Air Force Civilian Service Internships: Launching Your Career

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) offers a variety of internship programs designed to provide students and recent graduates with invaluable experience and pave the way for a rewarding career in public service. These programs cater to diverse academic backgrounds and career interests, offering opportunities in fields ranging from science and engineering to finance and contracting. Whether you're a current student or a recent graduate, the Air Force and Space Force offer programs to help you develop skills and advance your career.

Opportunities for Current Students

Several programs are specifically tailored for students currently enrolled in college, providing them with hands-on experience and potential pathways to full-time employment after graduation.

Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC)

The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) is a new ROTC-type program for civilians wishing to work for the Space Force but not in a military capacity following completion of college. This program operates through collaboration between the DoD and academia. Currently there are partnerships with four universities (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Purdue University, The University of Arizona, and Virginia Tech University). With partnerships with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and other DoD organizations, DCTC is able to provide scholars with student internships, DoD challenge projects, and future DoD employment.

University Partnership Program (UPP)

The Space Force established the University Partnership Program (UPP) to recruit, educate, and develop competent and diverse Guardians and engage in research and technology to secure the nation’s interests and maintain its advantage in space. The UPP has four specific objectives; establish opportunities, pursue research, establish scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities, and recruit. Currently, the UPP has partnerships with 14 universities (Arizona State University, Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Howard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Purdue University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of North Dakota, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Texas at El Paso). The UPP’s objective with these strategic partnerships is to create opportunities for advanced academic degrees (AAD) and workforce development for all Guardians (officer, enlisted, and civilian).

Premier College Internship Program (PCIP)

The Air Force Premier College Summer Intern Program is designed to attract degree-seeking college students currently enrolled full-time, in good academic standing, and interested in civilian employment opportunities. The Premier College Internship Program (PCIP) targets individuals who are seeking a dynamic career with the Air Force Civilian Service in a variety of career fields by gaining real-world experience. Sustained by recruiting and selecting high-caliber candidates to train them to become competent, effective, and productive employees, the PCIP provides training and developmental opportunities necessary to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities predictive of successful performance. As a paid, full-time intern, you’ll work in a collaborative workplace that values professional growth and experience.

This is a full-time paid summer internship lasting 10-12 weeks during the summer session prior to their senior year. The paid 12-week internship at either a General Schedule GS-04 or GS-05 pay scale, occurs during the summer following their junior year (before heading into senior year). Over the 10 to 12 week paid summer internship, you'll work side by side with current AFCS and military professionals, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and making tangible contributions to real-world projects in support of the Department of the Air Force and its critical mission. We'll help you tap into your creativity and ambition to tackle challenges, both known and unforeseen.

Opportunities are in career fields such as Financial Management, Engineering, Program Management, Logistics, Human Resources, Contracting, and more.

You must upload/submit all required documents in order to be considered, i.e., Resume, All transcripts (we will accept unofficial), DD 214, Veterans Award Letter and SF 15 (if applicable). Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART)

Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) provides students within the fields of Science, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) the tools to improve their education and land a promising career with the Space Force. SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students pursuing a STEM degree. With full-time scholarships available, SMART students can focus on their needed research to advance in their career as a civilian employee. The SMART Program provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students with the tools needed to pursue higher education and begin a career with the DoD. With a full scholarship, students pursuing STEM degrees will be able to focus on complex research to further the DoD’s mission and create lasting impact.

SMART is a one-for-one commitment; for every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working for a year with the Department of Defense (DoD) as a civilian employee. Summer internships prepare scholars for full-time employment and get them accustomed to working with the DoD.

Read also: Interning with the US Air Force

Opportunities for Recent Graduates

For those who have recently completed their studies, the Air Force Civilian Service offers several programs designed to provide comprehensive training and development, leading to fulfilling careers.

Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program

The Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program is a full-time, two- to four-year paid training program for graduates interested in positions within Special Investigations, Operations, Intel, Financial Management or Science and Engineering. The Palace Acquire (PAQ) program is a formal three-year training and career development program with opportunities for employment across the country. Bachelor of Science graduates undergo a three-year development and training program, which includes one year of graduate studies relating to selected STEM disciplines. Full-time, paid graduate studies are undertaken with full salary and federal employee benefits.

The PAQ program is a formal 2-3 year training and career development track for recent graduates. PAQ is a paid, full-time, two to three-year training program for graduates interested in Science and Engineering, Financial Management, Cyber/IT, Civil Engineering, Intel, and more. Your training includes promotions and yearly salary increases based on performance and supervisor approval. Upon successful completion of the training plan, you'll be offered a permanent position at AFCS, making it the perfect vehicle to launch the career you've worked so hard for.

Intelligence PAQs will attend a seven-month intelligence officer training at Goodfellow Air Force Base, support real-world missions and receive annual promotions. 100 percent tuition assistance toward a graduate degree while in the program (reimbursement may not exceed $900 per semester hour or $600 per quarter hour. PAQ applications are accepted May through June for positions.

Copper Cap (COP) Program

The Copper Cap (COP) Program is designed for aspiring Contract Specialists with hands-on training that covers every facet of managing contracts, including requirements definition, market research, price justification, solicitation preparation, negotiation and award, and contract administration. COP is the Air Force Civilian Service’s comprehensive training program for developing Contract Specialists for permanent positions at AFCS. It provides you with immersive on-the-job training, working alongside AFCS and military Contracting Officers who will train you in every aspect of contract management, including market research, requirements definition, solicitation preparation, price justification, negotiation and award, and administration of contracts. You’ll work at the heart of the complex process of supplying and sustaining the Air Force and Space Force with everything from satellites, electronics, and high-performance aircraft to supplies and services necessary for the day-to-day operation of military installations around the world.

