DEA Career Opportunity - Student Employment

DEA student and intern programs focus on opening doors to the exciting world of law enforcement careers through pre-professional work experiences that are relevant, meaningful to your academic or career-related goals and from a variety of disciplines that DEA employs. This includes: accounting, acquisition, human resources, forensic chemistry, intelligence, investigations, information technology, telecommunications, and business management - just to name a few!

Student Educational Employment Program (SEEP) »

Students can explore possible career directions at DEA before graduation through SEEP. This program was created to attract talented students to Federal public service. At DEA, it's an opportunity to train with people who manage the day-to-day business of combating drug smuggling and use within the U.S. and abroad. SEEP has the following two components:

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

STEP provides an opportunity for you to earn money, continue your education, learn from professionals, and combine academic study with on-the-job experience. The duties do not have to be related to your academic or career goals. You may work part time when school is in session and full time during vacation periods. Employment may last as long as you are a student in school.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

SCEP offers valuable work experience directly related to your field of study. It provides formal periods of work and study while you are attending school. Participation in the program requires a commitment by you, your school, and DEA. The SCEP also combines academic classroom learning with practical, on-the-job experience and provides paid work experience in your field of study. Upon successful completion of at least 640 hours of work in the program and after obtaining your degree, you may be eligible for permanent employment with DEA.

You must contact your school guidance counselor, career planning and placement office, or teacher to determine whether DEA has a SCEP agreement with your school before applying.

Qualifications for SEEP

You are eligible for student employment at DEA if you are:

A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.) at an academic, vocational or technical school;
At least 16 years of age at the time of appointment;
Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, two-year or four-year college or university, graduate or professional school;
A U.S. citizen. Lawfully admitted resident aliens may be considered absent qualified citizenship; however, students accepted into the program as trainees must be U.S. citizens if and when they are converted to permanent appointments after graduation.

Employment Requirements

Students interested in applying for jobs at DEA must be able to meet all DEA Employment Requirements and comply with DEA's Drug Policy. Please visit the links below for more information:

Background Investigation
DEA Drug Policy
DEA Employment Requirements

How to Apply

For information on student employment opportunities, please call 1-202-307-4088.

Proposed Careers for Recent Graduates »

There are a variety of career paths that can be followed as part of a career with DEA and a popular way to learn about them is through the newly proposed Pathways Program. This proposed program would target 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 will have six years after degree completion). Successful applicants would be placed in a dynamic, two-year career development program. For a complete description, go to the Office of Personnel Management’s website on Hiring Reform Proposed Regulations webpage.

Proposed Eligibility Requirements for the Recent Graduates Program »

Candidates will be evaluated using OPM qualification standards or OPM-approved, agency-specific qualification standards.

Recent graduates who have completed, within the past two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate.
Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree - due to military service obligation - have six years after degree completion to apply.

Accounting Intern »

Begin your career in accounting by applying for an internship at DEA. An internship with DEA will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the world of government accounting. DEA interns receive extensive training in appropriations law, federal accounting concepts and principles, and accounting procedures of federal agencies. DEA's internship program is an opportunity for you to engage in demanding and exciting work assignments with the potential to convert into permanent full time employment.

Qualifications for Accounting Intern

The Office of Finance is seeking candidates who are:

Currently working toward their accounting degree, or
Have already received a degree in accounting, or
Received a degree in a related field supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting.

The appointment of an Accounting Intern expires at the end of the two-year internship period. Upon successful completion of the internship period, an accounting intern may be non-competitively converted to a permanent position in the competitive civil service status.

Positions are located in Arlington, VA.

Employment Requirements

Applicants interested in applying for DEA Accounting Intern positions must be able to meet all DEA Employment Requirements and comply with DEA's Drug Policy. Please visit the links below for more information:

Background Investigation
DEA Drug Policy
DEA Employment Requirements

How to Apply

Recruitment for the Accounting Career Intern Program is closed at this time.

Student Brochure »