White House Internship--Fall 2010

"This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I’m proud that they will have this opportunity to serve…I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country.”  —President Barack Obama, May 22, 2009

President Obama believes in the capacity of young people to move America forward. He is committed to providing young leaders from across the nation an opportunity to develop  their leadership skills and fostering a continue commitment to public service through the White House Internship Program. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office of the President and prepare them for future roles in public service. To learn more about the program, please visit whitehouse.gov/internships.

How To Apply: www.whitehouse.gov/internships
A completed application includes:
• two essays
• three letters of recommendation
• resume
Deadline for the Summer Internship Program
Deadline June 6

Student Ambassador Opportunity

Do you have a federal internship in DC lined up for this summer? If so, you should consider applying for the Federal Service Student Ambassador postion.

FEDERAL SERVICE STUDENT AMBASSADORS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

GET PAID FOR TALKING TO YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT YOUR FEDERAL INTERNSHIP! BECOME A FEDERAL SERVICE STUDENT AMBASSADOR!

The Federal Service Student Ambassadors program is designed to increase interest in federal service on college and university campuses through developing a group of passionate student advocates who actively promote public service following their completion of a federal internship. Having already completed a federal internship, student ambassadors are in a unique position to speak to their peers about federal service. Through planning events, networking sessions, and meetings with key faculty and staff members, ambassadors raise awareness of the incredible opportunities and benefits of federal service as well as develop creative and innovation approaches to spread the word about public service.

BENEFITS

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your professional skills while sharing your passion for public service? This program might just be the experience you are looking for! As a Federal Service Student Ambassador, you will have the unique opportunity to lead a major outreach effort on your campus, create an academic and professional network of contacts, write articles for newspapers and magazines, and coordinate with student organizations on campus—all of which contribute to your professional development!

 

Throughout your ambassadorship you will receive regular feedback and assistance from a Partnership coach as well as other ambassadors. To jumpstart your professional development, you will attend a dynamic two-day training in Washington, DC along with the other 2010-11 ambassadors. Additionally, you will receive a $2,000 stipend for your service.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work approximately seven hours/week
• Conduct one introductory meeting with Career Services on your campus
• Conduct one end of year meeting with Career Services on your campus
• Conduct three meetings with faculty members
• Conduct three meetings with student group leaders
• Conduct six one-on-one or group advising sessions
• Conduct six presentations or workshops
• Conduct twelve general marketing activities
• Publish two articles
• Collect information on at least 100 leads (students interested in working or interning for federal government)
• Ensure at least twenty-five of your leads apply for a federal job or internship
• Attend the two-day training in Washington, DC on July 21-22.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrolled in an internship with a federal agency in Washington, DC for summer 2010
• Enrolled as a student in an accredited degree granting college or university for the 2010-11 academic year
• Demonstrated commitment to public service
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple and varied assignments
• Active involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

The Partnership for Public Service is a dynamic nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to revitalize the federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and transforming the way government works. For more information about the Partnership for Public Service, visit www.ourpublicservice.org.

TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT http://apps.makingthedifference.org/studentambassadors/default.aspx.

Cybersecurity Positions with the Federal Government

The Federal government is hiring a significant number of graduates into cybersecurity positions that are opening up in many agencies as a result of continued challenges protecting sensitive government and citizen data. Our Information Assurance and Cybersecurity certificate has launched many careers in Federal government employment. The most recent success story is a graduate from 3 years ago who is now being promoted to Director of an important program within the NSA. He is thrilled with his success and with the work. Stories like this are passed on to students to encourage them to consider conversations with NSA and DHS recruiters who come to campus. As an NSA/DHS Center of Excellence, we are in a position to help the Nation fill the void in cybersecurity expertise.




Dr. Barbara Endicott-Popovsky, Director

Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

University of Washington

Big News: Federal Hiring Process Changing

Heard the news yet? 

Spending your free time writing those pesky KSA's? 

Wondering if the hiring process could just SPEED up a little? 

Click here & here for some exciting updates. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Using a Humanities Degree to Protect Human Health and the Environment

In the summer of 2007, I was pursuing a degree in anthropology at the University of Washington, and I was also an intern at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Wait. What? The EPA is in Washington D.C., and besides, what could an anthropology major possibly do at that agency? How did that work?

EPA has regional offices in ten cities across the country that employ thousands to do the work of the agency in the states—and there are plenty of opportunities for the humanities.

My internships at EPA have included creating an Injury and Illness Prevention Guide for employees, reviewing and managing grants, and working with local water systems to track progress in drinking water regulations. Nearly three years later, I am in the Student Career Experience Program working in strategic planning. I am able to earn my master’s degree in Policy Studies and work in a field directly related to my academic education.

In my current job, I work with staff in all the national and regional programs to manage and track progress in applying EPA’s mission: Protecting human health and the environment. I see the diversity of EPA work performed right here in Seattle and the agency’s local impact.

I recently toured the Wyckoff Eagle Harbor Superfund Site, a former wood-treating facility and shipyard on Bainbridge Island where over twenty years of extensive cleanup work has significantly reduced harmful contaminants in the soil, water and air. Areas of the beach in formerly contaminated sections are open to the public while daily cleanup occurs at the new groundwater treatment plant.

At Wyckoff, EPA works with local agencies and groups to keep the cleanup going regularly. Scientists measure contaminants, community coordinators field residents’ concerns and project managers direct the cleanup—these are all professionals with skills from a spectrum of backgrounds.

My internships have allowed me to pursue my interests, align work with my education, and build professional networks in the growing field of environmental issues. Whether you are a biologist, a psychologist, an accountant or a public relations coordinator, there is probably somewhere in the EPA for you to apply your skills. For me, it’s been a perfect fit—I use my humanities degree everyday to protect human health and the environment.
 
Andrea Schrock is a program analyst in strategic planning and regulatory development for EPA Region 10. She works in the Seattle EPA office.