Strategies for Starting Your Career as a USDA Student Intern
27
Presented by Carol Scott USDA Pathways Programs Officer & Student Intern Development Program Manager Virtual University US Department of Agriculture July 30, 2012 Strategies for Starting Your Career as a USDA Student Intern
description
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. Welcome to USDA. Mission Statement. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Strategies for Starting Your Career as a USDA Student Intern
Presented byCarol Scott
USDA Pathways Programs Officer &Student Intern Development Program
ManagerVirtual University
US Department of AgricultureJuly 30, 2012
Strategies for Starting Your Career as a USDA Student Intern
Welcome to USDA
We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on
sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.
Mission Statement
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.
USDA Vision
USDA Initiatives
USDA Initiatives
USDA Pathways Programs
The USDA Internship Program
The USDA Recent Graduates Program
The USDA Presidential Management Fellows Program
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
Commonly Asked Questions
What is a qualifying educational institution?High SchoolGEDHome-school curriculumAn Accredited Technical or Vocational School A 2- or 4-year college or universityGraduate or Professional school Post-Secondary home-school curriculum.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
Interviewing Tips
1. Dress appropriately.
2. Shake hands with confidence.
3. Finish in Style
Training and Career Development
The USDA Intern Training Plan
Individual Development Plan
Competency Based Training
Training Hours
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.
The Virtual University
Mentoring ProgramSupervisory TrainingIntern Training USDA Pathways Programs OfficerUSDA Presidential Management Fellows
Program OfficerPoint of Contact: Carol [email protected]
Meaningful Work Experiences
WICGrants and LoansDisaster AssistanceFood SecurityNational Organic
ProgramWater ResourcesWildfire PreventionResearch and
DevelopmentMuch more
USDA as the Employer of Choice for Interns
USDA seeks to be recognized as the employer of choice among interns nation-wide.
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.
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 resumeUpload your transcriptView and apply to vacanciesReceive notices Add or modify your application
Examples of USDA Careers
Soil ConservationistAnimal ScientistAgriculture BiologistAgricultural EngineerPlant and Animal
SciencesHuman Resources
TechnicianMuch more
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
www.studentapplication.usda.gov
You will need your transcripts and resume.www.usda.usajobs.gov
You will need to upload your transcripts.
How To Apply For A USDA Internship
Questions?
Carol Scott USDA Pathways Programs Officer
& Student Intern Development Program
Manager 202-260-8364
