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OPM.gov / About / Careers at OPM / Students & Recent Graduates
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Students & Recent Graduates

Student & Recent Graduate Hiring

Do you want to be at the forefront of human capital management in the Federal government? Do you want to help bring health insurance to a nation? Or do you want to serve the American people? At OPM, our students and recent graduates are members of the teams implementing these and other exciting initiatives.

If you are a student or recent graduate who is interested in working at OPM, we have a variety of opportunities for you. OPM has developed a new initiative called Pathways to recruit America's students and recent graduates to rewarding careers in Federal public service. Launched by an Executive Order in December 2010, the Pathways Programs allows students or recent graduates like you to gain experience in the Federal government.

Pathways has three components:

  • Internship Program: paid internship for students who are currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited school from the high school to postgraduate level.
  • Recent Graduates Program: dynamic, two-year career development program for recent graduates who completed a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate within the last two years. In addition, students who graduated after December 2010 qualify to apply until Summer 2014, and veterans whose military service obligations prevent them from applying within this period have up to six years after degree or certificate completion to apply.
  • Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: the premier two-year leadership training program for students who have completed an advanced degree program.

For general information on Pathways, please visit USAJOBS and our Pathways Programs section.

OPM Pathways Opportunities

  • Find internship positions for students.
  • Recent graduate opportunites will be announced on USAJOBS after the Pathways Programs regulations become effective.
  • Learn more about applying for the PMF program.

Pathways Testimonials

Being a PMF at OPM has been a very rewarding experience. I have had several opportunities to work with senior leadership and program staff on many interesting programs and initiatives that impact Federal employees and their families every day. My supervisors are very supportive of the PMF program and have provided me with valuable training and project assignments. The work environment at OPM is also very friendly and engaging. Looking back, I know I made the right choice to work at OPM."
Arianne GallagherPresidential Management Fellow
Class of 2011

Related Information

Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates to Federal Careers

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