Student Trainee (Information Technology)

Summary

This position is located in the Government Accountability Office within the Information Technology and Cybersecurity (ITC) Team. GAO supports the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities to legislate, appropriate, and oversee the Federal government for the benefit of the American people. As an ITC Auditor Intern you will be part of a team responsible for planning and conducting in-depth audits and evaluations of executive and legislative branch IT programs.

This job is open to

• Students
  
  Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.

Clarification from the agency

Current student enrolled in a graduate program seeking a degree from an accredited educational institution on a full or half-time basis.

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Duties

This vacancy is for Summer internship positions. The anticipated start dates begin in May 2025.

As part of a team, you will assist in planning and conducting in-depth audits and evaluations of federal executive and legislative branch IT programs. The audits cover a range of topics, such as, system acquisition and development; program/project planning and management; requirements management; investment management; information assurance; cloud computing; CIO responsibilities; IT contractor oversight; IT workforce planning; cybersecurity of critical infrastructures; electronic records management; and IT privacy. You will collect appropriate data, analyze the data, develop data-based findings and conclusions, and present the information both orally and in writing to diverse audiences.

Specific duties include:

• Identifying or developing methodologically sound techniques to audit and evaluate federal IT programs;
• Learning new and complex IT-related material quickly to understand issues;
• Researching and collecting relevant information that helps achieve audit objectives;
• Conducting analyses to assess information collected about federal agencies IT practices and comparing them against IT best practices;
• Developing findings and conclusions based on analyses;
• Interviewing agency officials to obtain testimonial evidence to support audit findings and conclusions;
• Observing federal agencies' IT systems management and security practices;
• Writing reports and other written products that effectively communicate findings and information;
• Communicating relevant information to agency officials, team members, internal stakeholders, and congressional staff, during formal and informal presentations, meetings, and/or interviews;
• Collaborating with others to address issues or solve problems and follow up with others to ensure needs are met; and
• Soliciting, listening to, and considering diverse perspectives, approaches, or viewpoints.

Some interns may also have the opportunity to assist in the operation and maintenance of a production and test computer center/network to further enhance and develop new cybersecurity skillsets.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen.

Selective Service registration if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959. Visit http://www.sss.gov.

You will be subject to a background investigation/ suitability determination.

Student must work a minimum of 400 hours, not to exceed a total of 640 hours.

You must be currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited undergraduate degree program throughout the duration of the internship.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-7 level, you MUST be enrolled in an IT-related Graduate degree program AND meet at least ONE of the following:

1. Have completed between 18 to 35 semester hours or 27 to 53 quarter hours of graduate level education in one of the following IT-related majors: computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management;
2. Have a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (defined below) majoring in one of the areas listed above;
3. Have a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement in any major that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the IT-related fields identified above, and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks; OR
4. Have one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as performing duties that involve evaluating information about IT management and security topics, such as systems development; program planning and management; requirements management; investment management; information assurance; cloud computing; IT contractor oversight; IT workforce planning; cybersecurity of critical infrastructures; electronic records management; and/or IT privacy; and developing recommendations based on findings, and presenting such recommendations to decision makers. In addition, you must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the following four competencies: (1) Attention to Detail - demonstrates the ability to take thorough notes, prepare accurate written summaries, and synthesize information and drawing preliminary conclusions; (2) Teamwork - demonstrates the ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team-based setting (3) Written and Oral Communication - demonstrates the ability to conduct and participate in meetings, and present information in writing and orally to team members, management, and stakeholders; and (4) Problem Solving - demonstrates the ability to apply analytical methods to identify patterns, trends, or irregularities, and to assess evidence to develop findings and recommendations for improvement.

Superior Academic Achievement is defined as: a) Class Standing - upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses in the college, university, or major subdivision; b) Grade Point Average - 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum. If more than 10 percent of total undergraduate credit hours are non-graded, i.e. pass/fail, CLEP, CCAF, DANTES, military credit, etc., you cannot qualify based on GPA; c) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (note: freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position). (If qualifying based on class standing or honor society membership, provide appropriate documentation).

To qualify for the GS-9 level, you MUST be enrolled in an IT-related Graduate degree program AND meet at least ONE of the following:

1. Have completed 36 or more semester hours or 54 or more quarter hours of graduate level education that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the following subjects: computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management; and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or network;
2. Have a Master's Degree or equivalent graduate degree in one of the majors listed above; OR
3. Have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as performing duties that involve evaluating information about IT management and security topics, such as systems development; program planning and management; requirements management; investment management; information assurance; cloud computing; IT contractor oversight; IT workforce Planning; cybersecurity of critical infrastructures; electronic records management; and/or IT privacy; and developing recommendations based on findings, and presenting such recommendations to decision makers. In addition, you must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the following four competencies: (1) Attention to Detail - demonstrates the ability to take thorough notes, prepare accurate written summaries, and synthesize information and drawing preliminary conclusions; (2) Teamwork - demonstrates the ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team-based setting (3) Written and Oral Communication - demonstrates the ability to conduct and participate in meetings, and present information in writing and orally to team members, management, and stakeholders; and (4) Problem Solving - demonstrates the ability to apply analytical methods to identify patterns, trends, or irregularities, and to assess evidence to develop findings and recommendations for improvement.

