The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) supports the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities to legislate, appropriate, and oversee the Federal government for the benefit of the American people. The GAO, commonly referred to as the investigative arm of Congress, or the congressional watchdog, is independent and nonpartisan. The GAO assists Congress in making informed decisions by providing information on policy and program issues, as well as by providing recommendations to make government more effective and responsive.
GAO’s work is designed to address four goals:
– to help the Congress address current and emerging challenges to the well-being and financial security of the American people;
– to help the Congress to respond to changing security threats and the challenges of global interdependence;
– to help transform the Federal government to address national challenges; and
– to maximize the value of GAO by enabling quality, timely service to Congress and by being a leading practices Federal agency.
As a GAO intern, you will learn how to conduct federal audits and program evaluations and apply that knowledge as part of a team. You will assist GAO analysts in planning and conducting in-depth reviews of executive and legislative branch programs. You will collect appropriate data, analyze the data, develop data-based findings and conclusions, and present the information both orally and in writing to diverse audiences. To learn more about GAO and our 14 mission teams, please visit us on the web at http://www.gao.gov/careers/index.html
The anticipated start date for these intern positions is May/June 2015. Student interns may have an opportunity for a permanent position based on a successful intern experience (completion of a minimum of 400 hours) and successful completion of degree requirements. The ability to convert to a permanent or term appointment with 400 hours of work experience is contingent upon budgetary conditions and staffing needs at the time of eligibility.
The pay for our intern positions is at the grade 7 step 1 rate or grade 9 step 1, depending on your level of education and varies based on the location of the office to which you are assigned.
TRAVEL REQUIRED
- Occasional Travel
- Travel may be required depending on job assignment.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Enrollment and good standing in an accredited degree program
- Proof of enrollment in a college/university through July 2015
- You will be subject to a background/suitability investigation/determination
- Your complete application must be received by closing date of announcement
- Selective Service registration if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959
DUTIES:
- Planning, prioritizing, and/or balancing own work assignments, identifying feasible work management approaches that address required activities and timelines.
- Developing, identifying, contributing to, and/or using techniques, tools, and processes that are methodologically sound and targeted to job requirements.
- Collecting relevant information that is aligned with objectives/planning decisions and meets needs.
- Conducting analyses that yield quality information aligned with needs; identifying relevant information, patterns/inconsistencies, relationships, interdependencies, and potential implication.
- Preparing quality written work that meets relevant writing and evidence standards, and that is appropriately targeted to the audience and purpose.
- Communicating relevant and accurate information during formal or informal presentations, meetings, or interviews.
- Partnering or collaborating with others to address issues or solve problems; following up with others to ensure needs are met.
- Contributing to team efforts through participation in activities/meetings, soliciting and listening to others’ opinions, and working collaboratively to accomplish team goals.
- Soliciting, listening to, and considering diverse perspectives, approaches, or viewpoints, and incorporating others’ perspectives into decision-making (when appropriate).
