Trainee Internships
Trainee internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working practitioners, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across Retail, with Tesla, Enterprise Mobility, and Federal Bureau of Prisons among the employers posting roles now.
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Summary
PATHWAY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Pathways Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school. Provides students with work experience related to the career goals while offering eligibility to permanent employment upon completion.
To learn more, visit: Students & Recent Graduates.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Students
Clarification from the agency
• Open to individuals currently accepted for enrollment OR currently enrolled students in a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis. • Duty Location: FCI Milan, MI
Duties
This position is part of the Pathways Internship Program and is located at the Central Office, Regional Office, and or at an institution within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Psychology Student Trainee works in the Psychology Services Department or Branch under the direction of a licensed psychologist.
Responsible for assisting in the collection, monitoring, coding, entry, analysis and interpretation of administrative, operational, training and/or research data for various Psychology Services and Treatment Program (PTP) functions.
Assists in preparation and coordination of all phases and aspects of Psychology training such as CENTRA training, seminars, home study materials, teleconferences, Crisis Management training and workshops.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Key Requirements:- U.S. Citizenship is Required.
- Must sign a Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and above with no grade below a "C"
- Maintain at least a half-time course load at the collegiate level.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following:
Applicants must be current students pursuing a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher AND maintain at least a half time or full time course load.
AND
Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education; or Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field.
One full academic year of undergraduate; graduate; vocational; trades; technical or high school education is the number of credit hours determined by the college, university or school to represent 1 year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by a State or local governing body. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Special Provisions/or Interns with Previous Related Education or Experience.
Previous education and/or experience may be evaluated to determine the highest grade level for which the individual is qualified.
Applicants must provide documentation from the educational institution verifying current enrollment with at least a half time or full time course load. This documentation may be a Current Enrollment Verification Certificate or a statement of current enrollment or acceptance letter (which verifies all of the required information).
AND
Quality Ranking Factor:
- A graduate student in clinical or counseling psychology program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Additional information
PATHWAY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Allows students to be exposed to the work of the Government through Federal internships while pursuing their degree. This position is being filled under the Pathways Internship Program which is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school. The Internship provides managers a ready source of student employees and potential permanent employees upon completion of the program requirements. It also provides the student with work experience directly related to the curriculum studies or career goals.
To learn more, please visit: Student & Recent Graduates
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT SECTION:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical and background investigation.
The selectee for this position will be serving in an excepted appointment of one year or less and will not be eligible for a non-competitive conversion appointment into the competitive service.
NOTE: This is a Student Internship opportunity under the Pathways Program. This is a temporary internship to complete project work that's temporary in nature. This is an excepted service appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Health and life insurance coverage for Federal employees depends on the type of appointment. Students hired under the Pathways Internship Program may be entitled to these benefits. If eligible, employees serving on temporary appointments will receive the same government contribution as full-time permanent employees. Temporary employees are not eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program.
Students hired under the Pathways Internship Program are generally ineligible for retirement coverage.
Applicants hired under the Pathways Internship Program on appointments for 90 days or more are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. As provided in 5 U.S.C. 6303(b), employees whose appointments are limited to less than 90 days may be eligible for annual leave if they have previously served for a continuous period of 90 days under successive appointments.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Attention to Detail
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Problem Solving
- Self-Management
- Technology Application
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Based upon your responses to the assessment questions during the application process, your application will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Applications will be reviewed from the top quality category. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.
NOTE: Candidates within the top-quality category and who are eligible for veterans' preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.
If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume. Although veterans' preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated", veterans preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.
Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). As noted above, an agency may not select a non-preference eligible in lieu of a preference eligible in the same category unless there are grounds for a passover and the agency has complied with the passover procedures at 5 U.S.C. § 3318(b).
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13042786
Required Documents
Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.
Veterans' Preference Documentation:
Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
- DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
- SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit:
- A completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" AND all required documentation identified on the SF-15. NOTE: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran's Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation. For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
- If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information:
- The military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and
- The character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and
- Any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals.
- Resume (limited to 2 pages) must include your name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional). Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF- 52, MOU, etc.). If providing a memorandum, it must follow the format below AND clearly cite the duties performed.
- To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
include:- Start date and end date in month/year format (MM/YYYY) AND
- Number of hours worked per week.
