Student & Recent Graduates Employment Opportunities

The Federal Housing Finance Agency seeks energetic, highly motivated students to apply to our student and recent graduates positions.  Selected students will become part of a team that helps stabilize the nation's housing market and makes significant contributions to FHFA's mission.  Students will have the opportunities to receive on the job training, exposure to a small fast-paced environment, and gain valuable experience. 

Current Opportunities

​FHFA offers student employment opportunities through the Pathways Program.  There are three components of Pathways:

1. Internship Program

Paid internships for students who are currently enrolled in a degree seeking program at an accredited school.  

FHFA hires Interns pursuing degrees in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Law, Business Administration, Computer Science, Human Resources etc. for the following positions:

• Examination and Financial Support Trainee
• Information Technology Trainee
• Legal Trainee
• Program Support Trainee

FHFA Requirements for Internship are as follows:

• Must be a U.S Citizen (FHFA may also appoint non-citizens that are permanent residents or authorized to work)
• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must be enrolled at least part-time in a degree -seeking program
• Completed 2 years of Post High school education or Associate Degree
• Must have cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Suitable for Federal Employment as determined by a background investigation

FHFA offers competitive salaries to student Interns.  Salary ranges from $16 to $20 per hour.  The period to apply for an internship is typically in January.  Vacancy announcements are posted on FHFA's website at www.fhfa.gov/careers and on the US government website at www.usajobs.gov.

Program Administration:

• FHFA may hire Interns on a temporary basis for up to one year for an initial period, or for an indefinite period while an intern is completing educational requirements.
• Interns may work either Part or Full-time.
• FHFA will sign a participant agreement with the interns that sets forth the expectations for the Internship. Interns may be eligible for conversion to a permanent position after completion of the program​

2. Recent Graduate Program

This program provides developmental experiences in the federal government. It is intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who, within the previous two years, graduated from qualifying educational institutions with an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate.

Eligibility:

• Recent graduates who have completed an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years
• Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to a military service obligation, have as many as six years after completion of a degree to apply

Program Administration:

• FHFA will administer  the Recent Graduates Program
• FHFA will sign a participant agreement with the Recent Graduate that sets forth the expectations for the program
• FHFA will provide OPM with information regarding opportunities and post information publicly on www.usajobs.gov. 

For employment opportunities for recent graduates please visit www.fhfa.gov/careers or www.usajobs.gov

3.  Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program

The PMF is a leadership development program for entry-level employees with advanced degrees.  The program is designed to develop a cadre of potential federal government leaders

Eligibility:

• Individuals who have completed within the past two years, a qualifying advanced degree (e.g., masters or professional degree) or who will meet advanced degree requirements by August 31 of the year following the annual application announcement
• An individual may apply for the PMF Program more than once as long as he or she meets the eligibility criteria.  However, if an individual becomes a Finalist and subsequently applies for the PMF Program during the next open announcement, the individual will forfeit his or her status as a Finalist

Program Administration:

• The PMF Program is centrally administered by the PMF Program Office within the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
• OPM announces the opportunity to apply for the PMF Program (usually in the late summer or early fall) on www.pmf.gov and www.usajobs.gov websites
• Applicants go through a rigorous assessment process to determine Finalists
• OPM selects Finalists based on an evaluation of each candidate's experience and accomplishments according to his or her application and results of the assessments
• OPM publishes and provides agencies with the list of Finalists
• Agencies provide OPM with information about their PMF opportunities and can post PMF appointment opportunities for those who are Finalists on the PMF website year-round. In addition, a job fair is typically held for Finalists each year
• Finalists who obtain an appointment as a PMF serve in a two-year excepted service position

For more on information Pathway please visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/students-recent-graduates or contact Dawn Barnes, FHFA Pathways Officer at Dawn.Barnes@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3637.

4.  Research Assistant (RA) Program

Selected candidates will serve as a RA in a two-year program working closely with senior level economists providing economic research and critical support for policy analysis. The program would be well-suited for somebody who hopes to pursue a PhD program in finance, economics, or a related field. Ideal candidates demonstrate an interest in academic research and how the RA mentorship program will advance their long-term career goals.

Eligibility:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Individuals have a qualifying degree (Bachelors or Masters in economics, finance, or a related quantitative field), experience in data analysis or applied methods, and an interest in developing research-related skills.
• Willing to participate in a two-year terminal program.

Program Administration:

• Selected candidates will serve as a RA in a two-year program working closely with senior level economists providing economic research and critical support for policy analysis.
• Mentors will help oversee the participant’s progress and offer feedback throughout the program.
• The first year involves training with data, computer systems, and programming skills.
• The second year focuses on developing and conducting research with mentors.

RAs enjoy all the standard federal benefits plus additional agency-specific benefits and competitive salaries not tied to the traditional Governments General Schedule pay system.

For more information, please contact William Doerner at William.Doerner@fhfa.gov.

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