Program Overview
The Pathways – Post-Secondary Student Internship (PSS) Internship Program provides students enrolled in a wide variety of qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work in DoD and explore career paths related to their academic field of study or career interests.
Students who successfully complete academic and Program requirements may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position in the civil service. Section 1106 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 provides that the Secretary of Defense may recruit and appoint qualified current post-secondary students and recent graduates directly to competitive service without applying competitive ranking and ranking procedures.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be currently enrolled and in a good academic standing at a full-time program at an institution of higher education; and
- Make satisfactory progress toward receipt of baccalaureate or graduate degrees; and
- Have completed at least one year of the program and have at least one year remaining.
How to Apply
Once an announcement is posted on USAJobs, complete applications (to include all required documents) must be submitted electronically.
Candidates have until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement to complete the application process. This includes submitting the online application as well as any required documents as defined in the Required Documents section in the listed announcement. Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications the day the announcement opens to ensure they receive consideration. Should candidates be missing any of the required documents or submit their application late, they will be disqualified for consideration of employment.
Due to the volume of applications for the DoD WHS Pathways programs, there is typically a maximum number of applications for each vacancy announcement. The vacancy will close on the closing date listed in the announcement or on midnight the day that the maximum number of applications are received. The vacancy will close when the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same.
To Learn More
Interested candidates should visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website for more information regarding the program, minimum qualifications, and more. For hints and tips on navigating the PSS application process, visit the USAJobs Students & Recent Graduates page.
Questions about this Program may be directed to the recruiting office.