NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM FEDERAL JOB SEARCH GUIDE FOR THE LANGUAGE FLAGSHIP UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS EDITION

Transcription

1 NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM FEDERAL JOB SEARCH GUIDE FOR THE LANGUAGE FLAGSHIP UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS EDITION 1

2 Table of Contents NSEP AND THE LANGUAGE FLAGSHIP... 3 NSEP AND IIE... 6 PROGRAM LINKS... 7 APPLYING FOR A BOREN SCHOLARSHIP... 8 APPLYING FOR A FLAGSHIP FELLOWSHIP HELPFUL TIPS WHILE OVERSEAS FEDERAL JOB SEARCH GUIDE BEGINNING YOUR FEDERAL JOB SEARCH NINE TIPS FOR LANDING A GOVERNMENT JOB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FEDERAL JOBS AND HIRING FEDERAL STUDENT PROGRAMS FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS TIPS FOR ATTENDING A JOB FAIR A GLOSSARY OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT TERMS FEDERAL JOB SEARCH LINKS HOW TO APPLY FOR A FEDERAL JOB MORE INFORMATION ON VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS HOW TO WRITE A FEDERAL RESUME BY PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE FEDERAL RESUME TIPS FEDERAL RESUME SAMPLE USING USAJOBS HOW TO SEARCH FOR FEDERAL JOBS AT STUDENTJOBS.GOV THE SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS FEDERAL AGENCIES GUIDE FOCUSING YOUR RESEARCH FOR FEDERAL JOBS OPPORTUNITIES FEDERAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES BY TOPIC, REGION, AND LANGUAGE SPECIFIC AGENCY LINKS FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

3 NSEP AND THE LANGUAGE FLAGSHIP Background of the National Security Education Program The National Security Education Program (NSEP) was created by Congress in 1991 to enhance U.S. national security by increasing the nation s capacity to deal effectively with foreign cultures and languages. The David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 carries the name of former Oklahoma Senator David L. Boren, who spearheaded the effort to create NSEP. NSEP s vision is to lead the nation to increase understanding of foreign languages and cultures, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness, and enhance international cooperation and security. The program represents a strategic partnership between higher education and the national security community. National Security Education Program Sponsored Programs David L. Boren Scholarships: Individual scholarships to U.S. undergraduates to study abroad in geographic areas critical to U.S. national security and in which U.S. students are traditionally under-represented. David L. Boren Fellowships: Individual fellowships to U.S. graduate students to study foreign areas, languages and other international fields critical to U.S. national security. English for Heritage Language Speakers: Institutional grants and individual scholarships to support the advanced study of English for U.S. citizens who are native speakers of other languages. The Language Flagship: Institutional grants and individual fellowships to U.S. graduate students to support the advanced study of languages critical to national security. Undergraduate students who qualify and enroll in Flagship programs at Flagship universities may also be eligible for funding. The Language Flagship The Language Flagship leads the nation in designing, supporting, and implementing a new paradigm for advanced language education. Through an innovative partnership between the federal government, education, and business, The Language Flagship seeks to graduate students who will take their place among the next generation of global professionals, commanding a superior level of fluency in one of many languages critical to U.S. competitiveness and security. The Language Flagship, initiated in 2002 as the National Flagship Language Initiative, represents a bold and unprecedented effort to address the urgent need for professionals with advanced competency in critical languages. Through a combination of innovative and intensive campus curricula and overseas immersion, each full-time Flagship Program is designed to achieve professional proficiency, or level 3 as designated by the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) in the target language. Flagship programs are now available in African languages, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi/Urdu, Korean, Persian, and Eurasian Languages (i.e. Russian and Central Eurasian Turkic languages). The Language Flagship is administered by the NSEP in the U.S. Department of Defense and is a critical part of the National Security Language Initiative. To answer the call for professionals who can conduct high-level work in critical languages, NSEP formed strategic partnerships with recognized leaders in foreign language education. 3

4 The Language Flagship Undergraduate Institutions and Structure Language Domestic Flagship Institutions Overseas Site African Languages (Swahili and Yoruba) Howard University University of Wisconsin, Madison Ibadan University Zanzibar State University Arabic Chinese Hindi/Urdu Michigan State University University of Maryland, College Park University of Michigan University of Oklahoma University of Texas, Austin Arizona State University Brigham Young University Indiana University Ohio State University San Francisco State University University of Mississippi University of Oregon University or Rhode Island Western Kentucky University University of Texas, Austin Alexandria University Qingdao Center Nanjing University Jaipur Hindi Flagship Center Lucknow Urdu Flagship Center Korean University of Hawai i, Mānoa Korea University Persian University of Maryland, College Park Tajik State National University Russian University of California, Los Angeles Portland State University University of Maryland, College Park Bryn Mawr College St. Petersburg State University 4

