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Recent graduates

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The federal government offers several programs for recent graduates to start their professional career in public service.

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Recent graduate programs

  • The Recent Graduates Program is for those who have graduated, within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or career or technical program. This program offers one to two-year developmental experiences in federal agencies.

    Many federal agencies participate in the Recent Graduates Program and post these opportunities on USAJOBS.gov.

    Who is eligible?

    You must apply within two years of getting your degree or certificate. If you’re a veteran and you can’t apply due to service obligations, you have up to six years after getting your degree or certificate to apply.

    Have questions?

    Please contact pathways@opm.gov with any issues or questions related to the Pathways Programs for recent graduates or contact the agency listed in the job announcement for questions about a specific recent graduate job.

    You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about the Pathways Program .

  • This program is for recent graduates with an advanced degree—either a professional or graduate degree such as a master's, Ph.D. or J.D. This program accepts applications annually, usually in the fall and the announcement will be available on USAJOBS.

    Learn more about the PMF application process .

    Who is eligible?

    You may be eligible if you:

    • Have completed an advanced degree from a qualifying educational institution or program within the past two years of the annual application opening date.
    • Expect to complete all advanced degree requirements, including the completion or successful defense of any required thesis or dissertation, by August 31 of the next year, from the opening date of the annual application announcement.

    Have questions?

    Email pmf@opm.gov for questions related to the Presidential Management Fellows Program. If you have questions about a specific announcement on USAJOBS, please contact the hiring agency using the contact information in the announcement.

    For more information about the program and how the application and selection process work, visit the Presidential Management Fellows website.

  • The Department of Defense (DOD) offers several programs and opportunities for recent graduates.

    Learn more about recent graduate opportunities at the Department of Defense .

  • The Department of State offers internships, fellowships and other opportunities for recent graduates.

    Learn more about recent graduate opportunities at the Department of State.

  • The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science offers a laboratory internship for undergraduates and recent graduates who have a STEM related degree.

    Learn more about the DOE undergraduate laboratory internship.

  • USAID offers paid internships and fellowship opportunities to students and recent graduates in Washington D.C. and in USAID Missions abroad. Learn more about USAID programs.

Why work for the federal government?

Make an impact

You can make a difference in our nation and across the world in so many ways. Federal employees work across a variety of career fields to innovate technology, solve national security issues, fight disease combat climate issues, rebuild America’s infrastructure, and more.

Our commitment to diversity

The federal government strives to create a workforce that represents the full diversity of our nation and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Enjoy competitive benefits and pay

We offer flexible workplaces, student loan repayment and forgiveness, health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, retirement, vacation and more.

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