Paid Internships for Veterans: A Pathway to Civilian Careers

The transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging, but paid internship programs offer a valuable bridge for veterans seeking to apply their skills and gain new experiences. These programs recognize the unique strengths that military personnel already possess, aligning their interests and experiences with positions that interest them in the civilian workforce. This article explores various paid internship opportunities available to veterans, highlighting the benefits and pathways they provide.

Opportunities Across Government Agencies

Several government agencies offer internship programs specifically designed for veterans, recognizing their valuable skills and experience. These programs provide veterans with opportunities to gain experience in various fields while contributing to the nation's security and well-being.

Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Wounded Warrior Program (WWP)

The DIA established its Wounded Warrior Program (WWP) in 2009 to support the Intelligence Community Wounded Warrior Program (ICWWP). This program is specifically designed for Wounded Warriors, offering them internship opportunities where they can utilize their strong research, analytical, and technical skills. As DIA Wounded Warrior interns, veterans can work in diverse roles such as intelligence officers, scientists, engineers, information technology specialists, acquisition specialists, human resource professionals, and public affairs specialists.

The average length of the temporary assignment is 3-6 months for an average of 20 hours per week. The IC Wounded Warrior Internship Program aligns with the DoD'S Operation Warfighter program and the 17 IC agencies. ICWWP identifies and places wounded warriors in a variety of types of internships across the IC based on their military skill sets and interests. ICWWP hosts several annual outreach events for warriors to interact with participating agencies and learn about internships opportunities. ICWWP is a voluntary program, which provides warriors with professional skills and experience that facilitates their transition from military to civilian workforce.

To be eligible for the ICWWP, candidates must successfully complete a security background investigation, counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination, and drug screening.

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Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pathways Internship Program

The Pathways Internship Program allows students, including veterans, to join the VA in career positions that emphasize long-term training and development. Veterans can find available VA Pathways Internship positions through USAJOBS Student Jobs. Pathways internship qualifications vary by career field.

Through Pathways Internships, students have the opportunity to learn about various career paths, earn a competitive salary while continuing their education, and contribute to the larger mission of VA in a meaningful way. Participants in the Pathways Internship Program who successfully complete internship requirements may also be eligible for conversion to a term or full-time position.

U.S. Army Student Internship Program (SIP)

The Student Internship Program (SIP) exposes current students, including veterans, to the Army Civilian Corps and career opportunities, with an emphasis on STEM and mission-critical occupations. The DOW College Acquisition Internship Program (DCAIP) provides an opportunity for Army acquisition organizations to hire eligible college students for a 10-week paid summer internship.

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Intern Program

The DFAS Intern Program is a paid summer internship that provides developmental opportunities and career exploration experiences to college students who are interested in pursuing a civilian federal career upon completion of their academic program.

Opportunities in Healthcare

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers a variety of training programs, internships, and fellowships for veterans interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. These programs provide hands-on experience and training in a variety of healthcare settings, preparing veterans for successful careers in the field.

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Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Minneapolis VA Health Care System is an academic health system that provides a full range of health services for Veterans, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. The facility maintains over 90 active affiliations with health professions schools and has been working closely with the University of Minnesota since 1947.

Every year, the facility trains around 1,500 health professions trainees in over 40 disciplines, including medical students, residents, nursing students, and associated health professions. While most trainees rotate for a period of time in the clinical learning environment, the facility also offers the opportunity to enroll in VA-based, accredited training programs. Learners, preceptors, and staff are supported through a well-resourced health science library, advanced-tier simulation center, and the Interprofessional Education and Collaboration Center.

Specific programs offered include:

Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC): Focuses on identifying and treating dementia, conducting clinical studies, and training other healthcare professionals in geriatric-focused medicine and research.
Occupational Therapy Fellowship: A full-time, 12-month fellowship in physical rehabilitation.
Pharmacy Programs: Both pharmacy student (pre-licensure) and residency (post-graduate training) programs are available.
Physician Assistant Training Program: Provides physician assistant students with a high-quality, hands-on training program.
National VA Quality Scholars Program (VAQS): A 2-year fellowship designed to train health professionals to improve healthcare through innovations, quality improvement, and patient safety. The Minneapolis site is based at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System and the University of Minnesota. The fellowship is available to physicians, doctoral-level nurses, and psychologists.
SimLEARN: As a Simulation Learning, Education, and Research Network (SimLEARN) Advanced Tier Certified Simulation Program, Minneapolis VA trains over 2000 staff per year using simulation equipment, methodology, or technology for the goal of Veteran and staff education and patient safety.

Opportunities for Military-Connected Students

Some programs specifically target military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty service members, enlisted personnel, spouses, and dependents. These programs recognize the unique challenges and strengths of this population and provide tailored support to help them succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

Service to Success Internships at Minnesota State Moorhead

The Service to Success Internships are funded through the Yellow Ribbon Advance grant and are designed specifically for military-connected students at Minnesota State Moorhead. Each year, 15-20 paid internship opportunities are available, offering hands-on experience and on-the-job training in a student’s chosen field. Interns can earn between $17 and $25 per hour, depending on the type of internship.

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For employers, Service to Success offers a no-cost way to host interns, as the grant covers all hourly wages. Participating organizations gain recognition as military-friendly employers and have the chance to play a direct role in developing the region’s future workforce. In addition to building meaningful connections, employers benefit from continued engagement through career fairs, tabling events, info sessions, and mock interviews.

Benefits of Paid Internships for Veterans

Paid internships offer numerous benefits for veterans transitioning to civilian careers:

Skill Development: Internships provide opportunities to develop and refine skills relevant to specific career fields.
Experience: Interns gain valuable work experience that can enhance their resumes and make them more competitive in the job market.
Networking: Internships allow veterans to build professional networks and connect with potential employers.
Career Exploration: Internships provide a chance to explore different career paths and determine which ones align with their interests and skills.
Financial Support: Paid internships provide income to help veterans support themselves while gaining valuable experience.
Transition Assistance: Internships can ease the transition from military to civilian life by providing a structured environment and support system.
Exposure: Internships give the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of organizations.

Success Stories

The experiences of past interns highlight the transformative impact of these programs.

Grace: Initially expecting to perform menial tasks, Grace found herself working on real cases, conducting investigative work alongside special agents and task force officers. She emphasized the opportunity to see the results of her efforts and the welcoming environment of the FBI.
Joshua: Joshua, a business student, applied his academic knowledge to white-collar crime investigations, working with bank statements and forensic accountants. He noted that the internship broadened his perspective on career options and allowed him to apply his skills in a practical setting.
Laura: Laura, working with the Computer Analysis Response Team (CART), gained experience in digital forensics, working on various investigations, including gang investigations, violent crimes against children, and counter-terrorism. She found it fulfilling to see cases through from beginning to end, attending sentencing hearings for cases she had worked on.
Ashley: Having a father who was an FBI agent, Ashley thought she knew what to expect, but was surprised by the family-like atmosphere of the Bureau. She emphasized the strong relationships and supportive environment.
Myisha: Myisha highlighted the supportive and approachable nature of the people at the FBI, despite their strict demeanor in the field. She emphasized the valuable learning experience and the opportunity to see "behind closed doors."

Overcoming Misconceptions

It's important to dispel common misconceptions about internships. As Grace's experience shows, internships are not always about fetching coffee and performing mundane tasks. They can provide meaningful opportunities to contribute to real projects and develop valuable skills.

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