At many schools, internships have become a required part of the college curriculum. It’s easy to understand why; no class project or case study is ever going to be as valuable as hands-on experience. Many students have very specific career goals – often knowing exactly where they want to work. An internship gives them a chance to experience their dream job.
IRS interns are more than just a way to fill short-term hiring needs. They’re a key element in our agency’s commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining a qualified workforce.
We believe a great intern can become a rock star employee. Therefore, we partner with a variety of organizations whose mission is to match stand-out students with meaningful internship opportunities that will prepare them for their future.
- Washington Internship Institute is an educational nonprofit dedicated to preparing college students and recent graduates for their future through substantive internships in Washington, D.C.
- Organization of Chinese Americans, a national organization, is dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans.
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is dedicated to Hispanic success in higher education.
- National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education represents the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Washington Internships for Native Students offers students of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian nations the opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C.
- Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private sector employers, students and recent graduates with disabilities.
Tell us why you love your agency or companies interns. If you’re an intern, tell us what you enjoy about your internship?
Recruitment 411 is the official blog of the IRS Recruitment Office.
I was hired under a FCIP authority and found the time developing in my position was very rewarding. I was given stretch assignments, training, and a mentor. I loved being challenged and supported as I grew through the organization. However, I have to say that not all interns have the same type of experience. Many interns face issues due to their inexperience interviewing, lack of support, or managers who do not know how to deal with inexperienced employees/new to Federal service interns.
I think the key to keeping great interns and loving what you do depends on both sides being honest about the work and developing a full understanding of what you are getting into Interns: the Federal world is big and scary and very few of you will have the educational experiences needed to be prepared for the challenges it will give you. Managers: try to remember that meaningful work and guidance are absolutely crucial to getting the most out of your intern. Meet with them, discuss your goals for them, and provide a contact or office buddy who can show them the ropes. Don’t expect them to understand all the acroynms right away. Follow some simple rules and you will have a great intern program.
The agency has business units that are committed to engaging interns day one by providing them with meaningful work and the tools necessary to accomplish it. Business units want these students to go back to their campuses to promote the IRS as an employer of choice.
Last summer I did my second internship through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) at the IRS. I had just graduated and highly desired to be given a position. Luckily I was hired, and this was not only because I stayed in my cubicle and did my assignments, but for many other reasons. I decided that I couldn’t wait for people to come to me but that I had to move around and make those 8-10 weeks as memorable as possible.
Like I tell everyone….The internship will be whatever you want it to be, if your desire is to just get a paycheck or have some experience to place in your resume well that is exactly what it will be.
The most important thing is getting to know the Agency as well as making sure they know you. It is a daily interview between you and everyone around you.
Great advice Emely! I wholeheartedly agree. You got to be willing to get out there and make the most of it.
If you’d like more information about the HACU National Internship Program, please go to: http://www.hacu.net/hacu/HNIP_EN.asp. The program is open to all college level students. You don’t need to be Hispanic to participate. if your agency would like to partner with us, please e-mail me at [email protected]