5 The Language Flagship Institutions and Structure Language Domestic Flagship Institution(s) Overseas Site Administrator of Overseas Program Arabic University of Maryland College Park Damascus University American Councils for International Education Chinese Brigham Young University Ohio State University Nanjing University Brigham Young University Korean University of Hawaii Korea University University of Hawaii Persian University of Maryland College Park Tajik State National University American Councils for International Education Russian Bryn Mawr College and American Councils for International Education Consortium with Middlebury College, and University of Maryland College Park St. Petersburg State University American Councils for International Education Central Eurasian Turkic Languages American Councils for International Education (Please contact program administrator.) American Councils for International Education

6 NSEP AND IIE National Security Education Program Office The National Security Education Program (NSEP) office is a federal office under the U.S. Department of Defense located in Arlington, Virginia. The NSEP staff works with the U.S. Congress to implement mandates, secures funding for programs, and helps award recipients identify employment opportunities to fulfill their service requirements. Contact Information for NSEP Rosslyn PO Box Wilson Blvd, Suite 1210 Arlington, VA Telephone: (703) Fax: (703) Institute of International Education The Institute of International Education (IIE), an independent non-profit organization founded in 1919, is the world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. The Institute administers over 200 programs serving over 20,000 individuals per year. IIE is contracted by NSEP to administer the David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships, English for Heritage Language Speakers Scholarships, and The Language Flagship Fellowships and Institutional Grants. IIE staff member working on The Language Flagship are based in IIE s Washington, DC office. IIE oversees the application and review processes, the distribution of awards, administration of Flagship Institutional Grants, and the monitoring of Flagship Fellowship recipients programs. Contact Information for IIE Institute of International Education NSEP The Language Flagship Fellowships 1400 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC Telephone: (800) 618-NSEP 6

7 PROGRAM LINKS National Security Education Program NSEP This website is the official site for the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which is part of the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington, DC. The Language Flagship The Language Flagship This website offers information about the history of The Language Flagship, links and information on all Flagship Programs, and related articles and news resources. IIE/The Language Flagship Fellowships As an integral component of The Language Flagship, NSEP offers a limited number of Fellowships, administered through IIE to qualified American students interested in receiving financial support for academic and program costs to participate in The Language Flagship. Other NSEP Initiatives David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships IIE acts as the administrative agent for the Boren Scholarships and Fellowships. Boren Scholarships are available for U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in less commonly studied parts of the world. Boren Fellowships are available for American master s degree and doctoral candidates to add an international component to their programs of study. English for Heritage Language Speakers Program The English for Heritage Language Speakers program provides opportunities for native speakers of languages other than English to improve their English proficiency. The program is funded by NSEP and administered by the Center for Applied Linguistics. IIE manages the admissions process, the scholarship competition, and the disbursement of awards. 7

8 APPLYING FOR A BOREN SCHOLARSHIP Flagship undergraduate students who are current participants in a domestic Flagship program are eligible to apply for a Boren Scholarship for the overseas component of their program. To apply, please review the following information and visit for more information and for the 2010 Application. Eligibility requirements for a Boren Scholar A U.S. citizen at the time of application. A high school graduate, or have earned a GED, and are matriculated in an undergraduate degree program in a U.S. post-secondary institution, including universities, colleges and community colleges accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applying to engage in a study abroad experience in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand that meets home institution standards. Planning to use the scholarship for study abroad, and the study abroad program ends before you graduate. Boren Scholarships are not for study in the United States. The NSEP Service Requirement The major objective of NSEP is to award funding to select U.S. citizens who are highly motivated to work for the federal government in an area related to U.S. national security. The NSEP service requirement stipulates that an award recipient work in the federal government in a position with national security responsibilities. The Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State, or any element of the Intelligence Community are priority agencies. If an award recipient demonstrates to NSEP that no appropriate position is available in one of these agencies, the award recipient must seek to fulfill the requirement in a position with national security responsibilities in any federal department or agency. If an award recipient demonstrates to NSEP that no appropriate position is available within the four priority agencies or within any other federal department or agency, a student may fulfill their service within education. Approval of service outside of a priority agency is contingent upon satisfactory demonstration of a full and good faith effort in accordance with conditions established by NSEP. The duration of the NSEP service requirement is equal to the duration of assistance provided under the program, but in no case less than one year. It is expected that Boren Scholars are interested in and will make a commitment to long term federal service. 8

