Students and Recent Graduates

CBP Pathways Programs

The CBP Pathways Programs are paid internship opportunities for veterans, high school and college students, and recent graduates to gain valuable experience while working under the guidance of CBP professionals. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, participants may be eligible for conversion to a permanent position within CBP.

When you join our elite team of CBP professionals, you will be assisting CBP in safeguarding our homeland, protecting the American people, and facilitating lawful trade and travel. Whatever your career interest may be, CBP has a list of major career opportunities for you.

Three distinct internships make up the opportunities available under the CBP Pathways Programs, targeting individuals at different stages and levels of education:

• Internship Program
• Recent Graduates Program
• Presidential Management Fellows Program

Internship Program

CBP's Career Interns are college-level juniors and seniors who are on time-limited appointments. The time allowed on a Career Intern appointment varies depending on how much time is required for the intern to complete the requirements of the program. For more information, please review the Internship Program Fact Sheet.

Recent Graduates Program

The CBP Recent Graduates Program is for individuals who have completed all required coursework leading to a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution or program above the high school-level in the two years preceding application to the program. A flexible eligibility rule extends the window to apply to the program for eligible veterans who have been under military obligation and have completed all required coursework to the preceding six years. The CBP Recent Graduates Program is designed to develop participants for placement into a permanent position within one year. If the training plan requires, up to one additional year may be granted for program completion. Initial appointments may be made to any position for which the applicant qualifies up to the GS-09 grade level. Appointment to the GS-11 or GS-12 grade levels may be made for candidates with a Master's or PhD degree, who applies for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) occupations. For more information, please review the Recent Graduates Program Fact Sheet.

Presidential Management Fellows Program

CBP participates in OPM's Presidential Management Fellows (PMF), which is for individuals who have completed an advanced degree (professional or graduate degree, e.g. Masters, Ph.D., and J.D.) from a qualifying educational institution or program within the two years preceding the program announcement. The PMF program offers recent graduates with an advanced degree or will graduate by August 31 the opportunity to participate in a flagship developmental  program. If your goal is to effect change in the government, the PMF program may be right for you!  Fellows participate in a two-year program that includes mentoring, developmental assignments, formal interactive training, and may be appointed at the GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12 grade levels. Participants will complete at least 80 hours of formal training, one four to six month developmental assignment, and one 30-90 day rotation. For more information, please check out the Presidential Management Fellows Program Fact Sheet.

Who Can Apply?

U.S. citizens who are high school and college students, as well as recent graduates who have completed their degree within the last two years, are eligible for the CBP Pathways Programs. Internship opportunities are also available for veterans. Reference the Fact Sheets to understand specific requirements for each program.

For More Information

For more information, please take a look at the CBP Pathways Program Fact Sheets, or contact CBP by sending an email to: studentinquiries@dhs.gov.

For CBP students and recent graduates job opportunity announcements, you can visit the USAJOBS website.

Benefits

CBP Pathways Programs provide employees with first-class benefits, including:

Student Volunteers

The Student Volunteers Program offers unpaid training opportunities to high school and college students. These opportunities provide work experience related to the students academic goals and provides them an opportunity to explore career options, develop their personal and professional skills all while earning school academic credit for their internship.

Student Volunteer service enriches the student's future by:

• Allowing career exploration early in their academic studies;
• Exposing them to new and emerging occupations;
• Giving them academic credit for the work they perform (determined by their school.); and
• Giving them experience which will enhance their ability to obtain paying jobs in the future.

Volunteer service is not creditable for leave accrual or any other employee benefit. Student Volunteers are not considered to be Federal employees for any purpose other than Federal Tort Claims provisions and compensation for injuries sustained during the performance of work assignments.

This program requires a tailored written agreement, signed by all parties, CBP, the school and the student.