There is great news for students interested in federal careers! On Dec. 31, 2011, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, a measure which includes language that will make it easier for students to find federal internships. The law contains the following provisions:- Requires federal agencies to designate an internship coordinator and post the name and contact information for that coordinator online.
- Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide links to information about all federal internship programs on a central website.
- Report language accompanying the new law encourages OPM to develop a centralized database of interns so that agencies can look to this pool to fill job openings. It also suggests that agencies conduct exit interviews and surveys when interns leave so they will have data to help them improve their internship programs.
These provisions originally were part of a bill introduced last year by Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.), and complement current efforts by the Obama administration to improve student programs. The Partnership for Public Service believes the new law is a positive step, and we will continue to work with Congress and the administration on efforts to further strengthen student internship programs. Read more in the Partnership’s press statement.