Student and Recent Grad Pathways Internships

Student Internships Pathways Program

This program is for high school or college students currently enrolled in a qualifying educational program or institution and who are interested in a paid internship while completing their education.

We hire eligible students on a temporary basis for up to 1 year or for an indefinite period. You may work full-time or part-time and may be eligible to convert into a permanent position.

Eligibility Requirements

Current students in an accredited high school, college, including 4-year colleges, universities, community colleges, and junior colleges; professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.

Program Completion and Conversion

• Interns may be converted to a permanent position or, in some limited circumstances, to a term position lasting 1 to 4 years within 120 days of successful completion of the program.

• To be eligible for conversion, you must be a program intern and must:

  • Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program,

  • Complete your degree or certificate requirements,

  • Meet the qualification standards for the position to which you will be converted,

  • Meet the requirements specified in your Participant's Agreement, and

  • Perform your job successfully.

Benefits

Eligibility and availability of benefits depends on many factors including position type, length of employment, unit needs, and more.

Typically, if you are hired for temporary internship position that last up to a year, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

• Medical Benefits and Flex Savings Accounts

• Flexible Schedules

• Incentives and Awards

• Telework Options and Commuter Subsidies

• Wellness Programs

If you are hired for an indefinite internship position, you are typically eligible for the same benefits in addition to:

• Life insurance

• Retirement Plans

Be sure to speak to your supervisor about which benefits you may be eligible for.

Recent Graduate Pathways Program

This program offers job opportunities to recent graduates of qualifying educational programs and institutions. If you are a student who graduates in the next 9 months or who have completed a qualifying degree or certificate program within the last 2 years, you are eligible to apply.

You receive training and mentoring and may be eligible to convert to a permanent position.

Eligibility

• Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.

• Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.

Program Completion and Conversion to Permanent

• Recent Graduates may be converted to a permanent position or, in some limited circumstances, a term appointment lasting 1 to 4 years.

• To be eligible for conversion, you must be a recent graduates who has:

  • Successfully completed at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the program,

  • Demonstrated successful job performance,

  • Met the qualifications for the position to which you will be converted.

Benefits

Eligibility and availability of benefits depends on many factors including position type, length of employment, unit needs, and more.

Typically, if you are hired for recent graduate pathways position you may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

• Medical Benefits and Flex Savings Accounts

• Flexible Schedules

• Incentives and Awards

• Telework Options and Commuter Subsidies

• Wellness Programs

• Life insurance

• Retirement Plans

Be sure to speak to your supervisor about which benefits you may be eligible for.

Find Careers and Apply

1. Visit USAJOBS.gov to create a profile. You'll need to add or create a resume and add other documents as well. Use the How to Apply webpage for step-by-step instructions and tips.

2. Search for jobs. Use this link to filter by positions that are now open under the Pathways program.

3. Review the job announcement.

4. Apply!

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The USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer