Interning Remotely with the Virtual Student Federal Service

Interning Remotely with the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)

What is the VSFS? The U. S. government’s Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program provides students with the chance to make a real impact on government work, while also gaining vital job experience and connections with federal employees. With over 1, 200 virtual internship positions across 50 federal agencies, you can apply to intern remotely for up to 10 hours per week during the Fall and Winter terms—wherever you’re located. Students work on projects that advance government policies, programs, and services in a variety of areas, such as human rights monitoring, digital communications, mapping, economic and political reporting, data analysis, graphic design, and app building.

Eligibility Information Requirements ● Current college student (can be full time or part time) ● Must be a U. S. citizen Additional Information ● VSFS is open to every major/minor and no government security clearance or background check is required for participation in VSFS. ● Students who will graduate in December are still eligible for VSFS but must be able to commit to entire internship timeframe (September 2020 - May 2021). Equal Opportunity Employer ● Discrimination based on race religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability is prohibited. Students from all backgrounds to apply. Students with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations necessary to do their work, as required by the ADA.

VSFS Program Details Time Commitment ● Interns work for 10 hours per week (unpaid). ● Internships begin in September and end in May. Work Location & Flexibility ● Work hours are flexible with interns able to set their own schedule. Many students complete their work outside of the standard 8 -5 workday and from whichever locations are most convenient for them. Incentives ● While VSFS doesn’t provide credit for internships, students are encouraged to check with their college/university to see if they can secure credit from their institution. Interns also have access to dedicated mentorship and networking through VSFS as well as opportunities to develop their professional project portfolios.

Examples of Participating Agencies Department of State Environmental Protection Agency for International Development (USAID) National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration National Science Foundation Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)

Examples of Agencies cont. Economic Development & Infrastructure ● Department of Transportation ● Department of the Treasury ● Small Business Administration Science & Health ● Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ● Indian Health Service ● Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Administration & Human Resources ● Department of Labor ● General Services Administration (GSA) ● Federal Student Aid Environment & Natural Resources ● Department of the Interior ● National Parks Service ● United States Geological Survey (USGS) Education ● Department of Education ● Education. USA Law & National Security ● Department of Justice (DOJ) ● Department of Defense (Do. D)

2020 VSFS Project Examples Department of the Treasury: International Affairs - South & Southeast Asia ● Help develop foreign economic policy for 20 countries with a mix of market conditions. Includes data collection and economic analysis. Centers for Disease Control: Making Virtual Reality User Friendly ● Develop and test an interface that enables new users to effectively interact with virtual reality devices. Includes coding, research, software development. Department of State’s Bureau of Population and Migration: Visual Content Creator ● Create social media infographics and digital campaigns to highlight US humanitarian assistance efforts. Includes design, storytelling, social media. Department of State: Researcher for Iraqi Kurdistan Human Rights ● Conduct research on current and historical political developments in Iraqi Kurdistan to inform US-Iraq relations. Political analysis and analytical writing.

VSFS Application Process

Application Timeline May - June ● ● Agencies submit projects Students set up USAJOBS account (takes a few hours to do!) Create USAJOBS resume (MUST use resume builder tool!) Get copy of your transcript July ● ● 2020 -21 projects posted on VSFS website VSFS vacancy posted on USAJOBS Students apply to top three projects Confirmation of application by Aug 1 st* * Email VSFS@state. gov if you do not receive confirmation of application

Application Timeline Cont. August ● ● Applications reviewed Additional materials requested Interviews held Students notified of selection by Aug 31 st September ● Projects begin after Labor Day and within the first two weeks of September

Application Materials Required Materials for the VSFS Application ● ● Resume USAJOBS resume builder copy. No references required or accepted. Statement of Interest 2500 characters (not words) max. Must cover all 3 chosen projects and describe your interest in each. ● Transcript Official or unofficial is fine! Possible Additional Materials Requested by Employer ● Writing Samples The length and prompt may vary depending on the employer. ● Design Portfolio For graphic design and marketing positions employers may request a portfolio of past work.

How to Apply For a tutorial on how to apply, visit: https: //vsfs. state. gov/how-to-apply 1. Set up a USAJOBS account at usajobs. gov Click the sign-in button located upper righthand corner to create an account and follow the prompts. 2. Complete your profile 3. Build your resume You MUST use the resume builder tool. Do not just upload a PDF copy of a resume. If you do so, your application will not be considered. 4. Select up to 3 projects to apply to (listed on vsfs. state. gov) 5. Search for “VSFS Vacancy Announcement” on USAJobs 6. Complete your application

Statement of Interest Maximum length is 2500 characters (3/4 page, single-spaced) Education & Future Goals ● What are you studying? ● How do your studies connect to your future career goals? Required Skills/Languages Project Interest ● Why are you interested in each of the 3 projects you’ve chosen? ● How have you acquired or demonstrated the required skills? ● Think about passion, skilldevelopment, knowledge, connections ● How are you developing the required skills? Why do you want the chance to develop them?

Application Strategy ● Select projects that: ○ You have a strong interest in ○ You are qualified for ○ Have a similar focus or required skills ● Check applicant numbers ○ Displayed in USAJOBS portal ○ Fewer applicants = higher likelihood of interview ● Emphasize interests and skills in materials ○ Students not selected for top three projects may still receive interview offers for projects they’re qualified for

Are You Ready for Remote Work and/or a Virtual Internship?

Are you ready for a virtual internship? Do you have the time? ● These virtual internships take place during the school year. Be sure to consider if you have the capacity before applying. How do you manage your time? ● Do you have a tendency to procrastinate? Virtual internships require accountability and a strong ability to work independently. What tools will you need to succeed? ● How familiar are you with video chat platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and/or Zoom? Be Present ● Designate work hours, create a dedicated work space, and avoid browsing Reddit and Tik. Tok while trying to get work done. Be Patient ● You won’t have the luxury of walking down the hall to ask a question so be prepared for a feedback day. Don’t Ghost ● If your supervisor sends you an email/message, don’t keep them waiting!

Have questions? Contact Alma alumnus and Career Ambassador Matt Yettaw '15. Matt (he/him) serves as the Virtual Internship Program Coordinator for the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Email at: yettawmh@umich. edu