Student Trainee (Administration)

The Small Business Administration (SBA) invites students to apply to our Intern positions. The ideal candidates are current Certificate Program, Undergraduate or Graduate students who demonstrate innovation and self-initiative. You will have an opportunity to train and develop your skills in a variety of career fields and have a positive impact on the people and communities that SBA serves.

Qualifications: To meet the Intern Eligibility requirements, you must be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which you are enrolled). Certificate programs must be at least one-year duration of full-time academic study in post-secondary education. Accepted for Enrollment: If you have been accepted for enrollment in an institution or career or technical education program, but have not yet begun coursework, you must submit an Acceptance Letter from the institution and your most recent academic transcript from your previous program.

NOTE: You will NOT be considered under Pathways unless you provide supporting information from your school. Documentation may be provided in letter format from your academic advisor, school counselor, admission office, etc. to prove enrollment OR it may be provided in the form of several official documents from your school such as a copy of your official transcripts and a copy of your class schedule for next semester.

Copies of documents from your school website are acceptable if they contain all relevant information as listed above. Letters from advisors or other school officials must be on school letterhead. Official transcripts will be required prior to final offer of employment.

You must meet the experience or education requirements detailed below by the close of the vacancy. GS-9: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector, which includes: 1.) Assisting higher level employees in support of various administrative programs; 2.) Identifies issues or problems and seeks alternative solutions consistent with applicable rules or regulations; and 3.) Supporting an organization's administrative functions. These qualifications must be fully supported in your resume.

OR Education: Completion of 2 academic years of graduate level education, or a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. You must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to support this option.

If selected, official transcripts will be required. OR Combination of Education & Experience: Possess equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience to meet total qualification requirements. For example, an applicant who has 1 full year of Masters level education (i.e.

50% of education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described above (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equate to 100% of the required experience for the position. If you do not meet the specialized experience requirements, you may also qualify with education.

You MUST submit transcripts (official or unofficial) with this application if you wish to qualify based on education. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's Qualifications web site: Pathways Internship Positions - Student Trainee 0399 Series Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g.

Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on 04/24/2026.