9 Upon acceptance of a Boren Scholarship, award recipients will be provided with detailed information on possible employment opportunities in the federal government, particularly related to national security affairs and high-level language proficiency. While receipt of a Flagship Fellowship does not guarantee employment in the U.S. federal government, NSEP staff will help guide you in your search. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the conditions and requirements of this service obligation at Submission of Boren Scholarship Applications Applications must be submitted and supplemental documentation received no later than February 10, You will need to submit your application to your campus representative. Please note: Individual on-campus deadlines will be earlier than February 10, 2010; please see your campus representative for your on-campus deadline. Applicants will be notified of decision in May

10 APPLYING FOR A FLAGSHIP FELLOWSHIP Flagship Fellowships are awarded to a few outstanding students to support their study at a Flagship Degree granting Masters Program. Flagship Degree granting Masters Programs include Arabic at the University of Maryland, College Park, Chinese at Ohio State University, Korean at the University of Hawai i, Mānoa, and Persian at the University of Maryland, College Park. For more information on the Flagship Degree granting Masters Programs or to apply for a Flagship Fellowship, please visit Eligibility requirements for a Flagship Fellowship U.S. citizenship at the time of application Minimum proficiency of Advanced Low (as defined by ACTFL) or level 2 (as defined by ILR) in the appropriate foreign language Minimum proficiency of Superior (as defined by ACTFL) or level 3 (as defined by ILR) in all modalities of English Completed undergraduate degree by the time the Flagship Program and Fellowship begin Enrollment in a Flagship degree granting Master s program Not employed by the U.S. government Fellowship Support Flagship Fellowships provide support for academic expenses directly associated with participation in a graduate Flagship Program, including tuition, a modest stipend for living expenses, and support for travel costs and health insurance coverage. The living stipend is based on reasonable costs associated with the location of each Flagship Program. Total Flagship Fellowship amounts will vary by individual depending upon the specific composition and duration of the Flagship Program. Fellowship award amounts cannot include additional support for dependents. Flagship Fellowship award recipients are expected to devote full-time effort in the Flagship Program in which they are enrolled. Therefore, Flagship Fellows may not pursue requirements of other degree programs while receiving Flagship Fellowship support. Likewise, Flagship Fellowships may not be combined with other sources of funding that would require Fellows to devote less than full-time effort in The Language Flagship Language. 10

11 The NSEP Service Requirement The major objective of NSEP is to award funding to select U.S. citizens who are highly motivated to work for the federal government in an area related to U.S. national security. The NSEP service requirement stipulates that an award recipient work in the federal government in a position with national security responsibilities. The Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State, or any element of the Intelligence Community are priority agencies. If an award recipient demonstrates to NSEP that no appropriate position is available in one of these agencies, the award recipient must seek to fulfill the requirement in a position with national security responsibilities in any federal department or agency. If an award recipient demonstrates to NSEP that no appropriate position is available within the four priority agencies or within any other federal department or agency, a student may fulfill their service within education. Approval of service outside of a priority agency is contingent upon satisfactory demonstration of a full and good faith effort in accordance with conditions established by NSEP. The duration of the NSEP service requirement is equal to the duration of assistance provided under the program, but in no case less than one year. It is expected that Flagship Fellows are interested in and will make a commitment to long term federal service. Upon acceptance of a Flagship Fellowship, award recipients will be provided with detailed information on possible employment opportunities in the federal government, particularly related to national security affairs and high-level language proficiency. While receipt of a Flagship Fellowship does not guarantee employment in the U.S. federal government, NSEP staff will help guide you in your search. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the conditions and requirements of this service obligation at Submission of The Language Flagship Fellowship Applications Applications must be submitted and supplemental documentation received no later than January 14, 2010 at: Institute of International Education NSEP - The Language Flagship Fellowships 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC Telephone: (800) 618-NSEP Fax: (202) flagship@iie.org Applicants will be notified of decision in April

12 HELPFUL TIPS WHILE OVERSEAS For your own safety, we advise you to take the following precautions: 1. Due to the sensitivity of the information provided in this guide, we recommend that you do not bring a copy of it with you overseas. 2. Upon Arrival: Contact the closest American Embassy or Consulate to register as a U.S. citizen temporarily living in the country. More information can be found at your Flagship Program with your contact information and any additional emergency contact information. Inform your Flagship Program of any contact information changes. 3. Job Searching: While overseas, it is possible that s, websites, or other types of electronic communication visited may be monitored. Please use discretion if communicating with federal agencies, and avoid contact with intelligence agencies and applying for intelligence positions. Keep track of information that you might need for a security clearance such as information on your place of residence (address and name of landlord/host family), contact information for people you deal with regularly in the course of your studies, and contact information for Americans that you travel with overseas. 4. Traveling In and Around Your Country: Identify yourself as a student when asked. This program is structured to ensure that you can truthfully explain that you are enrolled in a local university, so that it is not misperceived that you are working on behalf of or officially affiliated with the federal government. Avoid potentially dangerous situations such as protests and riots. Be wary of traveling to places that have no official relationship with the U.S. If you plan to leave your host country, please contact your Flagship Program Administrator for pre-approval. FEDERAL JOB SEARCH GUIDE 12

