Uncle Sam wants you

Want to work for Uncle Sam? The Office of Personnel Management issued interim

regulations on Thursday that describe hiring and management procedures associated

with the new Federal Career Intern Program.

President Clinton in July established the governmentwide internship

program to attract "exceptional employees" to government work, develop their

professional abilities and retain them as long-term public servants. Current

federal employees looking to enhance their careers are also eligible.

Individuals hired into the program will occupy professional, administrative

or technical positions and will receive appointments for up to two years

at grades GS-5 through GS-9. Agencies will give the interns formal training

and career development opportunities, such as classes and rotational or

other job assignments.

After successfully completing the program, interns will be eligible

for a career or career- conditional position in government. Federal employees

who join the program within their agency, but do not complete it, will receive

a position that is at the same grade and pay as the one they had before

entering the intern program.

OPM would like comment on the regulations through Jan. 16.