Do
I need a college degree?
You are not required to have a college degree to work for
BPA. To be eligible for participation in the student educational
employment program, you must qualify as a student as defined
above.
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If
I am enrolled in a GED program, am
I eligible for student employment?
Yes, if you are pursuing a GED, you are eligible for student
employment.
What
if my parents work for BPA?
If one or both of your parents are BPA employees, you are
still eligible to work as a student employee. However, parents/relatives
may not advocate employment on your behalf and are prohibited
from assuming a supervisory role or having a direct reporting
relationship with you.
If
I have previously interned with the Federal government,
am I eligible to reapply?
There is no limit to the number of times you can be appointed
as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for student
employment. To Top
When should I apply to work if
I want to work during the summer?
BPA accepts student resumes year round, however managers
start actively hiring for summer jobs as early as March
so consider submitting your resume as early as February.
Different agencies have different application requirements.
Am
I required to take an examination?
No, students are not required to take written tests. To Top
Will
I need a background check?
Normally, you will not be required to have a background
check conducted. However, some excepted service positions
do require a background check.
How many hours per week may I work?
You may work full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer
months or while you are on break. During the academic year,
various schedules exist depending on the program you are
in. Your supervisor will work closely with you to arrange
a work schedule that ccommodate your school schedule.
Can
I attend school and work at the same
time?
BPA’s student employment programs provide students
with an opportunity to obtain work experience while going
to school. You have the flexibility to attend school and
work during the school term or work when school is not in session. To Top
What
are the major advantages of working at
BPA?
There are many benefits for students, but some of the highlights
include:
- A
flexible work schedule which allows you to earn money
while going to school.
-
You earn vacation and sick days, just like a full-time
job.
-
You get on-the-job training.
-
Real world experience expands on your academic studies
while building your résumé.
-
You provide a public service to your country.
- As
a Student Career Experience appointee, you may be eligible
to convert your position into a permanent job.
-
One of the greatest benefits of working for the Federal
government over the long-term is the ability to change
positions and move between agencies.
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Are
students eligible for vacation
and/or sick time (leave)?
Yes, student employees are eligible for vacation time (called
annual leave) and sick time (called sick leave). This time
is earned based on the number of hours you work per week. To Top
Am
I eligible for health insurance, life
insurance and/or retirement benefits?
You may be eligible for these benefits depending on the
program you are in.
Can
BPA pay for all or part of my tuition?
Students employed under the Student Career Experience Program
(SCEP) are eligible for tuition assistance at management’s
discretion to pay all or part of training expenses directly
related to student’s official duties.
Can
BPA help me pay back my student loans?
BPA may pay up to $10,000 per employee per year, to a maximum
of $60,000 total per employee at management’s discretion.
In return, an employee must agree to remain with the paying
agency for at least 3 years. To Top
Can
I be reimbursed for relocation expenses?
No, most student positions do not allow for reimbursement
of relocation expenses. There are a few excepted service
positions that provide some financial assistance.
What
does GS mean?
GS stands for General Schedule. This is the pay system which
most Federal employees fall under. There are also Wage Grade
(WG) and Senior Executive Service (SES) pay schedules. To Top
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