Photo By Kelcy Hanson | Christine Mack, Rock Island District Student Trainee, logs into her computer as part...... read more read more
The thought of finding an internship or job after college can be daunting at times, but the resources available through the federal government and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can help kickstart the journey. Acquiring a permanent career as a civilian employee with Department of the Army can look different for everyone. Paths can include experiential learning, hands-on shadowing, and career broadening assignments.
The USACE Rock Island District is dedicated to hiring and retaining qualified individuals who are ready to serve the nation, and has been successful in helping individuals transition from student to full-time employee through a variety of available programs.
One program students may apply for is the SMART (science, mathematics and research for transformation) Scholar program. This Department of Defense program is designed to provide STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematic) students with the tools needed to pursue higher education and begin a career with the DoD. There are 24 STEM disciplines/majors that qualify for the program. If granted this opportunity, scholars earn annual stipends depending on the degree level, gain invaluable experience during their summer internships and jump-start their careers with guaranteed employment after graduation. Since the beginning of this program, over 50 students from nearby universities have been accepted. The DoD is currently accepting applications and more information may be found at: www.smartscholarship.org.
Another way to join the District is through the internship program as a student trainee. This unique opportunity allows students, from high school through graduate level, to experience the work environment within USACE while still attending school. Upon meeting graduation requirements, the program provides an opportunity for participants to be non-competitively converted into permanent full-time employees. To view a listing of current student trainee positions available, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?hp=student&k=U.S.%20Army%20Corps%20of%20Engineers&p=1.
A third way to enter the workforce is through the federal government’s Pathways Program. This program replaced the Student Career Experience Program and Student Temporary Employment Program that previously existed. The Pathways Program is an exciting opportunity for students attending technical, vocational or trade school, but is also open to other types of schoolings. Students who have successfully completed the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job. For more information about the Pathways Program, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/.
Lastly, the Army Fellows Program (previously known as the Department of Army Intern Program) is intended for recent engineering and science graduates, looking to jump start their career. This DoD funded program is a two year full-time training program that rotates employees through different projects and programs offered at USACE. Although the name may portray this as a temporary intern program, all participants are full-time employees, with full benefits. While advancing through the program, participants are automatically upgraded to the next pay grade each year until completion (GS 7-9-11).
Once an individual is accepted into one of these programs and begins working for the District, a variety of opportunities are provided for them to get involved and start learning about programs and projects.
Some examples from this summer include and a trip to the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program’s Huron Island site, near Burlington Iowa, to plant vegetation as part of their multi-year habitat rehabilitation and enhancement project and a visit to Dresden Island Lock and Dam, near Channahon, Illinois, where they received a tour of the dewatered site and gained a full understanding of the scope of construction taking place this year.
As the District continues building a strong workforce, these programs and opportunities will aid in attracting qualified candidates with talents and skills needed for the future. This vital for the civilian and military professionals within the organization to ensure the mission and vision is executed daily.
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.20.2023 11:27 |
| Story ID: | 453863 |
| Location: | IL, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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