The DOE's Student Experience Program is a non-paid opportunity that offers students hands-on experiential learning. These opportunities help students develop skills for today's workforce while gaining insight into DOE's exciting mission. Participating students may be eligible for stipends or academic credit from their educational institution.
Program Benefits
- Networking opportunities
- Valuable work experience
- Personal and professional development
- Early career exploration
Experiential Opportunities
The Department works to tailor each student’s experience to their interests and skills. DOE offers opportunities that may include, but are not limited to, the following careers:
- Communication
- Cybersecurity
- Human Resources Management
- Information Technology
- Law
- Policy
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Public Affairs
- Personnel Security
- Safety & Occupational Health
Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet all the following criteria:
- Be enrolled not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, college or university, or other accredited educational institution.
- Obtain and maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Secure permission to participate from the student’s educational institution.
- Commit to a program between 8 - 16 weeks in length (based on semester).
If selected, you must complete a OF 306 Form-Declaration for Federal Employment, Student Experience Agreement Form, schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and photo and appear in person with two forms of valid identification, and successfully complete a background investigation.
Once a student is placed in the Student Experience Program, the host office may request to extend their time if program eligibility requirements are met. The experiential assignment ends at the time of graduation or withdrawal from school, at the student’s request, or at the host office’s request.
Participating students are required to maintain a course load of at least half-time and must inform DOE if their enrollment status changes, including if they cease to be a student for a period of more than five months.
Program Duration
This program is offered year-round. The assignment may be performed during the school year and/or during summer or school vacation periods, with proof of enrollment. The nature of your assignment, as well as your weekly work schedule, will be part of your student experience agreement.
Application Deadline and Process
PROGRAM DATES AND DEADLINES
| Semester | Internship Period |
| Fall | August - December |
| Spring | January - May |
| Summer | June - August |
To apply for the Student Experience Program, please visit us on Handshake at https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/employers/44165 where the opportunities will be listed. To apply, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A current resume
- Unofficial transcripts showing your grades/GPA
- A letter of enrollment verification
Acceptance of Volunteer Service
Under 5 U.S.C. 3111, a student volunteer is not a Federal employee for any purposes other than injury compensation and law related to the Tort Claims Act. Student participation in the program is on a voluntary basis, and no employee benefits will be provided by DOE. Service with the DOE is not credible for leave or monetary compensation, and we do not provide housing assistance or support. However, students may be eligible for a transportation stipend upon availability.
Partnerships
If you are an accredited education institution and would like to partner with DOE, please contact the Student Experience Program.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the Student Experience Program.