Virtual Student Federal Service

The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) is the largest digital internship program in the world,
connecting 60 U.S. government agencies to the excellence and enthusiasm of U.S. college students
to play their part. These internship opportunities are entirely virtual, and they offer a chance for
students to do real work and gain valuable experience at U.S. government agencies.
The U.S. Department of State administers this innovative internship, which is open to any American
citizen in student status at an institute of higher education. The Department of State invites students
to apply through USAJOBS.gov, the federal government talent website. VSFS has a set yearly
calendar of opportunity submissions, student applications, and matching period, but our underlying
approach is flexibility and service.
VSFS began in 2009 as a State Department program with students working virtually on projects
based in Washington, D.C., and at U.S. embassies overseas. It has since expanded as other
agencies have found the value of working remotely with college students. Many of the internships
offer the chance for students to use foreign languages. Other skills that are in demand include (but
are not limited to): writing, analytical thinking, coding, data analysis, cultural diplomacy, design,
economic analysis, GIS expertise, graphic design, marketing, political analysis, videography and
social media management.

The time commitment required is 10 hours per week during the academic year. Agencies range
from the Department of State and USAID, to the CIA and NASA, to the Department of Defense and
the EPA. The projects are each unique and wide-ranging in scope. VSFS offers students a chance
to get hands-on experience doing real work on important projects, something invaluable to boost a
future career.

Go ahead and create a profile on USAJOBS.gov so that you can apply when applications open in July!

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