13 BEGINNING YOUR FEDERAL JOB SEARCH 1. Visit the website for the Partnership for Public Service, The Partnerships is a nonprofit organization that works to make the government an employer of choice for talented, dedicated Americans through educational outreach, research, and legislative advocacy. The Partnership s website offers excellent advice on the job search process. The organization also has an e-newsletter that educates student about exciting professional opportunities with the federal government. Consider subscribing. 2. Explore websites for agencies of interest. Familiarize yourself with the missions of federal agencies of interest to you. Links to federal agencies are available on the government s main job search website. Positions can be searched for by title, agency, and region. 3. Begin networking. Many people believe that Washington, DC operates under the model, It s not what you know, but who you know. Explore other networking opportunities through your alma mater, professional organizations, or other alumni associations. Build and maintain relationships with anyone and whose work is remotely interesting. Save business cards and maintain communication with your contacts several times a year. 4. Arrange informational interviews. The goal of an informational interview is learn more about a professional s position you are interested in. It is designed to help you refine your career path by getting an insiders" point of view. 5. Begin to gather information for a security clearance, which is typically the longest part of the hiring process (6-9 months, sometimes longer). Generally, you are allowed 30 days to complete the clearance forms. Review the SF86, a form sometimes used to begin the clearance process, to determine what kinds of information you need to have available. The SF86 is available online. Conduct a search for SF Keep your language skills sharp by exercising them daily. Find a language tutor, join an online language circle, network within the heritage community, or join a meetup.com group. Maintain contact with peers and instructors from your program. When you return to the U.S., maintain your overseas language relationships. 7. Stay up-to-date with current events. Federal recruiters always recommend that interested applicants be aware of current international and political news. Read newspapers, magazines, books, websites, and journals. Take advantage of free online news sites maintained by reputable news sources. Listen to the radio and stay current on world events. Stay up-to-date on world issues, especially those related to your world area of interest. 8. Practice your writing skills. Strong written and oral communication is one of the most important skills in a federal career. If you are interested in working as an analyst, for 13

14 example, test yourself with the following exercise: write a one-page paper on an international issue about which you are knowledgeable. This exercise will translate well into your work because, as an analyst, you will likely be writing one-page briefs every day. Practice writing short, logical sentences. This exercise can be useful to practice for any specialist position involving writing. 9. Seeking overseas positions. If you are interested in working overseas, you should try and develop contacts and network with federal employees abroad. 10. Internships and contractors. Consider participating in an internship or taking a position with a contractor. 11. Seek professional development opportunities. Consider building your skills by participating in career focused continuing education programs. For example, USDA graduate school offers courses that are relevant to the federal government. 12. Take the first step apply! Many agencies, especially those in the intelligence community, will encourage you to apply online. Note: Federal employers will be interested in your language skills, but they are equally interested in other professional skills. Begin to identify you skill set beyond your language ability and begin to articulate this in your resume. Be patient! Finding a federal job takes time and persistence 14

15 NINE TIPS FOR LANDING A GOVERNMENT JOB By Partnership for Public Service With thousands of federal jobs out there, it s important not to get overwhelmed. Keep these tips in mind as you embark on your journey toward joining the federal workforce. Explore Your Options One of the best things about working for the government is the availability of job opportunities in agencies nationwide and around the world. If you re an accountant, you can work for NASA in Texas or at the Centers for Disease Control in Georgia. Remember, about 84 percent of federal jobs are located outside of Washington, DC. Know Who Does the Hiring The government is not one giant employer. With over 1.8 million jobs to keep track of, it only makes sense for each federal agency to hire its own employees. Be sure to research the federal agencies you re interested in and learn about their hiring practices. Target Your Search The federal government has three branches, but scores of potential employers. There are more than 70 departments and agencies in the executive branch, and each employs anywhere from 20 to 300,000 employees. Check Out the Benefits If you work for the government, you get the satisfaction of serving your nation and making a difference, but you also get a top notch benefits package that includes the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Thrift Savings Plan, and Federal Employees Retirement System. Most agencies also offer flexible work schedules so employees can fit their jobs into their lives, and not the other way around. Explore How Government Work Can Help Build Your Career Today s federal employee is not locked into the bureaucracy for life. Serving your country can also serve your future as a great resume builder. Some federal positions even start as one or two year paid internships, with the option to convert into full time employment at the end of the term. Be Prepared To successfully compete in the federal government s job application process, you have to be prepared ahead of time, so read job postings carefully and know the language of federal employment. Be Patient All federal jobs must be filled on merit, which means that the application process takes longer than most job seekers would like, even for qualified applicants. If you your application and then don t hear anything for several weeks, don t panic. On the other side of the coin, the merit system also means that what matters most are your experience, education and skill set. Stay Calm Government applications can be daunting, and sometimes feel like an inquisition, but all the requested information is used by government employers to fit the best person into each job. The best bet is to play their game, give them the information they want in the format they want, and let your talent speak for itself. Make the Most of Your Opportunity In the next five years, more than half of the federal workforce may be eligible to retire. With all that experience and expertise walking out the door, the government is going to need good candidates to replace the old guard. Under these circumstances, you have a great opportunity to build a fulfilling professional life in the federal civil service.

