Social Security began as the innovative answer to a challenging question--how can those in need find some financial peace of mind?
As you begin your career, you have a daunting question facing you-
How can I find a job that matches my interests and talents where I can make a real difference in the world and feel good about my accomplishments?
Social Security may be the answer.
We have challenging work and diverse career fields. Our work touches the lives of people you know, and we make a difference each and every day! We feel good about that… and you will too!
This page is:
PATHWAYS IS COMING
Choose your path:
Don’t wait until you've graduated to get started on your career! Are you looking for a chance to expand your work experience and build on your academic skills? Get a head start on your career at the Social Security with on-the-job experience that even the best classes can’t provide.
Student programs are open to students in academic, technical, or vocational programs.
Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)
STEP provides an opportunity for you to gain work experience through an internship. Your work experience must relate to your academic major. Examples of related fields of study include: Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Economics, Information Systems, Law, Office Automation. Internships can last for one summer or continue during your academic career. You are eligible for internships as long as you remain a student.
Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
SCEP also offers valuable work experience directly related to your major. Designed for college degree-seeking students it can lead to permanent placement in professional, administrative, and technical positions throughout SSA if successful and upon graduation. Periods of work and study are integrated into the program.
Volunteer Internship Program (VIP)
As a student volunteer, you are given educationally-related work assignments to supplement your academic studies. Internships can earn academic credit(s) based on your school’s program requirements. Normally volunteer internships do not exceed one semester or quarter; however, it may be set longer if academic reasons justify an extension. A written internship agreement outlines assignments and is completed by you, your school, and SSA.
Federal Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for College Students with Disabilities
The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP) is a resource coordinated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Department of Defense. The program connects public and private sector employers with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to show their abilities in the workforce. SSA uses WRP to fill temporary and full-time positions in a variety of fields. If you are interested, inquire at your school’s disability services or career services coordinator. For more information about the WRP, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/brochures/wrp1.html.
IT’S YOUR CALL!
After four years of dorms, professors and books, it's your turn to call the shots when it comes to your career search.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Browse through the Social Security Career Paths, located at the top right hand side navigation menu of the Home page, and check out some of our most exciting and challenging entry-level and professional career options.
- Visit the Office of Personnel Management's Resource Center web page. Get the scoop on everything you need to know about what jobs relate to your major and interests.
- Take the time to create an account that will enable you to create and save several versions of your government resume. We also encourage you to create Saved Searches that will notify you of future posted vacancies that interest you.
- Use our Search & Apply to see the current openings at Social Security!
Presidential Management Fellows Program
The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is designed to attract outstanding graduate, law, or doctoral-level students from a wide variety of academic disciplines to federal service. Social Security is known for its outstanding program that allows Fellows to explore several areas of career interest during rotational assignments over two years. Participants receive training and take part in a wide array of career enhancing activities. Successful program completion can lead to permanent placement within Social Security. Inquire at your school career services center to explore this exciting program.
Graduate students should check out the Presidential Management Fellows Program.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the official sponsoring agency for the Federal PMF Program. As the program sponsor, OPM is solely responsible for processing, screening, and selecting finalists for the PMF Program each year. Specific details about the PMF application and selection process are located on OPM’s PMF Program website.
Each year, Social Security reviews the list of PMF finalists to find promising individuals to join our agency. Over the past several years, Social Security has hired more than 100 PMF to work in field operations throughout the country and in Headquarters’ offices such as the Office of Disability, the Office of Budget, the Office of Systems, and the Office of Policy.
Please see the following resources for more information about Social Security’s PMF Program: