PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP STUDENT TRAINEE (OPERATIONS RESEARCH)
Summary
This position is part of DFAS's Pathways Student Trainee Program, which is designed for current students and individuals accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational program in an accredited institution, on a full or half-time basis. As a paid intern, you will be given the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to pursue a successful career with DFAS and to explore numerous possibilities for growth, learning and valuable work experience.
Responsibilities
As an Operations Research Student Trainee, you will:
- Serve as an Intern in the DFAS Internship Program performing a variety of assignments involving the practical application of operational theories, principles, practices, procedures, processes, and regulations fundamental.
- Applies knowledge of data collection techniques involving the selection and preparation of specific technical methods and procedures to produce well-defined data pertaining to the operation being studied.
- Enter data into financial systems and corrects invalid or incorrect entries.
- Performs a full range of research analyses assignments involving the collection, selection, and routine analysis of data.
- Assist in the preparation of recurring and special reports.
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S Citizen or National
- This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
- Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
- Suitable for Federal employment
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time or half-time student.
- Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Must maintain student eligibility for the duration of internship.
Qualifications
Requirements:
- Enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment as a full-time or half-time (Half-time basis is defined by the academic institution that the student is enrolled or accepted into) student into an accredited college or university in a qualifying degree-seeking program, or enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment in a qualifying certificate program;
- Students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) at time of application and must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA throughout the entire Pathways Student Trainee Internship appointment to remain in the Program;
- Applicants MUST submit a transcript or proof of enrollment with the online application (see Required Documents for additional details).
- Please Note: If you are graduating from your current academic program prior to September 2022 you will not be eligible for this student appointment unless you are accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution seeking an ADDITIONAL qualifying degree, diploma, certificate, etc., OR an advanced degree. You MUST submit proof of acceptance along with your current transcripts for consideration.
- If selected, must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement; be able to furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and be able to provide verification of academic status (official transcript) at the end of each academic term.
The following are preferred degree categories:
- Operations Research
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Actuarial Science
- Management Science
- Industrial Engineering
- Data Analytics
- Statistics & Probability
- Economics
- Mathematics
NOTE: The degree does not have to be related to the position/series to participate in the internship. However, to be eligible for a conversion, candidate must meet the agency-developed or OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern MAY be converted.
In addition, conversion to an Operations Research Analyst is contingent on meeting the basic education requirement. Basic Requirements: Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
In addition to meeting the above requirement, applicants must meet one of the following minimum qualifications:
A. Two years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation, or the equivalent, is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the general experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
NOTE: If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".
OR
B. One year of generalized experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. General experience is defined as: progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY: Upon successful completion of their academic program and the internship program, interns may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service consistent with agency needs, academic achievement, and demonstrated potential. Conversion potential for this opportunity is up to the {G12} full performance level. However, future budgetary events, hiring restrictions, conversion caps, or other events may preclude the conversion or conversion to a position with the full potential performance level. Individuals converted to a position in the competitive service may be subjected to participation in an agency formal development program{
Education
Undergraduate Credit Information: 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is equal to 1 academic year above high school.
For Study at a Business or Technical School: 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school.
You MUST provide proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information about acceptable documentation: Transcripts and Certifications.
Education MUST be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.