Frequently Asked Questions for the Federal Internship Program

What is acquisition?

Acquisition is the purchase of goods and services. Federal acquisition professionals oversee billions of dollars of transactions each year that impact the lives of each and every American. Using your academic background and skills in strategic planning and business, you can spend a summer working for the world’s largest consumer – the United States government.

Are acquisition positions limited to business majors?

Acquisition positions are not limited to business majors, but applicants should have some academic or work experience in the field. See the Eligibility section above for more information.

Why is the program limited to acquisition and engineering positions?

The federal government has a number of mission critical occupations (MCOs) that must be filled for agencies to fulfill their missions. Acquisition and engineering are two major MCO areas, and the Partnership selected these two fields to assist governmental efforts to employ the best and brightest talent.

Are the internship positions paid?

One of the unique aspects of the Making the Difference Federal Internship Program is that all positions are paid.

Are all of the internships in Washington, D.C.?

All of the Making the Difference Federal Internship Program positions are located in the Washington, D.C. area so that you can enjoy the full range of activities that we offer throughout the summer.

What kind of work do acquisition professionals and engineers do in the federal government?

Acquisition professionals and engineers do amazing work that affects the lives of millions of Americans. Visit the Business and Engineering pages on makingthedifference.org for more information.

What does the application require?

The online application will ask you for basic personal information as well as your G.P.A. The application also features two essays that ask about your commitment to public service and your experience in overcoming challenges.

How can I apply?

The online application will be located at makingthedifference.org beginning in the second week of December.

How can I spread the word on my campus?

There are several ways to market the Making the Difference Federal Internship Program on your campus. You may link to makingthedifference.org on your Web page or send our Web address to your networks. You can also print the PDF documents and distribute them to students, faculty and staff at your university.

What is the Partnership for Public Service?

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to revitalize our federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by transforming the way government works. Through its Call to Serve network of over 630 campuses and 76 federal agencies as well as its Making the Difference program, the Partnership works to create pipelines of talent into federal service.

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