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The Federal Budget's Impact on Hiring
This year continues to be filled with hot button issues that affect federal hiring. Federal agencies are operating under a temporary funding resolution for the current fiscal year that began on October 1, 2010. Agencies face the likelihood of reductions for the remainder of this year and uncertain funding for fiscal 2012. This has raised many questions about internship and job prospects for students. We've simplified these topics to provide some clarity on how universities and federal employees can work together in the current landscape.
The Current Budget: Continuing Resolution
Federal agencies are currently operating under a continuing resolution (CR), which has authorized spending based on last year’s funding levels until a full year’s appropriations bill is approved. The CR is set to expire Friday, March 4. Keep in mind that the federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. Without another temporary or a permanent spending bill, the government will shut down non-essential functions until Congress resolves the impasse. How is this affecting federal hiring? Since Congress is discussing cuts to many agencies for the rest of this year, some agencies are waiting to see what the final 2011 budgets will look like before filling vacancies. TIP: Colleges and universities should continue to invite agencies to campus and capture student interest in the longer term!
Federal Budget Timeline
The proposed fiscal 2012 budget was released by the President Obama and the Office of Management and Budget on Feb. 14, 2011. The administration’s proposal now must go through congressional hearings and will be subject to alterations by members of the House and Senate. While many agencies are expecting to have fewer resources, increased funding has been proposed for some government programs, including at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Energy. As such, campuses can utilize the federal budget as a resource to predict where job and internship opportunities will be available in the upcoming fiscal year. While agencies may not be hiring at the same pace as in the past few years, government jobs and student internships will continue to be available. Learn more about the President's proposed budget.
How does this affect Student Pathways into government?
In December, President Obama instructed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to revamp the federal student internship programs under an initiative called Student Pathways. Since the new programs will not be ready by this summer, student positions under the current programs, the Student Career Intern Program ( SCEP) and the Student the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), will be available. Agencies will continue to build their talent pipelines while they wait for clarification on the details of the new intern programs. Additionally, it is vital that colleges and universities continue to nurture their professional relationships with federal contacts because agencies will continue to market and brand themselves to sustain long-term interest in their missions.
Agencies: How are you continuing to brand your agency?
Campuses: How do you engage federal agencies for sustainability?
News
Click on the links below to learn more about the latest issues in on the state of public service today.
USDA Confronts Challenge of Youth Recruitment
By Sarah Mimms, Government Executive
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was inspired to serve the public by a few simple words from John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural address: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." But in a new era with nearly 50 percent of federal workers reaching retirement eligibility by 2015, a salary freeze and public opinion of government employees becoming increasingly dismal, the question of how to attract young people to government jobs becomes simultaneously vital and more difficult.
Don’t Just Cut Government, Reinvent It
By Louis V. Gerstner JR, The Wall Street Journal
The hottest topic in Washington, D.C., and many state capitals is cutting the cost and size of government. Understandably so—we are living way beyond our means, and the future of our nation is at stake.
Read the 2012 Budget Like a Map to Government Employment
By Derrick T. Dortch, The Washington Post
It's ironic that the president released his 2012 budget on Valentine's Day. In this long love letter to the country, President Obama said to the federal government, "Baby, I love you, but we are going to have to make some changes."
Budget Proposes Federal Workforce Boost
By Emily Long, Government Executive
The federal government could add as many as 15,000 new civilian employees to its 2.1 million payroll in fiscal 2012 as the Obama administration continues efforts to improve the workforce.
Q&A:
Your Questions Answered
In this section, we will highlight some questions from readers that will help you to provide better advice to students about federal opportunities. If you have a question that you would like to be featured in next month's eNews email us!
Q:
When will these Student Pathways programs be implemented?
A:
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has not issued regulations about how and when these programs will be implemented. Once the public review process happens, OPM will finalize regulations and launch the new Student Pathways. We expect the program wil be finalized in the next six months to a year. However, current student programs will be in effect until they are superseded by the new regulations.
Q:
How does this impact an internship search for summer 2011?
A:
If you are searching for an internship for this summer, you will still be able to find Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) positions.
Q:
I am already participating in one of these programs. Where can I learn more about how these changes will affect my status as a STEP, SCEP or FCIP?
A:
Contact your supervisor or human resources office to learn more about your status. Additionally, visit opm.gov and ourpublicservice.org to read updates on the Pathways Programs as the regulations are released.
Q:
How can my campus know what internship programs are available? Where do we find them?
A:
Students and campuses should continue to search for federal internship opportunities. You can search and apply on USAJOBS.gov under the student positions tab and hundreds more vacancies exist across agency-specific websites.
Q:
When should students apply for summer?
A:
If you see a job that is currently vacant, go ahead and apply for it. In regards to summer 2011 internships, February and March are a key time to apply! If you are looking to start your search soon, we suggest that you apply three to six months before your preferred start date. For positions that require a security clearance, this may require you to apply more than six months before your preferred start date.
Resources: Want to Learn More?
Public Service Fellows Program
The Partnership for Public Service is seeking extraordinary undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates to join our team and contribute to our mission! The Partnership's Fellows Program is ideal for candidates who are committed to public service and looking for an opportunity to develop their skills and gain valuable experience. This paid internship is located at the Partnership office in Washington, DC. The application deadline is March 25, 2011. Questions? Email us!