At the start of the program, all qualifications must be met and proof of enrollment through August 2025 leading towards an IT-related Graduate degree must be evident. NOTE: If at any point during the internship (and for any reason) your status as a student changes to that of a non-student, your internship will be terminated.

Education

All applicants must submit their academic transcripts in order to be eligible. The transcripts may be unofficial or official and must show your status as a student, as well as support your educational claim.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.

Additional information

This position does not have promotion potential. Interns are considered for the grade level for which they apply and the pay for these intern positions are at the grade level, step 1.

• GS-7: $26.80
• GS-9 $32.78

This position is not in the bargaining unit.

Appointments for student intern positions are nonpermanent and generally last from 10 to 16 weeks. Student interns may have an opportunity for a permanent or term position based on a successful intern experience (completion of a minimum of 400 hours of work, not to exceed a total of 640 hours) and successful completion of degree requirements. The ability to convert to a permanent or term appointment with a minimum 400 hours of work experience is contingent upon budgetary conditions and staffing needs at the time of eligibility.

Applicants who are selected for this position will be required to provide an official transcript on the day of your orientation or within 3 business days after orientation. This transcript must show that you meet the education requirements for the GS-7 or GS-9 grade level, and that you are currently enrolled through at least August 2024. Failure to meet the requirements or provide the transcript will result in termination of your internship.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

OPTION FOR ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS: Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.

Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid for by the GAO.

Selectees will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. If selected, at the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees (and interns) with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please email ReasonableAccommodations@gao.govThe U.S. Government Accountability Office's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated in accordance with the Category Rating procedure as defined in the GAO's Order for Competitive Examining. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be referred to the Rating Panel. The panel will assign a score to your application based on the answersyou provide to the essay questions contained in this announcement and your resume. Applicants will be further evaluated against criteria for placement placed into a Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as described by your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. If your application receives a sufficient rating, you will be assigned to one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.

Follow all instructions carefully as incomplete answers, errors or omissions may affect your rating. It is important to have a well-written, thoughtful response to the essay question that is supported by your resume. You should draw upon academic, volunteer, and/or work experience as a basis for your response. Each essay cannot exceed 1000 characters including spaces. You MUST provide detailed and descriptive narrative responses that explains how you have gained the experience that demonstrates that you meet each KSA. Any application that says "Please see resume" or the equivalent or "N/A" will not be accepted. One word or one phrase responses such as "advance," "basic," or "well," will not meet the requirement for the narrative and may result in a disqualification. The information you provide in your essays must be supported by your resume. Failure to provide a narrative may result in a disqualification rating.

All applicants will be rated based on their response to the essay questions, in conjunction with the following competencies:

• Analysis
• Writing
• Research

Veterans' preference applies to this vacancy. The Category Rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligible applicants within each quality category. For more information regarding veterans' preference please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

It is important that you do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

To preview the assessment, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12536027

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  Resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional). Your resume must show the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment.
  
  All applicants MUST submit college or university graduate and/or undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial) that show degree conferral and/or support semester/quarter hours completed as well as proof of current enrollment.
  
  
  • If you are completing your first graduate degree and have been accepted into a graduate program to pursue a 2nd graduate degree and do not yet have a transcript, you must submit proof of acceptance/enrollment into your new graduate program, along with the transcripts from your current graduate program.
  
  
  Current proof of enrollment (i.e., transcript showing coursework through Fall 2024, copy of registered courses for Fall 2024 OR a letter from school registrar's office confirming enrollment status for the duration of the internship). Note, a letter of acceptance does not qualify as proof of enrollment.
  
  Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
  
  A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
  
  - To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  
  - Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  
  - After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  
  - You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  
  To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  GAO Recruitment
  
  Email
  
  GAORecruitment@gao.gov
  
  Address
  
  Government Accountability Office
  
  Human Capital Office
  
  441 G Street NW
  
  Washington, DC 20548
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
  
  Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. Applicants who meet the basic requirement will be sent to the rating panel for rating and raking to be placed in a quality category. Applicants who are determined to be "best-qualified" may be contacted for an interview.
  
  GAO may contact applicants to determine the most appropriate method for conducting the virtual interview. If you do not meet the key requirements, basic qualifications or fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
  
  You can check the status of your application at any time through your personal USAJOBS account.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional). Your resume must show the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment.

All applicants MUST submit college or university graduate and/or undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial) that show degree conferral and/or support semester/quarter hours completed as well as proof of current enrollment.

• If you are completing your first graduate degree and have been accepted into a graduate program to pursue a 2nd graduate degree and do not yet have a transcript, you must submit proof of acceptance/enrollment into your new graduate program, along with the transcripts from your current graduate program.

Current proof of enrollment (i.e., transcript showing coursework through Fall 2024, copy of registered courses for Fall 2024 OR a letter from school registrar's office confirming enrollment status for the duration of the internship). Note, a letter of acceptance does not qualify as proof of enrollment.

Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

GAO Recruitment

Email

GAORecruitment@gao.gov

Address

Government Accountability Office

Human Capital Office

441 G Street NW

Washington, DC 20548

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.

Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. Applicants who meet the basic requirement will be sent to the rating panel for rating and raking to be placed in a quality category. Applicants who are determined to be "best-qualified" may be contacted for an interview.

GAO may contact applicants to determine the most appropriate method for conducting the virtual interview. If you do not meet the key requirements, basic qualifications or fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.

You can check the status of your application at any time through your personal USAJOBS account.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request