Hiring Organization: | NIST |
Industry: | Research Services Internship |
Employment Type: | Internships |
Date Posted: | 2025-02-28 |
Closing Date: | 2025-03-28 |
Job Location: | US |
Are you a student looking to gain hands-on experience in the federal workforce? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Internship Program offers valuable, paid internships for high school, college, and graduate students. Whether you’re interested in science, engineering, or administrative roles, NIST provides an excellent opportunity to develop your career while contributing to impactful research and federal projects.
About NIST – A Leading Federal Research Institution
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a premier federal agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST is dedicated to advancing innovation, technology, and measurement science, making it an excellent place for students to gain experience in research, technology, and policy development. With a reputation for excellence, NIST provides a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment for interns.
Why Apply for a NIST Internship?
NIST internships provide a unique opportunity to:
- Gain real-world experience in a federal agency.
- Work on cutting-edge projects related to science, technology, and policy.
- Receive competitive pay while learning from industry experts.
- Enhance your resume with valuable federal work experience.
- Explore potential career paths in federal government and research sectors.
Key Features of the NIST Internship Program
The NIST Internship Program is designed to provide students at various educational levels with hands-on work experience in federal agencies.
- Paid Position: Interns receive compensation for their work.
- Flexible Work Schedules: Opportunities for part-time or full-time work.
- Diverse Eligibility: Open to students from high school, college, graduate, vocational, and trade schools.
- Academic Relevance: Internship roles align with students’ academic career goals and fields of study.
- Potential for Career Growth: Interns may be converted to permanent federal positions after completing the program.
Eligibility Criteria for the NIST Internship
To qualify for the NIST Internship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution, including:
- High schools
- Community colleges and junior colleges
- Four-year colleges and universities
- Professional, vocational, and trade schools
- Advanced degree programs
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying degree or certificate program.
- Meet the minimum age requirement of 16 for federal employment.
Benefits of a NIST Internship
Interns at NIST enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Annual and sick leave for long-term interns
- Potential eligibility for federal retirement systems
- Possible inclusion in federal health and life insurance plans
- Valuable networking opportunities with professionals in science, engineering, and policy fields
Internship Completion & Career Conversion
Interns who successfully complete the NIST Internship Program may be eligible for conversion into a permanent or term federal position within 120 days. To qualify for conversion, interns must:
- Complete at least 640 hours of internship experience
- Fulfill all degree or certificate requirements
- Meet the qualification standards for the target position
- Satisfy any agency-specific requirements outlined in their internship agreement
- Maintain successful job performance throughout their internship
Fast-Track Option: Agencies may waive up to 320 hours of the required experience for interns with outstanding academic performance and job excellence. Additionally, students working through third-party intern providers may count up to 320 hours toward the 640-hour requirement.
How to Apply for a NIST Internship
Applying for a NIST internship is straightforward! Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NIST careers page or the USAJOBS portal.
- Search for available NIST internship opportunities.
- Prepare and submit your resume, transcripts, and application.
- Apply early, as internship spots are limited and highly competitive.
Final Thoughts – Start Your Federal Career with NIST
The NIST Internship Program is an incredible opportunity for students to gain federal work experience, earn while they learn, and potentially transition into a full-time career. Whether you’re interested in research, engineering, IT, administration, or policy, NIST offers a dynamic work environment to help you grow professionally.
Don’t miss out—apply now for a NIST internship and take the first step toward an exciting federal career!