If you are a student or recent graduate seeking a career at VA, consider the Pathways Programs. Established to help talented people like you find work in the federal government, Pathways consists of 3 distinct programs: the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows Program.
Pathways for interns
Through the Pathways Internship Program, students can learn about various career paths, earn a competitive salary while continuing their educations, and contribute to the larger mission of VA in a meaningful way.
Pathways internships are open to current students legally permitted to work in the U.S. To be eligible, applicants must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree at a qualifying educational institution, on at least a half-time basis.
Alternatively, applicants must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a qualifying career or technical education program that awards a recognized postsecondary credential (such as a Registered Apprenticeship Program, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Job Corps).
Under the Pathways Internship Program, an individual who needs to complete less than a half-time equivalent of an academic/vocational or technical course load immediately before graduating is still eligible.
Students who complete the internship requirements may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position with VA.
Pathways for recent graduates
The Pathways Recent Graduates Program provides recent graduates legally permitted to work in the U.S. with valuable training, hands-on VA work experience, and professional development opportunities.
To be eligible, you must have completed, within the previous 2 years, a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree, or earned a certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
Veterans unable to apply within 2 years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation have as many as 6 years after degree completion to apply. Students may also apply up to 9 months before completing their academic requirements.
Recent graduates who complete the program requirements may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position with VA.
Pathways for Presidential Management Fellows
The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is a premier leadership development program across the federal government for advanced degree candidates at the entry level of their careers.
Qualifications vary by individual PMF position, and applicants go through a rigorous assessment and selection process that measures writing, interpersonal, analytic, and leadership skills. PMFs receive a dedicated mentor and complete at least 160 hours of formal, interactive training, an individual development plan, and at least one developmental assignment.
Job openings for the program are posted online each spring and are available only to PMF finalists and federal employees. Individuals must apply within 2 years of receiving a qualifying advanced degree—master’s, law, or doctorate. Students may also apply in the fall of their final year of graduate school. PMFs can apply for their Pathway program in the late summer or early fall.
Finding available Pathways
Students interested in the Pathways Internship Program can search for opportunities on USAJOBS. If you are a recent graduate, you can search for these opportunities on the USAJOBS by referring to the sections supporting students and recent graduates.
As you choose a pathway to VA, the Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP) can help. VMSTEP assists Veterans, transitioning Service members, and military spouses in developing competitive applications to secure VA employment.
Work at VA
With unique opportunities that offer unparalleled access to training and mentorship, Pathways Programs are an excellent way to start your VA career.
- VISIT VA for Vets to learn more about VMSTEP.
- LEARN what VA has to offer Veterans.