- To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
- College transcript: includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (if applicable). NOTE: If you are selected, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day.
- SF-50: If you are a current/former federal government employee, you must provide an unredacted copy of your latest SF-50.
We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
USAJOBS Help Center - How to Add a Resume to Your ProfileAll required supporting documentation MUST be received by the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on 09/01/2026.
If applicable see Notice for Preference Eligible Veterans Applicants
Agency contact information
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the application process has been completed.
Applicants will be notified via e-mail, to the e-mail address registered in USAJOBS. The referral certificate or list of eligibles will then be issued to the selecting official for further consideration.
The Human Resource Office may then contact you for an interview if they wish. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an inquiry of availability via e-mail, mail or a telephone inquiry from the local Human Resource Department.
Applicants MUST telephone the Human Resource Department during normal business hours to schedule an interview. Failure to either return the form or contact the Human Resource Department may result in a loss of consideration for the position.
Overview
- 0199 Social Science Student Trainee
Summary
PATHWAY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Pathways Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school. Provides students with work experience related to the career goals while offering eligibility to permanent employment upon completion.
To learn more, visit: Students & Recent Graduates.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Students
Clarification from the agency
• Open to individuals currently accepted for enrollment OR currently enrolled students in a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis. • Duty Location: FCI Milan, MI
Duties
This position is part of the Pathways Internship Program and is located at the Central Office, Regional Office, and or at an institution within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Psychology Student Trainee works in the Psychology Services Department or Branch under the direction of a licensed psychologist.
Responsible for assisting in the collection, monitoring, coding, entry, analysis and interpretation of administrative, operational, training and/or research data for various Psychology Services and Treatment Program (PTP) functions.
Assists in preparation and coordination of all phases and aspects of Psychology training such as CENTRA training, seminars, home study materials, teleconferences, Crisis Management training and workshops.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Key Requirements:- U.S. Citizenship is Required.
- Must sign a Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and above with no grade below a "C"
- Maintain at least a half-time course load at the collegiate level.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following:
Applicants must be current students pursuing a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher AND maintain at least a half time or full time course load.
AND
Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education; or Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field.
One full academic year of undergraduate; graduate; vocational; trades; technical or high school education is the number of credit hours determined by the college, university or school to represent 1 year of full-time study. The high school curriculum must be approved by a State or local governing body. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Special Provisions/or Interns with Previous Related Education or Experience.
Previous education and/or experience may be evaluated to determine the highest grade level for which the individual is qualified.
Applicants must provide documentation from the educational institution verifying current enrollment with at least a half time or full time course load. This documentation may be a Current Enrollment Verification Certificate or a statement of current enrollment or acceptance letter (which verifies all of the required information).
AND
Quality Ranking Factor:
- A graduate student in clinical or counseling psychology program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Additional information
PATHWAY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Allows students to be exposed to the work of the Government through Federal internships while pursuing their degree. This position is being filled under the Pathways Internship Program which is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities in agencies to explore Federal careers while still in school. The Internship provides managers a ready source of student employees and potential permanent employees upon completion of the program requirements. It also provides the student with work experience directly related to the curriculum studies or career goals.
To learn more, please visit: Student & Recent Graduates
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT SECTION:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical and background investigation.
The selectee for this position will be serving in an excepted appointment of one year or less and will not be eligible for a non-competitive conversion appointment into the competitive service.
NOTE: This is a Student Internship opportunity under the Pathways Program. This is a temporary internship to complete project work that's temporary in nature. This is an excepted service appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Health and life insurance coverage for Federal employees depends on the type of appointment. Students hired under the Pathways Internship Program may be entitled to these benefits. If eligible, employees serving on temporary appointments will receive the same government contribution as full-time permanent employees. Temporary employees are not eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program.
Students hired under the Pathways Internship Program are generally ineligible for retirement coverage.
Applicants hired under the Pathways Internship Program on appointments for 90 days or more are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. As provided in 5 U.S.C. 6303(b), employees whose appointments are limited to less than 90 days may be eligible for annual leave if they have previously served for a continuous period of 90 days under successive appointments.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Attention to Detail
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Problem Solving
- Self-Management
- Technology Application
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Based upon your responses to the assessment questions during the application process, your application will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Applications will be reviewed from the top quality category. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.
