Skip Navigation

UMGC Career Connection Fall Career Pathways to the Federal Government

Samantha Mitchell
By Samantha Mitchell

August through September marks the opening of two student and recent alumni opportunities into the federal government, the Workforce Recruitment Program and the Presidential Management Fellowship Program. Continue below to learn more about the programs and eligibility requirements.

Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

WRP is a one-year recruitment and referral program that connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students, graduate students, and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.

The application is open between August 26, 2024 – October 15, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Full-time undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities, or recent graduates with a disability who received a postsecondary degree on or after April 1, 2022 from a U.S. accredited college or university.
  • Candidates must be U.S. citizens, and
  • Eligible for the federal Schedule A Hiring Authority.

Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF)

PMF is the Federal Government’s premiere leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. It is a two-year full-time fellowship with salary and benefits leading to a career in Federal Service. Initial appointments to jobs start at the GS-9/11/12 level or equivalent, with promotion potential up to GS-13.

The application is open between September 4, 2024 - September 18, 2024 at noon ET.  

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Current students or recent graduates with Advanced Degrees (e.g., Master’s, Professional, or Doctorate) from accredited institutions worldwide.
    • Current graduate students will need to complete all their advanced degree requirements by August 31, 2025.
    • Recent graduates must have completed their advanced degrees between September 12, 2022 - September 12, 2024.
  • U.S. Citizens, those legally able to work in the U.S., and current Federal employees may apply provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

What is needed for your PMF application?

  1. Resume in any format that includes all the required elements. This DOES NOT need to be a federal resume.
  2. Transcript (and/or alternative letter) that proves the applicant either has earned or is going to earn an advanced degree within the appointment eligibility timeframe.
  3. Supporting documentation for any claims to veterans’ preference and/or reasonable accommodations for the assessment process.
  4. Online assessment in two parts: FBAT and FSAT.

For more information, please review the PMF Handbook. Also, subscribe to the PMF listserv for application date reminders and notifications on upcoming program information sessions.

Strategies for Successful Applications to WRP and PMF

Add the application dates to your calendar/planner and set alerts:

  • WRP opens August 26, 2024 and closes October 15, 2024. 
  • PMF opens September 4, 2024 and closes September 18, 2024 at noon ET.

Visit the main websites to learn more about the programs and review the provided information: 

Attend a USAJOBS development webinar to understand the Federal hiring process.

Update your resume using feedback from UMGC’s VMock tool and add core comptency examples. For additional support, you can schedule an appointment with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist to discuss your career pathway.