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Student Employment Programs

Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is searching for top performing interns in nearly all disciplines from administrative through highly technical to place in over 50 different areas of The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). OSD is the principal staff element of the Secretary in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation responsibilities.

Some of the areas available for internships are:

Volunteer Student Internship Program
The Department of Defense (DoD) offers unpaid training opportunities to students in high school and college. These opportunities provide work experience related to your academic program. The program allows you to explore career options as well as develop your personal and professional skills. As a student volunteer, you will be exposed to the DoD work environment and learn about the missions and responsibilities of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and other Defense Agencies.

Workforce Recruitment Program
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a resource connecting public and private sector employers nationwide with highly motivated post-secondary students and recent college graduates with disabilities.  The program is co-sponsored by the Department of Labor and the Department of Defense.

Pathways Programs
The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school and to careers for recent graduates, and provide meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their Federal service.  As a student or recent graduate, you can begin your career in the Federal government by choosing the path that best describes you and where you are in your academics: 

• Internship Program:

This program in for current students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.  Additional information about the Internship Program

• Recent Graduates Program:

This program is for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs and seek a dynamic, career development program with training and mentorship.  To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply).  Additional information about the Recent Graduates Program

Here is What Our Students Say:

“You can’t beat the networking opportunities of an internship with OSD.  Whatever professional interests in National Defense you may have, this is the best place to start.”
– WRP Intern

“The program is an indispensable opportunity to see how the Department of Defense interfaces with Congress and other Federal agencies.”
– Volunteer Intern

“I truly have enjoyed learning about major factor that impact our nation’s defense.  This experience has given me the desire to pursue a career with the DoD after graduation.  Thank you for this wonderful experience.”
– Summer Intern

“I’ve been assigned specifically to the ISAF desk where I’ve had the opportunity to play a role in helping to formulate NATO policy in Afghanistan.”
– Volunteer Intern