Pathways Program

The Pathways Program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with the opportunity for Federal internships and potential careers in the Federal Government. Students interested in federal employment may find the Pathways Program as a good opportunity to begin their entry-level professional career. If you are interested, we highly recommend that you review the three components below.

what does the pathways program have to offer?

• Paid internships for students
• Valuable and qualifying work experience
• Career opportunities
• Training and career development for individuals starting their career in the Federal workforce.
• Networking and Mentorship opportunities.
• Flexible work schedule
• Benefits

pathways program

The Pathways Program consists of three components. To learn more about each component, please click the link provided.

Internship Program

The Internship program is designed to provide students in high schools, colleges, trade schools and other qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while completing their education. Eligible students must be at least 16 years of age.

Recent Graduates Program

The Recent Graduates Program provides developmental employment opportunities for recent graduates and individuals who have obtained degrees/certificates from qualified educational institutions or programs (2 years from the date the graduate completed an academic course of study).

Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program

The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) was established in 2003 and more recently reinvigorated, to provide those who have obtained an advanced degree (e.g., graduate or professional degree) within the preceding two years. These developmental programs tailored to promote employment opportunities for students and recent graduates in the Federal workforce.

Student and Recent Graduate Hiring Authorities

Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority

This program is for students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree. Appointments under this authority are time-limited appointments of up to one year or more than one year, but not to exceed four years. However, if students meet a series of requirements upon completion of their degrees, hiring managers have the flexibility to convert these former students to permanent positions. Students may be eligible for this hiring authority if they are enrolled in or pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree on at least a half-time basis. This hiring flexibility is intended to supplement existing student and post-education opportunities (e.g., Pathways).

College Graduates Hiring Authority

This program is for those who have completed a bachelor's or graduate degree within the last two years. Veterans may have up to six years to apply. The program offers appointments to a permanent position. This hiring flexibility is intended to supplement existing recent graduate hiring programs (e.g., Pathways).

how to apply

All Pathways opportunities will appear on USAJOBS. For more information, please contact careers@nlrb.gov.

additional resources

Pathways FAQs