NOTE: Candidates within the top-quality category and who are eligible for veterans' preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.
If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume. Although veterans' preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated", veterans preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.
Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). As noted above, an agency may not select a non-preference eligible in lieu of a preference eligible in the same category unless there are grounds for a passover and the agency has complied with the passover procedures at 5 U.S.C. § 3318(b).
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13042786
Required Documents
Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.
Veterans' Preference Documentation:
Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
- DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
- SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit:
- A completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" AND all required documentation identified on the SF-15. NOTE: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran's Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation. For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
- If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information:
- The military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and
- The character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and
- Any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals.
- Resume (limited to 2 pages) must include your name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional). Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF- 52, MOU, etc.). If providing a memorandum, it must follow the format below AND clearly cite the duties performed.
- To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
include:- Start date and end date in month/year format (MM/YYYY) AND
- Number of hours worked per week.
- To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
- College transcript: includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (if applicable). NOTE: If you are selected, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day.
- SF-50: If you are a current/former federal government employee, you must provide an unredacted copy of your latest SF-50.
We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
USAJOBS Help Center - How to Add a Resume to Your ProfileAll required supporting documentation MUST be received by the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on 09/01/2026.
If applicable see Notice for Preference Eligible Veterans Applicants
Agency contact information
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the application process has been completed.
Applicants will be notified via e-mail, to the e-mail address registered in USAJOBS. The referral certificate or list of eligibles will then be issued to the selecting official for further consideration.
The Human Resource Office may then contact you for an interview if they wish. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an inquiry of availability via e-mail, mail or a telephone inquiry from the local Human Resource Department.
Applicants MUST telephone the Human Resource Department during normal business hours to schedule an interview. Failure to either return the form or contact the Human Resource Department may result in a loss of consideration for the position.
Overview
- 0199 Social Science Student Trainee
Trainee Internship Market
Who's Hiring
- Tesla76
- Enterprise Mobility36
- Federal Bureau of Prisons4
- Forest River1
- St. Louis County, MN1
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
Tips for Your Trainee Internship Search
Apply earlier than the posting suggests
Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, and structured programs close well before the internship starts. Smaller companies and co-ops post closer to actual start dates, so check regularly. Treating intern recruiting like a full-time job search, with a consistent cadence, puts you ahead of candidates who wait.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
At the intern level, recruiters expect limited work history, so your projects are your proof. Document two or three complete pieces of work, linked code, a published analysis, a design or CAD file, a written case study, that name the tools you used and show the outcome. A recruiter should be able to open it in under a minute.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time, combining both channels widens the pool you reach and keeps you from relying on a single path.
Practice the actual intern screen before your first interview
Trainee intern screens are role-specific: engineering roles use coding challenges on data structures and algorithms, product roles involve case or product-sense conversations, and data roles include technical or analytics problems. Practice out loud and explain your reasoning as you go, interviewers weigh how you think as much as the final answer.
Target structured internship programs built for new entrants
Larger employers run rotational, university, and cohort programs designed specifically for people new to the field. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and often convert interns at higher rates than informal internships. Identify the ones that match your goals, check their application windows, and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 60% of the trainee internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you start sorting through openings, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you're only reviewing roles you can actually take.
Trainee Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a trainee internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level, and a concrete artifact like a linked project or published work gives recruiters something to assess. Combine direct applications to companies running smaller cohorts with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for candidates they meet in person.
Can a trainee internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it is consistent performance on real work, available headcount on the team, and how early the employer runs its return-offer process. Position for one by treating every assignment seriously, but have your own job search running in parallel rather than counting on it.
When should I apply for trainee internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, so applications at structured programs often open in August or September. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to actual start dates, which means openings appear year-round and it pays to check regularly rather than waiting for a single recruiting season.
Are trainee internships paid?
Most professional trainee internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, so the range is wide. Where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it. Unpaid internships exist, especially at nonprofits and very small organizations, so read each listing carefully before applying.
What should a trainee internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. List two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools you used and link to the work, a GitHub repository, a published analysis, a case study, a design or CAD portfolio, whatever fits the role. Add relevant coursework below that, and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote trainee internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 40% of the trainee internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
Can international students get trainee internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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