Contracting and acquisition career program

The Pathways Program is a federal initiative that offers internship programs for current students and training and career development opportunities for recent graduates. Recent graduates must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans, due to their military service obligation, will have up to six years to apply. PMF is designed to attract to federal service outstanding men and women from a wide variety of academic disciplines who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, a career in the analysis and management of public policies and programs.

To be eligible for nomination, an individual must be a graduate student completing or expected to complete, during the current academic year, an advanced degree from a qualifying college or university. Department of Defense, and aims to provide summer work experience, and in some cases full-time employment, to college students with disabilities.

The program develops partnerships with other federal agencies, each of whom makes a commitment to provide summer jobs and a staff recruiter. Each year, recruiters interview about 1, students with disabilities at college and university campuses across the nation, and develop a database listing the qualifications of each student.

There are several government agencies and organizations that seek candidates with degrees in government contracting and acquisitions. The list below provides a few places one might find employment specific to this degree. While many of the major job search engines will have several positions to choose from, those listed below are specific to the field of government contracting and acquisitions. Involvement in professional organizations is a great way to stay up-to-date on new technology, tools, and best practices in your field.

Professional organizations are also a great networking opportunity. Below are a few professional organizations you may be interested in as a government contracting and acquisitions major.

Skip Navigation. Careers in Government Contracting and Acquisition. Connect with your Career Coach. Useful Skills Within the Government Contracting and Acquisition Field Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively. Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Must-Know Information Security Clearance: Although not required for all positions, obtaining a security clearance is important when trying to enter the field of government contracting and acquisitions.

Getting Started: Internships Gaining real-life experience is an ideal way to start a new career. Department of the Interior — Office of Secretary Management Intern Program In addition, there are government-organized internship programs which provide students or recent graduates the opportunity to gain real-life experience. Pathways The Pathways Program is a federal initiative that offers internship programs for current students and training and career development opportunities for recent graduates.

The Presidential Management Fellows Program PMF PMF is designed to attract to federal service outstanding men and women from a wide variety of academic disciplines who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, a career in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. Also, determine if your agency has agency-specific policy that supports this OFPP memo.

Watch this video that provides a brief overview of the various roles and responsibilities of an Acquisition Career Manager ACM and explains how they can help s achieve their career goals. Determine if your agency has any department, agency, or bureau specific FAC-C requirements.

Create a SAM. View the Acquisition Gateway Welcome Video and spend some time getting familiar with the types of community discussions, tools, resources, tutorials that are available on the Gateway. Browse the Acquisition Gateway tutorials which includes numerous step by step guides and video resources to learn how to use the different available to you on the Acquisition Gateway.

Get familiar with the group and what policy and tools are offered on the site. Search for and join other Acquisition Gateway Community Groups that interest you. Acquisition Open Opportunities Sign up for an account through Acquisition Open Opportunities which is a website where you can gain experience with hands-on training, share your expertise and work with others across the government.

Browse the website to become familiar with the information that is available. Find out if your agency has a VAO subscription and, if so, register for an account. Browse the website to become familiar with the information and publications that are available. Contract Writing System Each agency has a different Contract Writing System that is used to create contract solicitations. Find a Mentor. To Do List: Create short-term 6 mos.

Some examples of short-term goals for a new Contracting Professional might be to take a certain number of formal training courses or obtain a certain level FAC-C Certification. Create long-term years goals. Some examples of long-term goals for a new Contracting Professional might be to obtain an unlimited warrant or to become a team leader.

Many courses are online and self-paced and no-charge. Once you have met the training, education and experience requirements for Level 1, apply for FAC-C certification. Once you are certified, pace yourself to earn 80 continuous learning points CLPs every two years, beginning with the date of your certification. Make sure to include any desired experiences on your annual IDP and share with and obtain approval from your supervisor.

On a regular basis, review the Experience Development Tool, assess your skill gaps and look for ways to expand your experiences: Use Acquisition Open Opportunities website to identify and search for unique opportunities to gain experience and assist other contract offices. Network with other Contracting Professionals that you meet in an effort to share experiences and work products. Join Communities and network within the Acquisition Gateway make sure you are logged-in first. Consider a rotational assignment or detail within your agency or at another agency.

Participating on intra - or interagency teams to address specific acquisition challenges or other broader leadership issues, such as Integrated Project Teams IPTs or joining professional associations, such as the National Contract Management Association NCMA.

Becoming Familiar with the Federal Acquisition Process. Preparing Today's Workforce for Tomorrows Challenges.