Fact Sheet

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Pathways Program

Pathways for student and recent graduates to Federal Careers

Overview

Pathway Programs are designed to fairly and transparently recruit, hire, develop, and retain students and recent graduates through the following programs:

Pathways replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Experience Program (STEP) and offers a clear path to:

  • Paid internships for students and
  • Careers for recent graduates
  • Provide training and career development for individuals starting their Federal career

Start Your Search Today

All positions under the Pathways Program will be posted on USAJobs.gov.

Internship Program

The Pathways Internship Program provides students with paid opportunities to work and explore Federal careers while still in school.

Opportunity

  • Work full- or part-time
  • Be hired on a temporary basis for up to one year, or an indefinite period while still a student
  • Be converted upon graduation to a permanent or time- limited position (1- 4 years) and then non-competitively into a permanent slot
  • NOT be converted into the Recent Graduates Program

Eligibility

Open to current students enrolled at least half-time in a variety of programs:

  • High-school/GED
  • Vocational
  • Technical
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Professional
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Recent Graduate Program

The Pathways Recent Graduate Program Provide recent graduates opportunities to apply academic training and knowledge in a professional job

Opportunity

  • Build work skills and experience
  • Learn from a professional workforce
  • Gain experience in their chosen field and pursue a long-term career
  • Learn from an assigned mentor
  • Participate in formal training
  • Be evaluated during their first year

Eligibility

Open to individuals who have completed a qualifying educational program within the preceding 2 years with exceptions for:

  • Certain veterans called to active duty
  • Individuals who completed educational programs after December 27, 2010
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Presidential Management Fellows Program

The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) is the Federal Government’s premier leadership development program for graduate and professional degree candidates since 1977. The program matches graduate students with exciting and meaningful Federal opportunities and build future Federal leaders.

The PMF program was redesigned in May 2012 to align with changes made to the federal government's initiatives for students and graduates. The overarching goals are to: (1) increase transparency; and (2) simplify the application process. The PMF program provides federal agencies an opportunity to recruit recent graduates into federal service and introduce new tools to assess talent and improve the orientation and learning and development activities for participants.

Opportunity

Fellows can:

  • Obtain a 2-year appointment as a Fellow
  • May be non-competitively converted to a permanent or time-limited position (1-4 years)
  • Individuals may now self-nominate
  • Newly expanded applicant eligibility window

Fellows receive opportunities to:

  • Detail into multiple agencies and divisions
  • Receive challenging assignments, formal mentorship, professional training, and evaluations
  • Network with current and future leaders
  • Pursue a long-term career on a leadership track

Eligibility

Open to individuals who:

  • Are currently completing an advanced degree program, or
  • Completed the educational requirements for an advanced degree within the preceding two years

How To Apply:

The PMF Program Class of 2013 Application period will open on November 5, 2012 and will close on November 19, 2013 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).  Note: The entire application process (including submission of all required documents) must be completed during this timeframe.  More information on the PMF 2013 Application Process is available on the Presidential Management Fellows program website.

Selection Process:

OPM will notify applicants if they have been selected as semifinalists in mid-December 2012. Final PMF participant selections will be made in March 2013.

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DOT Pathway Program Contacts

DOT Agency Email Phone
DOT Program Officer dotpathwaysstudent@dot.gov 1-888-719-9216
Volpe National Transition Systems Center (VOLPE) nanci.angelini@dot.gov 617-494-2441
Federal Aviation Administration Regina.Jones@faa.dot.gov 202-267-9822
Federal Highway Administration Serena.Mathews-Parrish@dot.gov 202-366-1201
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Tara.Rauch@dot.gov 202-366-4727
  Lori.Sellers@dot.gov 202-366-4246
—Federal Railroad Administration Renee.Clark@dot.gov 202-493-6119
  Shantal.Spencer@dot.gov 202-493-1318
—Federal Transit Administration Yesica.Bonilla@dot.gov 202-366-2459
—Maritime Administration Rosetta.Simon@dot.gov 202-366-0798
  Kelly.French@dot.gov 202-366-2527
—National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Terrance.Webster@dot.gov 202-366-5544
—Office of the Inspector General Jody.Young@oig.dot.gov 202-366-6926
Office of the Secretary Lisa.Hudnell@dot.gov 202-366-3893
  Lillian.Barrett-Lyons@dot.gov 202-366-9418
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Catrice.Prailow@dot.gov 202-366-4906
—Research & Innovative Technology Administration/Volpe only Eric.Falzone@dot.gov 617-494-2418
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Julie.Barnes@dot.gov 315-764-3245
—Surface Transportation Board Paula.Chandler@stb.dot.gov 202-245-0340
  Cynthia.McClam@stb.dot.gov 202-565-1529

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Updated: Tuesday, April 23, 2013