16 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FEDERAL JOBS AND HIRING By Partnership for Public Service How do I find out what federal jobs are available? The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is a good place to start. By law, all government agencies must post any vacancies open to outside applicants on their website, Federal jobs span every possible area of interest, from forestry to law, at dozens of agencies, so it s important to familiarize yourself with the missions of agencies that interest you. For students, OPM has a list of sample jobs organized according to related college majors. How do I apply? Applicants usually must submit a resume, a description of relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, and any supporting information called for in the vacancy announcement. The information currently on your resume may not be enough to satisfy government employers. OPM s Applying for a Federal Job booklet lists all the information an applicant needs to provide for federal employment. A resume containing all the required information is called a federal resume although there is no mandated form. One way to make sure you ve got all your bases covered is to print yourself an Optional Application for Federal Employment form that is the closest thing to a federal resume and can be used as part of your application for virtually any federal job. What are KSA factors and what do I do with them? Vacancy announcements list the specific knowledge, skills and abilities known as KSA factors an agency wants to see in a candidate. Applicants need to describe in writing how their experiences match the desired KSA factors. KSAs are very important to federal employers how far you get in the application process will likely be determined by your ability to convincingly address these factors. Be sure to include as much information as you can that responds to each KSA factor, even if that information is already included on your federal resume.

17 FEDERAL STUDENT PROGRAMS By Partnership for Public Service There are several programs that help students get their foot in the door and receive a valuable experience with a federal agency. These programs range from summer internships to two year commitments. Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) The STEP, another name for a temporary internship with a federal agency, is a great way for students to be exposed to the government. STEP positions are paid positions that can range from a summer job to a position that lasts as long as the student is in school. It is not necessary for the work to be related to the student s academic major, which allows the student to gain experience in a variety of fields. Students enrolled in high school, a two-year or four-year college or university, a technical or vocational school, or a graduate program, are eligible to apply. The program requires that the student be a U.S. citizen. Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) SCEP positions, which are for undergraduate and graduate students, are substantive internships in federal agencies. The work must be related to the student s area of study and requires the agency to have a formal commitment with the student s institution. Most positions are paid, and the student may also receive academic credit. If the student successfully completes 640 hours of work, he or she can be appointed to a permanent position without going through the traditional hiring process. This program requires its students to be U.S. citizens. Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) The highly competitive PMF program is an excellent way to launch a career in the federal government upon completion of a graduate program. These are two-year positions in which fellows have the opportunity to complete rotational assignments and receive extensive training. The application deadline is in early fall of the final year of graduate school, and students must be nominated by their school. Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP) FCIP is designed to help agencies attract outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to a variety of entry-level paid positions. These are two-year, full-time commitments, and are not shortterm internships. They involve various development and training programs, often grouping new FCIPs into a cohort. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may be eligible for permanent placement within an agency. Individuals interested in Career Intern opportunities should contact the specific agency directly. Agencies control their own FCIP hiring process and may restrict the selection pool to certain schools. You can also search for internships at: 17

