Air Force looks to colleges, universities for civilian employees

  • Published
  • By April Rowden
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As the Air Force seeks the best and brightest talent for its civilian workforce, officials continue to actively recruit students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The Student Career Experience Program, or SCEP, allows qualified college students to apply at participating state and federal agencies for jobs that relate to the their academic or career goals.

"By bringing these young professionals into civil service through the Air Force's Student Career Experience Program, they get to immerse themselves in the Air Force culture while receiving genuine work experience," said Melissa Strange, chief of the intern section in the Directorate of Civilian Force Integration at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "At the same time, it allows us to observe the students so we can determine if we want to place them in a permanent Air Force position when they complete the program."

Tameka Cunningham, a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, was recently hired here under the SCEP to be the program's manager for the centrally managed SCEPs.

"Unlike other corporate intern programs out there where you shadow a professional, this program actually teaches you how to do the job," said Ms. Cunningham. "So when it's time to convert to a government position, you already know the requirements."

Converting these young men and women into federal jobs at the end of the program is a fundamental component to the workforce renewal program. If accepted, SCEP employees can be placed into traditional civilian positions or apply for an Air Force internship program, such as Palace Acquire.

Jana Ramon began her Air Force career as a SCEP employee for Air Education and Training Command. In March 2008, she was accepted into the Palace Acquire program and is now interning as a human resources specialist at the Air Force Manpower Agency here.

"I definitely feel that my SCEP work (scheduling Air Force linguists for their training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif.) prepared me for my current job," said Ms. Ramon, a University of Houston at Victoria alumna with a degree in business administration. "It gave me the skills and abilities to perform my current duties. It also gave me the confidence I need in order to talk to higher level employees - both civilian and military."

Locally funded SCEP positions are available to qualified students in any year of their academic studies. Contact the base civilian personnel flight for eligibility requirements.

Centrally managed programs are funded by the Department of the Air Force. To qualify for the centrally managed program, applicants must be, at a minimum:

· Pursuing a baccalaureate degree (junior/senior year only), graduate degree or professional degree;
· Accepted for enrollment or are enrolled in an approved program;
· Have a good academic standing (no less than 2.0 cumulative GPA);
· Meet the qualification standards of the position;
· At least the minimum age required by federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors;
· Taking at least half-time course load in a four-year college or university, graduate or professional school; and
· A U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island).

According to past and present SCEP employees, the program's benefits reach far beyond learning valuable job skills. The flexible schedule allows students to balance school and work; SCEP employees have access to health insurance and can contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan; and the hands-on approach to learning helps students create a professional network while building a solid work portfolio.

"I think one of my favorite things about being a SCEP was that I was treated like a regular employee (instead of a student)," Ms. Ramon said. "I was given tasks and responsibilities equal to those of my coworkers. This made me feel like a valued employee to the organization."

SCEP employees like Ms. Ramon and Ms. Cunningham are important ambassadors for the Air Force.

"These employees are showing the current generation of young Americans that you don't have to wear the uniform to serve your country. You can join the public service," Ms. Strange said.

For more information on the Student Career Experience Program, visit the Air Force Personnel Center's "Ask" Web site or call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.