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Strategies for Starting Your Career as a USDA Student Intern

Learn about the USDA Pathways Programs, eligibility requirements, FAQs, benefits, and transitioning processes to kickstart your career. Gain insights on dress codes, interviewing tips, training, career development, and the Virtual University resources.

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Strategies for Starting Your Career as a USDA Student Intern

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  1. Strategies for Starting Your Career as a USDA Student Intern Presented by Carol Scott USDA Pathways Programs Officer & Student Intern Development Program Manager Virtual University US Department of Agriculture July 30, 2012

  2. Welcome to USDA

  3. Mission Statement We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.

  4. USDA Vision We want to be recognized as a dynamic organization that is able to efficiently provide the integrated program delivery needed to lead a rapidly evolving food and agriculture system.

  5. USDA Initiatives

  6. USDA Initiatives

  7. USDA Pathways Programs The USDA Internship Program The USDA Recent Graduates Program The USDA Presidential Management Fellows Program

  8. Pathways Programs Eligibility Requirements • Enrolled in an accredited educational institution • Must be at least 16 years old • US and Non-US Citizens with the appropriate documentation • Meaningful Work Experiences • 640 hours of work experience

  9. Commonly Asked Questions What is a qualifying educational institution? High School GED Home-school curriculum An Accredited Technical or Vocational School A 2- or 4-year college or university Graduate or Professional school Post-Secondary home-school curriculum.

  10. Commonly Asked Questions • Do Pathways jobs lead to permanent employment? • Employment in a Pathways Program may lead to conversion to a permanent, competitive service position contingent upon meeting program requirements and the needs of the agency.

  11. Commonly Asked Questions • When will current SCEP’s and STEP’s be transitioned to the USDA Pathways Programs? • Agencies have until January 6, 2013 to transition SCEP’s and STEP’s to the Pathways Programs.

  12. Commonly Asked Questions • Am I eligible for employee benefits under the Pathways Programs? • Recent Graduates and Presidential Management Fellows are generally eligible for retirement benefits; flexible spending accounts; health, life, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance. • Interns hired on a short-term basis (e.g., summer hire) may not be eligible for the aforementioned benefits. • Pathways participants that will work at least 90-days accrue vacation and sick-leave once they begin their Program.

  13. Commonly Asked Questions • Does veterans preference apply to the Pathways Programs jobs? • Yes, veterans’ preference applies to all Pathways Programs job opportunities. • If you qualify for veterans’ preference, be sure to upload your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and, if applicable, SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference:

  14. Transition To Pathways for STEP’s • Your appointment will be analyzed to determine your eligibility for conversion to the Internship Program. • If you are eligible for the program, an action will be processed to convert you to the Pathways Programs by January 6, 2013. • If converted, you are required to: • Complete a Pathways Participation Agreement • Outlines the program requirements for conversion, if applicable • Required GPA, training requirements, work schedules, NTE date, duties, performance assessment requirements, and much more

  15. Dress For Success Tips • • Stock your closet with basic black, brown, and grey dress outfits, if you are able to afford this tip. • • Dress Appropriate for your title: Field employees versus office employee • • Look the part --Dress for the part, making sure you choose appropriate articles of clothing for your role.

  16. Interviewing Tips • 1. Dress appropriately. • 2. Shake hands with confidence. • 3. Finish in Style

  17. Training and Career Development • The USDA Intern Training Plan • Individual Development Plan • Competency Based Training • Training Hours

  18. Training and Development • Interns, Recent Graduates and Presidential Management Fellows (PMFs) receive on-the-job training. • Recent Graduates receive at least 40 hours of formal, interactive training per year. • PMFs receive at least 80 hours of formal, interactive training per year. • PMFs complete at least 1 rotational or developmental assignment for 4 to 6-months, or participate in an agency-wide or Presidential initiative. • PMFs and Recent Graduates are assigned a mentor. • Some agencies may offer other developmental activities for their Pathways participants.

  19. The Virtual University • Mentoring Program • Supervisory Training • Intern Training • USDA Pathways Programs Officer • USDA Presidential Management Fellows Program Officer Point of Contact: Carol Scott 202-260-8364 carol.scott@dm.usda.gov

  20. Meaningful Work Experiences • WIC • Grants and Loans • Disaster Assistance • Food Security • National Organic Program • Water Resources • Wildfire Prevention • Research and Development • Much more

  21. USDA as the Employer of Choice for Interns • USDA seeks to be recognized as the employer of choice among interns nation-wide.

  22. USDA Academy • USDA Academy is a social networking media site for current, former, and prospective interns. • Members receive periodic updates on hiring events and USDA news. • Members participate in blogs with other interns. • Members receive communication messages and much more.

  23. USDA Student Application Portal • The Student Application Portal is an employment tool used by USDA HR Professionals to recruit and hire students and recent graduates. • The USDA Recent Graduates Program will be available soon. • www.studentapplication.usda.gov Post a resume Upload your transcript View and apply to vacancies Receive notices Add or modify your application

  24. Examples of USDA Careers • Soil Conservationist • Animal Scientist • Agriculture Biologist • Agricultural Engineer • Plant and Animal Sciences • Human Resources Technician • Much more

  25. 2012 USDA Internship Program Survey • In an effort to continue to improve the USDA Internship Program, we are asking that you complete the USDA Internship survey. • Please visit https://www.fsisusda.com/se.ashx?s=5D6EC10B4EED78C1

  26. How To Apply For A USDA Internship www.studentapplication.usda.gov You will need your transcripts and resume. www.usda.usajobs.gov You will need to upload your transcripts.

  27. Questions? Carol Scott USDA Pathways Programs Officer & Student Intern Development Program Manager 202-260-8364 carol.scott@dm.usda.gov

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