18 FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS By Partnership for Public Service Federal employees are eligible to receive up to $60,000( $10,000 a year) from participating agencies in this program towards the payment of their education. This program requires the employee to make a three year commitment to the agency/department that provided the repayment. If a student transfers to a different agency while benefiting from the program, the new employer is not required to continue financial support. Should the employee become unemployed by the agency during the three year timeframe, the recipient is required to pay back the amount in full to the agency. Who is Eligible? Permanent employees (including part-time employees) Employees serving on excepted appointments with conversion to term, career, or career conditional appointments (including, but not limited to, Career Intern or Presidential management Fellows appointments) Temporary employees who are serving on appointments leading to conversion to term or permanent appointments Term employees with at least three years left on their appointments How Do I Apply? Current or potential federal employees may contact their employing agency for further information. Each participating agency must develop a plan that describes how the agency operates its repayment program. What Academic Areas Are Covered? There no laws regulating which degrees can and cannot be covered by this program; however, agencies are encouraged to tailor their plans to recruit highly qualified candidates for hard to fill positions. Therefore, an agency may specify the types of degrees and levels necessary to participate in the program. Certain occupational categories are particularly well represented among federal employees who receive student loan aid, including: Criminal Investigator 921 Information Technology Mgmnt 199 Attorney 441 Intelligence 335 Mechanical Engineer 204 GAO Analyst In FY 2006, 34 federal agencies provided 5,755 employees with almost $36 million in student loan repayment. -- Some agencies also have tuition assistance programs. Contact an agency representative to find out if their organization participates in such a program Top Loan Repayment Agencies In FY 2006, 18 of the 34 agencies that participated in the Federal Student Loan Repayment Program invested more than $100,000 in their employees; including (in order of amount paid): Justice; Defense; State; Securities and Exchange Commission; Government Accountability Office; Veterans Affairs; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Housing and Urban Development; Health and Human Services; Energy; NASA; Interior; Transportation; Treasury; Homeland Security; Agriculture; Office of Special Counsel; Environmental Protection Agency For more information, visit: Source: Federal Student Loan Repayment Program Fiscal Year 2006: Report to the Congress, Office of Personnel Management, April

19 FOREIGN LANGUAGE JOBS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT By Partnership for Public Service What can you do with a foreign language degree? Air Safety Investigators Border Patrol Agents Customs Inspectors Language Specialists Equal Employment Opportunity Specialists Foreign Affairs Specialists Foreign Agriculture Affairs Specialists Intelligence Specialists Find more: Financial Incentives The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) offers a Corporate Language Hiring Bonus Program for individuals who have exceptional language skills. The National Security Agency (NSA) employees receive competitive salaries and may be eligible for signing bonuses of $7,500. The Department of Defense can offer up to $500 per month for civilian employees (up to $1,000 per month for military) for anyone who demonstrates proficiency in foreign languages. Find and apply for federal jobs and internships online MakingtheDifference.org provides valuable information and resources about job and internship opportunities in the federal government. On the site you ll find more information about federal agencies, an overview of the benefits of federal service, a directory of federal internships, hot jobs and cool internships, tips for finding and applying for federal jobs, and much more. USAJobs.gov is a great place to begin your job search. It is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the federal government s human resources agency, and has a regularly updated list of federal job openings. You can also build your resume and learn about the federal jobs that best match your interests. Where the jobs are Over the next two years, our largest federal agencies project that they will hire nearly 193,000 new workers for mission-critical jobs. Download the report at makingthedifference.org. 19

20 Agencies where foreign languages help Department/Agency # Positions Social Security Agency Social Insurance Administration 27,026 Department of Homeland Security Border Patrol; Immigration Investigators 11,491/5,481 Department of Justice Broadcasting Board of Governors Department of Treasury Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training and the International Criminal Investigative Assistance Training Program Including broadcasting entities like the Voice of America; Radio Free Asia; Alhura; and Cuba Radio Office of International Affairs; Terrorism & Financial Intelligence and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; and Multilateral Development Banks/Specialized Development Institutions Top agencies for foreign languages Field # Positions Department of State Foreign Service (1,806) U.S. Agency for International Development Civil and Foreign Service (2,425) Intelligence Community Regional analyst and language analyst positions Department of Commerce Trade Specialists (651) Department of Justice Bureau of Investigation, Language Specialists and Clerks (1,023 across all agencies) From FEDSCOPE, 3/07 * Not all of these positions weight languages equally. As with other jobs, it is best to talk to hiring managers in particular offices that interest you to get a sense of their needs and priorities. 20

