Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP)

The following outlines requirements for Pathways Programs at VA for Internships, Recent Graduates, and PMFs for eligibility, program completion, and conversion.

1. Internship Program

1.1 Program Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be lawfully permitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident or otherwise authorized to be employed
• Accepted for enrollment or be enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) from a qualifying educational institution as defined in 5 CFR 362.102, on a full- or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled
• Position is related either to the student's academic field of study or the student’s career interests unless the student is hired under a time-limited appointment

1.2 Program Completion

• Complete Pathways Orientation within 10 days of appointment date
• Meet and sign the Pathways Participant Agreement (PPA) with supervisor within 10 days of appointment date
• Highly recommend the development of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with supervisor within 45 days of appointment date if Intern has an appointment of one year or more
• Comply with the criteria (as defined by the academic institution) for enrollment as either a full-time or half-time student in good standing
• Maintain good academic standing in accordance with requirements specified in the position description
• Keep supervisor or hiring official informed of academic progress including the provision of copies of class schedules, most recent grade reports or transcripts, and other information requested with respect to eligibility and status as a student-trainee*

*Proof of Academic Standing

To prove academic standing you must submit documentation supporting your eligibility prior to the start of the internship and at the end of each term (semester or quarter):

• Proof of Enrollment: This can be a screen shot of the semester class schedule, an official letter of enrollment, or listed on official transcripts. The document should show the Intern’s name, academic institution, the degree or certificate program, and enrollment in at least a half-time status (as defined by the academic institution).
• Official Transcript: This should be an official document (i.e., marked official) and must include grades for previous term. If the transcript includes an “Issued to Student” statement or marking and is an official document this is also acceptable for submission.

1.3 Conversion Eligibility

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Meet VA requirements as specified in the Participant Agreement
• Complete 640 hours of work prior to, or concurrent with, completion of degree program*
• Complete a course of academic study, within the preceding 120-day period, at a qualifying educational institution conferring a diploma, certificate, or degree
• Be converted to the competitive service within 120 days after completing the course of academic study at a qualified academic institution for interns without a time-limited appointment
• Meet the OPM Qualification Standard for the position the Intern may be converted to
• Maintain acceptable performance as described in VA’s approved performance management system
• Receive favorable recommendation by an official of VA

*Note:

• Up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work can be waived for Interns who demonstrate high potential as evidenced by outstanding academic achievement and exceptional job performance
• Students working in VA through third-party internship providers may count up to 320 of the hours they work toward the 640 hour requirement
• Time spent under previous Internship Program appointments may count towards required work experience hours

2. Recent Graduate

2.1 Program Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be lawfully permitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident or otherwise authorized to be employed
• Have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree, or certificate from a qualifying educational institution
• Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have up to six years after degree completion to apply

2.2 Program Completion

• Complete Pathways Orientation within 10 days of appointment date
• Meet and sign the Pathways Participant Agreement (PPA) with supervisor within 10 days of appointment date
• Develop and sign an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with supervisor within 45 days of appointment date
• Complete 40 of hours of formal, interactive training during the program
• Be assigned a mentor not in the direct chain of command within 90 days of appointment date
• Demonstrate successful job performance under VA’s approved performance appraisal system and receives a rating of record (or summary rating) of at least Fully Successful or equivalent

2.3 Conversion Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Meet VA requirements as specified in the Participant Agreement
• Meet the OPM Qualification Standard for the position the Recent Graduate may be converted to
• Maintain acceptable performance as described in VA’s approved performance management system
• Receive favorable recommendation by an official of VA
• VA must make the noncompetitive conversion effective on the date the service requirement is met, or at the end of a VA-approved extension, if applicable

3. Presidential Management Fellows

3.1 Program Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be lawfully permitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident or otherwise authorized to be employed
• Have completed a qualifying advanced degree within the two-year period preceding the PMF Program announcement or be a student currently attending a qualifying educational institution who expects to complete the advanced degree by August 31 of the academic year in which the competition is held

3.2 Program Completion

• Complete Pathways Orientation within 10 days of appointment date
• Meet and sign the Pathways Participant Agreement (PPA) with supervisor within 10 days of appointment date
• Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with supervisor within 45 days of appointment date
• Complete 80 hours of formal, interactive training per year or a total of 160 hours over two years
• Be assigned a mentor who is not in the direct chain of command within 90 days of appointment date
• Complete at least one developmental assignment of four to six months in duration with full-time management and/or technical responsibilities consistent with the PMF’s IDP (Additional short-term rotational opportunities can be added as an option)
• Complete annual performance plan and an annual performance evaluation in accordance with VA performance management rules
• Successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position to which assigned

3.3 Conversion Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Meet VA requirements as specified in the Participant Agreement
• Verify completion of training requirements and submit an approved and signed IDP at the end of appointment
• Demonstrate successful job performance according to VA performance appraisal system
• Meet the OPM Qualification Standards for the position to which the PMF may be converted to
• Receive favorable recommendation for conversion from supervisor
• Obtain Executive Review Board (ERB) or equivalent, certification prior to conversion*

* An agency must make the noncompetitive conversion effective on the date the service requirement is met, or at the end of an agency-approved extension, if applicable.

Appointments must be effective on or before the expiration of the individual's PMF appointment, including extensions. No permanent appointments are allowed prior to full completion of the 2-year fellowship.

The deadline for an ERB to certify that a Fellow has successfully completed all program requirements is 30 days prior to the Fellow’s two-year anniversary date. ERB certification is required prior to conversion. ERB certifications must be forwarded to OPM.

Pathways Program
Management Office

The Pathways Program Management Office provides resources for supervisors and administrators. For more information, contact the PPMO.

VA Pathways Tracker

Track program requirements and find Pathways resources and support using the VA Pathways Tracker.

VA Pulse Pathways Community

Meet other Pathways participants, join specific program groups, and get the latest updates and best practices by joining a Pathways community set up on VA Pulse. To sign up for the group, visit Pathways Programs @VA and request access.