Read also: Modern Learning Platform

Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program

The Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program is a flagship leadership development program at the entry level for advanced degree candidates. It was created more than three decades ago by Executive Order and has gone through many changes over the years. The program attracts and selects the best candidates possible, but is really designed with a narrower focus - developing a cadre of potential government leaders. It provides some sustenance during the first years of employment and encourages the development of leadership capabilities. The PMF Program inculcates a lasting bond as well as a spirit of public service, ultimately encouraging and leading to a career in the government.

Each year, candidates apply to the program in an effort to be selected as Finalists. Finalists are then eligible for appointment as PMFs. To become a PMF, you must participate in a rigorous, multi-hurdle process. It takes patience and endurance but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your leadership ability and potential. As a PMF, you will have earned your place in the program and the opportunity to grow professionally, serve your country, and make a difference.

Additional Civilian Opportunities

Beyond internships and recent graduate programs, the Air Force Civilian Service offers various opportunities for professional development and advancement for its civilian workforce.

Civilian Leadership Development School

The Civilian Leadership Development School is a selective program that provides professional development opportunities for civilian Space Force personnel. Training is provided in focused self-competencies, to target audience training, to workshops and self-paced learning.

Civilian Associate Degree Program

The Civilian Associate Degree Program provides an opportunity for civilians who have never been awarded an associate’s degree or higher an opportunity to improve their skills in areas critical for the work center, such as team building, problem solving, followership, leadership, conflict resolution, and professionalism in the Department of the Air Force.

Civilian Tuition Assistance Program (CTAP)

The Civilian Tuition Assistance Program (CTAP) is available for all permanent and full-time Appropriated Fund or APF (General Schedule and Wage Grade) employees with an acceptable performance appraisal. CTAP supports a degree plan above the employee’s highest achieved education level. CTAP provides up to 75% (100% for PAQs) tuition, laboratory and other instructional fees required as a condition of enrollment not to exceed $250 per semester hour or $166 per quarter hour and will be limited to $4,500 per fiscal year. As a paid, full-time intern, you’ll work in a collaborative workplace that values professional growth and experience. You’ll be eligible for tuition assistance, student loan repayment, paid post-graduate studies, an attractive sign-on bonus for certain positions, as well as competitive compensation and other generous perks like federal health insurance, federal retirement benefits, and paid federal holidays.

Schreiver Space Scholars Program - Intermediate Level Education (ILE)

The Schreiver Space Scholars Program - Intermediate Level Education (ILE) is a highly selective Space Force program designed for military officers, government civilians, and partner nation students through a tailored track within the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Master of International Public Policy degree, offered in-residence at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC. This unique one-year master’s program annually selects a group of talented, strategic-level military officers, government civilians from multiple agencies, and partner nation military officers to participate in this distinctive curriculum leading to a Master in International Public Policy (MIPP) degree.

West Space Scholars Program - Senior Level Education (SLE)

The West Space Scholars Program - Senior Level Education (SLE) is another highly competitive Space Force program designed for military officers, government civilians, and partner nation students through a tailored track within the Johns Hopkins SAIS Master of International Public Policy degree, offered in-residence at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC.

Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

The Air Force Civilian Service is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, and actively seeks to recruit and retain individuals with disabilities.

Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

You won’t find a greater champion of persons with disabilities than AFCS. Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a federal program connecting employers with qualified candidates with disabilities for temporary employment and potentially permanent positions. The program provides invaluable federal work experience to those who qualify, offering the potential of securing permanent positions upon completion of the program. The Air Force and Space Force seeks to build upon the strengths and abilities of all individuals to create a workforce that’s capable and passionate about public service. Which is why we’ve partnered with the Department of Labor and the Department of Defense to implement the WRP. The WRP's goal is to recruit, train, and retain persons with disabilities in the federal workforce. If you’re a student or recent graduate with a disability, you know better than most just how much you have to contribute - if only given the chance. You’ll be encouraged to know that you’re not alone in your determination to overcome challenges. The Air Force Civilian Service shares your commitment to ensuring that disability is never a barrier to success.

Your college or university must be participating in the WRP program. Proof of disability/Schedule A Memorandum. Resume and transcript(s) to support experience and education as appropriate.

Benefits of AFCS Internships

Participating in an AFCS internship offers numerous benefits, setting you up for a successful career:

Real-world experience: Gain hands-on experience working alongside AFCS and military professionals on real-world projects, making tangible contributions to the Department of the Air Force mission.
Career development: Develop valuable skills and knowledge in your chosen field, enhancing your career prospects.
Training and mentorship: Receive comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced professionals, guiding your professional growth.
Potential for full-time employment: Many programs offer the potential for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position upon successful completion of the program.
Federal benefits: As a full-time employee, you'll be eligible for federal health insurance, federal retirement benefits, tuition assistance, and student loan repayment (for those who qualify).
Competitive compensation: Receive competitive compensation and scheduled raises based on performance.

How to Apply

To be considered for an AFCS internship, it is crucial to carefully review the specific requirements and application procedures for each program. Generally, you will need to submit:

Resume
Transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be accepted)
DD 214 (if applicable)
Veterans Award Letter (if applicable)
SF 15 (if applicable)
Proof of disability/Schedule A Memorandum (for WRP applicants)

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