21 TIPS FOR ATTENDING A JOB FAIR Be Early The best time of day to attend a fair is early in the morning when the recruiters are fresh and alert. They haven t heard the same questions over and over, and are thus likely to spend more time with you. Be Prepared Bring several paper copies of your resume and electronic copies of your resume on a computer disk or USB flashdrive to the recruitment fair. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recommends that students come prepared to interview (proper attire, etc.). Some recruiters will request that you to sign up for an interview; therefore, an early visit to these stations will ensure that you get a time suitable for you. Review OPM s website to become familiar with the terminology, job titles, and announced vacancies at agencies involved in national security. If you know the agencies that will participate in a job fair, do some research about your employers of choice before talking to a recruiter. Visit agency websites in advance or walk their booths to collect literature to review before engaging the recruiters. Listen to what the recruiters are asking other candidates. These same questions may be asked of you. Survey the Scene There will be many agencies at each job fair. Start by collecting literature from your agencies of interest. Review the material before speaking with the recruiters. Try going to a few tables that are of lower priority so that you can become comfortable talking with the recruiters and shaking hands. Continue until you are ready to approach the employers of most interest to you. If you have done your research, you should be ready to determine what an employer s needs are and what they are looking for to fill those needs. Target Employers The amount of time you will have with the recruiter can vary from seconds to minutes. Use the short time you have to provide the employer with a clear and succinct description of your background and interests. Establish common interests based on the information you read in advance. Before you leave ask, What s the next step? Ask for a business card for future correspondence with the recruiter. Let the recruiter know that you have a strong interest in working for his/her agency. Follow up Stay in touch with the employers that interest you most; keep the lines of communication open. Send a thank you letter within a week to help the recruiters remember you. Thank them for taking the time to speak with you. Review key points that were discussed during your conversation. Explain how you would be an asset to the employer (address the keys points you discussed or from employer literature). Provide new information that may not have been addressed during your quick meeting. Send a customized resume to reflect the skills you have to meet the needs of the employer. After a few weeks, contact the recruiters again to inquire about specific opportunities that may be available with their department or agency. For a list of fairs, visit your school s career center, check agency websites for local career fairs with an agency presence, or visit, 21

22 A GLOSSARY OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT TERMS By Partnership for Public Service The government has a language all its own. To make things easier, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes Applying for a Federal Job (OPM form OF 510); a booklet listing all the information an applicant needs to provide for federal employment, including personal information, education and work experience, and job-related skills and training. That s a good place to start. And this glossary of employment terminology will help you understand the government s language. Federal Resume: There is no mandated form, although some vacancy postings will refer to it. It is simply a resume that contains all the information required to apply for a federal job, including personal information, education, work experience, and job-related skills and training. Career and Career-Conditional Employee: Permanent federal career status is automatically gained upon completion of the mandatory three-year career-conditional period. Career tenure employees have a better shot at surviving downsizing and often have an edge when applying for other federal jobs. Competitive Civil Service: Most federal government civil service jobs fall under this category. Positions are filled through a fair, open and merit-based process, unless excepted by statue, Executive Order or OPM action. Declaration for Federal Employment: This form provided during the application process or before employment begins documents a candidate s fulfillment of the two requirements for federal employment: US citizenship and, for men born after December 31, 1959, compliance with US Selective Service registration. Excepted Service: Positions not covered by certain competitive civil service personnel rules and regulations. For example, employees who serve at the discretion of the current presidential administration commonly referred to as Schedule C employees are excepted because they have policy-determining responsibilities or serve a key administration official. Form C (OPM form 1203): An optical scan form, a bubble sheet like the SAT, on which applicants mark answers to employment questionnaires if required for the application process. Some agencies have applicants answer these questions online. General Schedule (GS) pay: The general pay scale system for white-collar jobs in the federal government. Positions are identified by GS level, from GS-1 to GS-15. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): The necessary characteristics of an applicant qualified for a particular job. Most job postings ask applicants to write a short supplemental essay describing specific skills and experiences that match those desired for the position. Occupational Questionnaire: Included in some applications, it assesses a candidate s qualifications through detailed multiple choice or yes-or-no questions. 22

23 Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612): This OPM form is the closest thing to a federal resume and can be used as part of your application for virtually any federal job. Outstanding Scholar Program: Some federal agencies are authorized to make immediate employment offers for select entry-level positions in more than 100 career fields to college graduates with a 3.5 GPA or better or who graduated in the top 10 percent of their class or major. Eligible candidates receive Outstanding Scholar Designation. Public Trust Designation: A position that requires an applicant to undergo a background check. Qualifications Standards Operating Manual: The federal government s published guide to qualifications required for General Schedule positions in the federal government. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86): Used for background checks of applicants for national security positions requiring a security clearance, this form includes questions about educational background, past and current employers, police records, financial situation, and drug and alcohol usage. Superior Academic Achievement: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university will qualify an individual for a GS-5 level position in many occupations. Superior academic achievement, defined as graduation in the upper third of one s college class, a GPA of B or better or membership in a nationally recognized honors society, like Phi Beta Kappa, will qualify for a GS-7 level position. Status Candidates: Job applicants who currently work for the federal government or certain former federal employees. Temporary or Term Position: Appointments used to fill nonpermanent positions. Temporary positions are filled for one year or less; employees do not receive benefits. Term employment may last from one to four years, and employees generally have the same benefits as permanent employees. Upward Mobility Program: Agencies can use this program to groom talent by creating or restructuring positions to be filled by promising entry-level applicants who will then be offered training and other career-development opportunities. Veterans Preference: In the competitive process, veterans receive preferential consideration, typically by having five or 10 points added to their scores during the examination process. 23

