Wed., 1/27 from 5 to 6: Fed Sem Alumni Panel to Offer Tips for Internship Success

Fed Sem'ers: You're on the cusp of a an exciting--and perhaps a little intimidating--internship opportunity! To help calm your nerves and prepare you for this wonderful self- and professional-development opportunity, we have organized:

The Federal Semester Alumni Panel
Wednesday, January 27th from 5 to 6 PM in the Federal Semester Office.

Comprised of students who were in your shoes last year, a group of Fed Sem alums have kindly offered their time to share their experiences from last year--ranging from congressional to federal to NGO internships. In a friendly, casual environment, they will discuss their job duties, a typical day, the skills/insights they gained, tips for success, and they may even share a few flubs they, or a sister's friend's cousin, made on the job. They will also, of course, make themselves available for your questions.

All are encouraged to attend. This event will count as one of your two required federal events. Don't hesitate to contact the office with any questions!

Welcome to InternTips

Now that you've all secured an internship for the spring, here's a new feature we're calling InternTips. These are probably just reminders of what you already know, but it's always helpful to have tips in mind when entering a new place, with new things all about.

Before you go, take your pre-interview research and prep to another level. Consider the following suggestions:

• Refresh your memory on what your agency does, and search Google News for the latest update.
• Map your way to the office and add extra time to your commute. It’s always better to arrive a little early, and the last thing you need is broken Metro train, a miswritten street name or new shoes you haven’t yet broken in to make you late on your first day.
• Err on the side of conservative dress, break out the iron and check with your roommates to make sure you match. Once at the office, ask your supervisor about the office dress code.

Once at the office, remember the following:

• Smile, say hello and introduce yourself to everyone in the office. Remember their names!
• Be punctual, polite, cheerful and exude an air of competency, enthusiasm, and gratitude for having this opportunity.
• Create a "How To" guide. When your supervisor explains an important office procedure or shows you where certain supplies are located, include this information in a Word doc. Don't forget to keep a list of acronyms to avoid drowining in government alphabet soup. Add to this list names and contact info for the people you meet.
• Complete any and every task you're assigned. If you find yourself with nothing to do, don't go to facebook or check your e-mail. Ask others if they need help. People don't have time to keep track of you all the time, so be proactive. This is a way to set yourself apart and people remember and respect the intern who really makes a difference!
• Proofread every email you send on the job. Be careful in your writing.

If you have any questions, or are looking for guidance, don’t hesitate to call, email or drop by the office …and stay tuned for our next entry.

Important Note: Internship Learning Contracts / Stipends

Hey Students,

Just a quick note that we cannot disperse your stipend until you hand in the Internship Learning Contract--signed by both you and your internship supervisor.

So, be sure to complete the contract your first week on the job and hand in to us by Friday, January 29th!

Thanks!

Accepting Applications: Nat'l Security Analysis & Intelligence Summer Seminar 2010

National Security Analysis & Intelligence Summer Seminar 2010
http://www.dni.gov/press_releases/20091211_release.pdf

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) will soon launch the application process to select 40 highly motivated U.S. citizen graduate students (and seniors graduating in the 2009/10 academic year who are applying for graduate school for the following academic year) interested in careers in intelligence. Selectees will study and work with analysts and senior officials during a planned two-week residential seminar, the 2nd Annual National Security Analysis & Intelligence Summer Seminar, NSAISS.

The intensive seminar is tentatively planned for July 11-23, 2010 in Washington, D.C. to address critical national intelligence priorities in U.S. intelligence analysis. NSAISS is to include lectures, field trips to agencies and exploration of intelligence disciplines, methodologies and substantive topics under the direction of Intelligence Community (IC), academia and private sector experts.

Participants will receive interim Secret level security clearances for the duration of the seminar. Those interested in pursuing analytic careers will be briefed on opportunities in the IC. The NSAISS online application is scheduled to be available in January 2010.

