Summer 2024DoD College Acquisition Internship Program

DCAIP is a paid, 10- to 12- week summer internship that provides students with real-world exposure to Department of Defense acquisition workforce career opportunities.

Paid Internship

Students selected will earn an hourly rate based on OPM guidelines as determined by their qualifications and education level. Interns will be paid between the federal employee minimum salary rate of $15 an hour and the GS-4, step 10 hourly rate. This rate will include a locality adjustment, which varies depending on geographic location of the intern’s duty site. Interns in regions with higher cost of living, as recognized by OPM, may receive a slightly higher salary even at the same grade and step (or equivalent).

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Selection Criteria

This program is for full-time college students currently enrolled as sophomore or junior. "Super Seniors," who will graduate in December after the summer program, may work their last summer prior to graduation provided they are returning interns. To be considered, a student must not graduate before August of the summer program. To be eligible a student MUST:

Be a U.S. citizen (interns cannot hold dual citizenship).
Be suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
Be able to obtain and hold a security clearance.
Be enrolled full-time as a sophomore or junior in an undergraduate program at an accredited university and have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours toward a specific degree program.
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Be available for an interview and other applicable processing between October 2023 and December 2024.
Be available for the 10- to 12-week summer program in May/June through August of 2024.
If male, over 18 years of age, and born after December 31, 1959, you have registered with the Selective Service System.

NOTE: Some positions may require pre-employment drug testing.

What is acquisition?

DoD Acquisition is explained as the mission and process involved in the procurement of weapons, systems, supplies, or services to satisfy DoD needs and support military operations.

The acquisition process encompasses a range of phases such as: research, design, engineering, manufacturing, technology, testing, deployment, sustainment, operation, and disposal. To execute the acquisition and sustainment mission, members of the acquisition workforce require the education, skills and knowledge to perform many occupations, i.e. program manager, engineer, digital technology, financial manager, contract officer, logistician, etc.

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How can the DCAIP Internship benefit your career?

With so many areas of service, you will leave this internship with experience that can take your job journey to the next level.