24 FEDERAL JOB SEARCH LINKS By Partnership for Public Service USAJobs: USAJOBS is a great place to begin your job search. Because it is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the federal government s human resources agency, it has frequently updated listings of all federal job openings. More than 20,000 jobs available in the government are listed on this site. Search for jobs, create a resume, learn about agencies, and more. Student Jobs: This site is run and administered by OPM and is a specially designed subset of USAJobs, created for young people to help them in gaining employment with the federal government. The site offers the ability to search for jobs, create a profile, build an electronic resume, as well as other resources for searching for federal employment and gaining information on various federal agencies. Avue Central: Applicants can access and apply for federal job opportunities, as well as receive notification of opportunities of interest. For agencies that are clients of Avue Digital Services, applicants will be able to expedite their application directly to these agencies and monitor their progress through the selection process. For agencies that are not Avue clients, applicants will be able to automatically generate and print a hard copy resume from a base profile maintained on line. In addition, the site provides a wide range of information of interest to potential applicants, including a description of the federal hiring process, tips on how to best advance their application, salary information, and more. Federal Jobs Center: The site offers a variety of resources - both print and online - for first-time applicants and those already working in federal service. The site s database can be searched for a one-day fee of $5, a $20 monthly fee or three months for $49. The site also offers a Search and Send service that offers to send you free s about job opportunities that match the criteria you set. Four printed reports a month are available for $21. Visitors must call a toll-free number to sign up for this service. Federal Jobs Net: This site is run by a private company and provides a variety of resources for the federal job seeker. The site not only helps with the actual search for a government job but provides guides to help one get through the process of applying step-by-step. From information regarding the application procedure, qualification standards, hiring preferences, to the jobs themselves, this site is a helpful resource. Much of the material is culled from books and tools that are for sale through the webpage, as are other resources to help individuals gain federal employment. Federal Job Search: This site, which is not affiliated with the federal government, provides a variety of resources for the federal job seeker, including the ability to enter a personal profile of your career interests and receive regular updates on new federal job postings that match your profile. The basic service, which provides you with the titles, salaries and locations of positions, as well as links to the federal agency that is hiring, is free. There is also a premium fee-based service that saves you more time by providing links to contact information, application instructions and complete job descriptions. Additionally, premium subscribers receive advanced search capability which allows them to narrow their search by city, county or region instead of an entire state. 24

25 FedWorld (project of Dept of Commerce): The FedWorld Federal Job Search uses files created by the Office of Personnel Management. This data is gathered from hundreds of human resource offices in the government. FedWorld downloads source files from the FJOB system. The FJOB system has a series of search tools, including by series, by grade, by state, browse by series and for Merit Promotion jobs. Government Guide: Government Guide provides information related to a number of different government services, including finding employment with all levels of government. Regarding the federal public service, the website offers information on searching for jobs in the federal government, including links to many cabinet and sub-cabinet agency web-pages, and applying for jobs in the federal government. Likewise, the site also offers information on pay scales and resources available for current federal employees, including information on continued education opportunities. HRS Federal Job Search: Offers services that match vacancy announcements to your specified criteria. Subscriptions are $12 for 3 months or $24 for a year and includes Information on federal benefits including Flextime, Insurance, Worker s Compensation, Retirement, Social Security, Travel/Relocation Allowance, and Educational Assistance. There are also links to resources, including How the Federal Application Process Works, Vacancy Announcement Listings, Applying for A Federal Position, Federal Job Tips, Excepted Service Agency Sites, and more. Public Service Employees Network: A great collection of resources with special emphasis on those government jobs that require entrance exams. The Partnership for Public Service Agency Information: The Partnership links to dozens of federal agencies job search pages. Partnership for Public Service: The Partnership works to make the government an employer of choice for talented, dedicated Americans through educational outreach, research, legislative advocacy, and hands-on partnerships with agencies on workforce management issues. This website is devoted to bring more people into government service. There are many links to different government web sites, as well as guidance on choosing a federal job and agency to match your skills. You will also find tips for writing federal resumes, advice on finding internships and more. First Gov: FirstGov is the U.S. Government s official web portal. This website is an all-inclusive site for information on the federal government, including links to every government department and agency. Public Service Employees Network: Public Service Employees Network offers tips on how to find a job, frequently asked questions about federal service, advice on federal promotions, tips and resources for Federal government job applications, and more. 25