to let the agency members become familiar with the work of the intern. Projects are generally well developed and limited in scope, allowing the intern to become familiar with the problem and help develop a solution during the time they are employed at the agency.
Some internships provide valuable experience job shadowing full-time employees to learn about the day-to-day experiences an employee of an agency has.
After the Internship
After graduation, many interns apply for full-time positions at the same agencies in which they spent their internships. For others who choose to pursue other career paths, a successful government internship provides letters of reference as well as job recommendations for prospective employers.
