I would love to write about my experience thus far with the State Department, however I haven't actually started yet. I won't be officially be starting until October 7th and will work for 10 consecutive weeks from that point.
Since I haven't officially started and therefore don't have any real experiences to talk about, I figure I'll discuss what the application, interview, and background check processes were like. After all, I have been dealing with rigorous pre-orientation details for pretty much all summer. Federal Government is very meticulous. Actually, Meticulous would be putting it lightly.
This isn't a bad thing by any means, it's actually a great thing that helps keep balance. When I first applied for the State Department Internship the actual application was extremely long. I must have spent upwards of two weeks completing it. When it comes to Federal jobs you want to answer everything to the best of your ability. I also had to go through a specific government job website called USA jobs, I'm sure many of you have heard of this site. After I completed that part of the application, I had to do almost an entirely new one on the State Department's official website, so in a way I filled out two lengthy applications with an intense statement of interest to accompany them. Speaking of which, it is crucial to write your statement of interest to the best of your ability. This is what employers such as the State Department view the most when reviewing applications.
After I had submitted everything it didn't take long to hear back, about 4 weeks to be exact. I went through two different interviews with two different departments, both within the Bureau of Public Affairs. Although it was nerve racking, the people I dealt with (one of whom will be my supervisor) were very friendly and relatable. Sometimes big government gets a reputation of being stiff and serious constantly, so it was nice to see that individuals seemed approachable and friendly. That was a huge relief.
Perhaps the most intense aspect of my hiring process was the comprehensive background check I had to go through. Some have probably heard of the thorough security checks potential Federal Government employees have to go through. This is no exaggeration, my background check packet took me literally 12 straight hours to fill out and that was just because I wanted to get it over with. I had to list all of my previous residences, close friends growing up, just about all my previous supervisors with specific contact information, and I had to physically send multiple documents for review. There was so much more, but let me assure you it IS time consuming. Despite the time to fill it out, I heard back fairly quickly and all that was left was to decide when I would actually start my internship and what I would be doing. This went on for a little while, and I am finally ready to begin. I'll be flying out to DC in only 11 days! I can't wait.
I'm applying for an internship with the City of Phoenix and will be undergoing a fingerprinting tomorrow, but the city's process is nothing compared to what you described. The federal government doesn't play around!
ReplyDeleteThat being said, congratulations on getting such a prestigious internship!
Thanks Daiyaan. That completely reminds me that I forgot to mention I also had to get fingerprinted for this internship.
DeleteThanks for the comment!
Even though I've gone through multiple background checks for my internship with Scottsdale Police and an application process for City of Mesa Police, I too have been warned about the federal backgrounds! I have had a pretty strong interest in a career with the FBI and I have been told to apply 6 months to a year early simply because of how thorough those backgrounds can be.
ReplyDeleteEven with Mesa Police it took tons of questions, hours and weeks of interviews, and contacting a large web of people as character interviews.
It's a great relief to know that you do well on such a difficult background process, and just think, you know what to do in the future for any other employers who might need the same data! Hopefully you saved the information! It makes it easier on future background packets!
That's great that you wish to work for the FBI, I too am interested in a career there. The 6 months to a year rule is definitely true, you have to get in early if you want any chance as I'm sure you know.
DeleteYou have quite a resume though! Scottsdale Police?! That must have been a great experience!
Thanks for the comment :)
Good brief on the extensive process of federal background checks. Applying six months to a year in advance for a position is no joke and great advice to anyone considering a position in federal government, which applies to many of us I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your perseverance. I wonder if the hiring process is this intensive for all departments or just those that deal with national security?
I can't wait to hear more about your experiences navigating through the federal bureaucracy. Don't be shy to share more insights with us. They're definitely appreciated.
Thanks Josue! I think the hiring process is at least this intense and probably even more intense in departments that deal with national security.
DeleteThanks for the comment! I'll be sure to share more advice and stories about my federal government experience.
Hi Travis!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for your internship and your perseverance for all the process you went through until you finally got it!
When I was in college, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I had a friend who got an internship in the US embassy, and I remember she telling me all the background check she had to go through and also had to fill out a lot of specific information as you mention in your post.
Good luck in your beginning!