Federal careers

Many students from all majors consider employment with the federal government. The federal application process differs somewhat from applying to jobs in the private or non-profit sector. These resources can help you identify opportunities that match your interests and navigate the federal application process.

If you are curious about employment with the federal government, Go Government offers a thorough introduction to a variety of federal agencies, perspectives on working in the federal government, and practical tips for preparing an application. Click “Browse information by field” to identify job titles related to your major, or use the fact sheet at USAJobs.

Students and recent graduates have unique opportunities to gain internships and federal employment through the Pathways Programs, which provides clear paths to federal employment and on-site professional training. These programs are typically the most direct way for students and recent graduates to enter the federal workforce.

USAJobs is a database of job opportunities available with the federal government. Since this database is so large, it is highly recommended that you research the agencies that you’re most interested in working for, so you can narrow the search results down to a manageable quantity. The videos on the right sidebar can help you find jobs and navigate through USAJobs.

Best place to work in the federal government offers research-based rankings of how employees rate their agencies on a variety of workplace issues, including satisfaction with pay, leadership development, and work-life balance. Demographic information and comparisons to private-sector employment are also available.

To learn more about public service positions, which can include jobs with the government, nonprofits and NGO’s, please visit the Guide to Public Service. This detailed website outlines career paths, highlights organizations that hire for each one, and shares resources for special programs such as public service loan forgiveness.