Student Trainee (Management and Program Analysis)

Full Job Description

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress.

We accomplish our mission by providing objective and reliable information and analysis to the Congress, to federal agencies, and to the public, and recommending improvements, when appropriate, on a wide variety of issues to make government work better.

This vacancy is for graduate internship positions. The anticipated start dates begin in May 2026. All qualification requirements must be met by the start of the internship.

To qualify for the GS-7 level, you must be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program, and meet one of the following criteria: You must have completed between 18 to 35 semester hours or 27 to 53 quarter hours of graduate level education; OR You must possess a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (defined below).

Superior Academic Achievement: Superior academic achievement (SAA) recognizes individuals who have achieved superior academic standing. S.A.A.

is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

Grade-point average (G.P.A.)-- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: a.3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

To qualify for the GS-9 level, you must be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program, and meet one of the following criteria: You must have completed 36 or more semester hours or 54 or more quarter hours of graduate level education; OR You must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent Graduate degree.

NOTE: You must be a current student enrolled in an graduate program seeking a degree from an accredited educational institution on a full or half-time basis.

If at any point during the internship (and for any reason) your status as a student changes to that of a non-student, your internship will be terminated. Major Duties:

As a GAO Graduate Intern (Management and Program Analysis), you will work within one of GAO's Chief Administrative Offices or Staff Office to increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The work assignments may involve any of the following tasks: Works on assigned, structured segments of projects Uses analytical techniques collect, research, and develop data-based findings and conclusions related to projects.

Participates in providing recommendations for alternative solutions for problems targeted by projects.

Uses office automation software to produce and prepare various materials such as spreadsheets, plans, procedures, memoranda, letters, charts, databases, and presentations Edits or drafts documents to ensure accuracy and clarity and correct formatting, grammar, and spelling for inter-office written products.

Contributes to team efforts through participation in activities/meetings, soliciting and listening to others' opinions, and working collaboratively to accomplish team goals.

We have 16 operations and staff offices that work to support the agency's mission teams and Executive Committee, Congress, and the American people.

For detailed information regarding the Operational and Staff offices at GAO, please click here.

Note: At the time of application, you will be provided with additional descriptors of the specific offices that are seeking student trainees positions.

Please review each descriptions before making your desired selection. Office preferences are not guaranteed.