State Department Summer Clerical Program 2012

Pre-College Topics Summer Programs
1

<p>Applications are now being accepted for the State Department's Summer Clerical Program! Here's the description from the website: </p>

<p>
[quote]
Spend your summer getting to know the U.S. Department of State firsthand … and earn as your learn.</p>

<p>The Summer Clerical Program is a win-win situation for everyone. It gives you the opportunity to discover more about a career with us, and it helps us fill summer staffing needs during our employees' vacations. And you'll reap another reward: feeling proud about doing something worthwhile for your nation.</p>

<p>Office support duties include but are not limited to:
[ul]
[<em>] Answering telephones and other receptionist-related duties; filing and maintaining files
[</em>]Typing and/or using a computer terminal for various office functions including initial entry of drafted materials using a variety of computer software packages
[<em>]Reviewing outgoing correspondence for correct format, grammar, punctuation and typographical errors
[</em>]Photocopying and assembling reports and briefings for distribution
[/ul]</p>

<p>It's our policy to provide an open, systematic and equitable assignment process that assures that positions are filled with the best-qualified individuals. New applicants for this program are appointed on a competitive basis that meets Office of Personnel Management guidelines. Selections are based on job-related criteria in line with merit principles.
Eligibility requirements</p>

<p>To qualify for a Summer Clerical position, you must be:
[ul]
[<em>]A U.S. citizen, age 16 or older at time of appointment
[</em>]Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.,) seeking student
[<em>]Taking at least half-time academic/vocational/or technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4 year college or university, graduate or professional school
[</em>]Able to complete a background investigation to determine eligibility for a security clearance
[/ul]</p>

<p>Positions at the GS-1, GS-2, GS-3 & GS-4 levels also have varying minimum requirements for school and/or work experience.
Compensation and Benefits
[ul]
[<em>]Competitive salary
[</em>]Gain work experience
[li]Paid federal holidays[/li][/ul]

[/quote]
</p>

<p>So who's applying? Does anyone want to share their previous experience with program?</p>

<p>Website: Programs</a> - U.S. Department of State</p>

2

<p>I would also like to know what it is all about - maybe from a former attendee? I have the feeling that it really is just clerical work, is it? It would be awesome if it was more of an internship where, although you are doing clerical tasks, you are mentored a little bit…</p>

<p>Again, it would be really awesome if someone who knows about it could give a quick summary of an AMA session!</p>

3

<p>Shameless bump.</p>

4

<p>No way Azeezat you’re applying?!
I’m applying too.</p>

5

<p>Okay, whoa, I was majorly creeped out for a second there. Then I remembered that I know you and you’re not some weirdo internet stalker, haha. Yeah, I’m applying! Ah, hopefully we both get it. Have you started the process on USA Jobs yet?</p>

6

<p>Info from a State employee:

</p>

<p>So that’s a 4% acceptance rate. Awesome.</p>

<p>Source here: [Re:</a> Summer Clerical Program - U.S. Department of State](<a href=“http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs/summer-clerical-program2/3?pn=1#id3r-AifYN3e2TELIZHr5l1g]Re:”>http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs/summer-clerical-program2/3?pn=1#id3r-AifYN3e2TELIZHr5l1g)</p>

7

<p>Does anyone on CC have some experience with this program?</p>

8

<p>I went back and read some of the previous threads about the program, and it there are several people there who have a little more info. It seems to be a VERY competitive program, and one that is helpful in college because government internships are often a stepping stone into private sector internships. Also, there are some forums on the State Department website, though I don’t have a link…</p>

9

<p>These forums? [Student</a> Programs - U.S. Department of State](<a href=“http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs]Student”>http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs)</p>

<p>It makes sense that it’s so competitive, especially because it’s open to high schoolers, undergrads, and grad students. I mean, why would they hire a high school senior over a grad student who’s had way for experience, especially with internships? This makes me wish that there was a separate program for students in high school.</p>

10

<p>Do I have to live in DC to do this?</p>

11

<p>There’s no housing provided, so if you don’t live in DC, you would need to find somewhere to stay for the summer.</p>

12

<p>I participated in this for the past two summers and was invited to a mini winter stint last winter. </p>

<p>It is competitive. And no, just bc a grad student has experience doesn’t mean that they have preference over a high schooler. I’ve met more high school seniors that started right after graduation. However, a lot of these kids are also kids of State employees, so that could account for that reason. </p>

<p>Not everyone will participate in just clerical work. The group of clerical interns I met did both clerical and research/planning projects, some just research. I was the latter, and I havent met anyone who just did clerical, although I’m sure they were there. </p>

<p>I, along with three other interns in my office, got this position because we knew the head lady of our bureau (she’s my aunt). You’ll spend most of youre time networking and meeting people. </p>

<p>It’s SO EXPENSIVE.</p>

13

<p>What’s so expensive?</p>

<p>And thanks for your insight.</p>

14

<p>I applied also…looks like chances are not that high</p>

15

<p>you’re welcome! the entire internship is expensive. obviously you don’t have to pay to intern, but if you factor your summer living costs (dorm, food, transportation, shopping, State Department giftshop, etc.), it can get out of hand. The only thing they will pay for is your metro fares, but that takes a while to kick in once you fill out the right paperwork.</p>

16

<p>Wow, how great that we get a first-hand account! Do they arrange housing or something? Or do you just find your own? Did you intern before the State Department?</p>

17

<p>bump on someone elses thread…</p>

18

<p>I applied as well :)!</p>

19

<p>sounds like if you don’t have connections it’s hard to get in…</p>

20

<p>I’m applying too…:))…good luck guys…I live in N. Virginia so I can hopefully drive or carpool with some friends if we all get the job</p>

<p>Sent from my SPH-M920 using CC App</p>