The Recent Graduates Program at the Census Bureau provides developmental and hands-on experience in the Federal Government to promote career opportunities to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who have up to six years after degree completion to apply). Successful applicants are placed in a developmental 1-year training program with the potential to be placed in a permanent position within our organization. These positions are at the grade 7/9 entry levels, with an opportunity for permanent appointment upon successful completion of the program.

• Recent Graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
• Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.

• Each Recent Graduate participant must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the program.
• Opportunities are posted publicly on USAJOBS with specific instructions on how to apply.

• Mentors are assigned to each Recent Graduate who will provide guidance, expertise, and professional development.
• Individual Development Plans (IDP) are created for each Recent Graduate to create and track career planning, professional development, and training activities. Managers will assist the Recent Graduate in developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP) within 45 days.
• At least 40 hours of formal, interactive training is required during the program.
• Positions offer opportunities for career advancement.

• Recent Graduates may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, a term appointment lasting 1-4 years). If a Recent Graduate is converted to a term position in the competitive service, he or she may subsequently be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.
• To be eligible for conversion, Recent Graduates must have:
  • Successfully completed at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program.
  • Demonstrated successful job performance.
  • Met OPM’s qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.

The Census Bureau does not offer housing assistance. However, the Partnership for Public Service has created a list of neighborhoods, apartments, and sublets throughout the city that are popular areas for college students and recent graduates. They have put together a starter’s guide for housing options.

As a federal employee, you are eligible to receive a transit subsidy each month to compensate you for your travel to and from work via certain types of public transportation.