Since the application window may fall between academic terms for many applicants, it is recommended that students begin to prepare early for the application process by collecting the following required materials:

• Current transcripts. (If available, grades earned through the end of autumn 2009 would be helpful. Our application will advise applicants at colleges that do not furnish official transcripts to students how to forward copies directly.)
• Letters of Recommendation. Two letters of recommendation from professors or a university dean are required. At least one MUST attest that the applicant is currently studying or has completed a BA, MA, PhD or similar degree within the past twelve months.
• Standard Form 86 (SF-86). Applicants should start compiling extensive information necessary to complete the Standard Form 86 (SF-86), Questionnaire for National Security Positions, which is on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf and a continuation sheet if needed at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF86A.pdf. These links will also be included in the online application form. The SF-86 MUST be submitted separately in hard copy by mail to an address that will be specified in the online application.
• Current Resume.
• There will also be a short personal statement and other basic data requested in the application.

Finalists, alternates, and non-selected applicants will be advised of their status in March 2010 (subject to security clearances). NSAISS participants will receive travel expenses, room and board, course materials and a $500 stipend.

NOTE: NSAISS is not open to federal government employees, contractors or currently serving uniformed military and/or activated reservists. Students who applied but did not participate in the 2009 Summer NSAISS and who are still eligible are encouraged to re-apply for the 2010 program. The application process will occur in January 2010. Please watch this webpage for updates.

Internship Credit Reqs, Drop/Add Deadline, Internship Contracts

Happy New Year, Fed Sem’ers!

Many of you have had questions about the internship course credit requirements, drop/add deadlines, and the Internship Contract. Please find info below and drop me, Joey, an email if you have any questions.

Federal Semester Course Hour Requirements

The credit hours for UNIV 349 work as follows. Students generally work at least 10 hours a week for 3 credits and at least 20 hours a week for 6 credits. How you decide on your specific weekly schedule is for you and your supervisor to decide. Remember, that over the course of the semester, you must earn the minimum total hours contracted in order to receive credit. Find minimum total hours listed below:

• 3 Credits: work at least 135 total internship hours
• 4 Credits: work at least 180 total internship hours
• 5 Credits: work at least 225 total internship hours
• 6 Credits: work at least 270 total internship hours
  

Visit a previous blog post at http://federal-fellows.blogspot.com/2009/11/update-univ349-information-action-point.html for more information.

University of Maryland Drop/Add Info

The final drop/add deadline for the spring ’10 semester is February 5^th. Beyond February 5^th, you may not alter the number of internship credits scheduled.

Please note that a $20.00 late registration fee begins on January 25^th.

Visit http://www.testudo.umd.edu/acad_deadlines/spring_2010.html for more detailed information.

Internship Contract Reminder

Your Internship Contract, which can be found in your Federal Semester Binder, is due to Federal Semester by the conclusion of the first week of the Federal Semester Internship Class. The Contract must be signed by both you and your supervisor.

FYI: Foreign Affairs Fellowship Programs

Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate and Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Programs http://careers.state.gov/students/programs.html

"The Secretary of State may make grants to post-secondary educational institutions or students for the purpose of increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of and interest in employment with the Foreign Service, consistent with section 105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. *To the extent possible, the Secretary shall give special emphasis to promoting such knowledge and awareness of, and interest in employment with the Foreign Service among minority students.* Any grants awarded shall be made pursuant to regulations to be established by the Secretary of State, which shall provide for a limit on the size of any specific grant and, regarding any grants to individuals, shall ensure that no grant recipient receives an amount of grants from one or more Federal programs which in the aggregate would exceed the cost of his or her education, and shall require satisfactory educational progress by grantees as a condition of eligibility for continued receipt of grant funds."* — PUBLIC LAW 101-246, 101st Congress, 104 STAT.42 Section 47*

Are you an outstanding undergraduate student? Do you think you might be interested in pursuing a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State? If so, you should consider applying for a Pickering Fellowship.

The Pickering Fellowship program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, and is administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.

*Eligibility requirements*

Undergraduate Fellowships are open to students enrolled in their junior year of college at the time of application. Graduate Fellowships are open to students who, at the time of application, seek admission to a two-year full-time master's degree program relevant to international affairs for the following academic year. Only United States citizens will be considered for the Pickering Fellowships. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.