Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi colonel, its pete again. i dont carry any signs of me having a hole in my heart and feel good about getting into the navy. but just in case, how do i go about getting a job for department of defense you discussed earlier? i want navy so bad!

ANSWER: Dear Pete --

Currently the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is hiring interns and training them in various skills for key jobs.  Depending on your level of education, you could qualify for a number of these jobs.  Once trained and certified, you would be eligible for overseas assignments, so you would get to travel, which you said was a dream of yours.

To look through some of these options go to the USA Jobs web site (http://www.usajobs.gov/) and search on Defense Contract Management Agency or DCMA, and view the jobs available.  Look for "career intern" positions.  These are positions that will provide training and upward mobility in your first few years on the job.  DCMA hiring blitzes are occurring around the country, and you could get a job offer within a few days of interviewing, if you make it through the resume screening process.

There will also be career intern opportunities with other Department of Defense and government agencies.  You should also review these jobs to see which opportunities align with your interests and goals.

Good luck to you.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks so much. i saw some other intern positions but none with DCMA unless i wasn't looking hard enough. i cant thank you enough for your help. i hope that i can procede with this. i have bachelors degree in general business. i am still unsure about navy but i hope i can get in with a waiver!

ANSWER: Dear Pete --

With your bachelors degree many opportunities are open.  Since you have a degree in general business, the contracting side of the Defense Department may be well suited to your interests.  

You can also search on contracting, and look for "career intern" positions.  There will be a number of these positions across a number of agencies.  You could also apply for a GS-5 or GS-7 job, but these jobs will not come with the same level of training opportunities.

Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks so much! i'll keep digging. the ones i saw weren't for me. they had some engineering and such. i did spell word out and saw nothing with intern attach to it. i wont give up. thank you so much. sorry to bother you. i will apply to all kinds of areas!

Answer
Dear Pete -

Try searching on "career intern" and many jobs should come up.

About 60 intern positions just "closed" in DCMA meaning offers were made to candidates and the candidates accepted.  However, new opportunities are published each week.  Check often to see what positions might be right for you.

Good luck.