SEC Scholars Program

The SEC Scholars Program is our premier student internship program. It is a ten-week paid position designed for students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or law degree. The program enhances the SEC’s ability to recruit from a talent pool that is representative of all segments of society. It provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable on-the-job experience while exploring Federal business, IT, financial, and legal careers within the SEC.

The program targets 1st year (1L/Rising 2L), 2nd year (2L/Rising 3L), LLM, undergraduate, and graduate students. Students work with SEC staff members on projects and assignments that cover a broad range of the Commission’s work. Students are afforded robust responsibilities and experiences that enhance their future careers.

Law student assignments may consist of supporting litigation; assisting with drafting new regulations; helping with reviews, exams/public outreach; and reviewing corporate documents.

Business student assignments may consist of supporting securities regulations; various information technology projects; human resources; contracting; and auditing.

Multiple opportunities are available in six divisions and 24 offices in our Washington, D.C. headquarters as well as 11 Regional Offices*.

*Regional offices primarily represent the Division of Enforcement and the Division of Examinations.

Eligibility

Participants must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be a current student enrolled in an accredited degree program
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent

Benefits

Program participants may take part in:

• Transportation Benefit Program
• Formal Training Opportunities
• Mentor Program
• Networking Events
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Counseling

Work Schedules

Students may work either part-time or full-time during the spring and fall. Students are expected to work full-time during the summer session. Supervisors and students agree on a work schedule that does not interfere with academic schedules or performance.

Timeline

A general timeline is as follows:

2L (2nd Year Law Students)/LLM

1L (1st Year Law Students) (Summer Only)/Undergraduate/Graduate

***Timeline is subject to change. ***

2022/2023 Dates

How to Apply

Opportunities will be posted on https://www.usajobs.gov/ when they are available. SEC Scholars Program opportunities are titled ‘Student Trainee (Law) or Student Trainee (Program Support) followed by the semester in which we are recruiting (E.g. Student Trainee (Law) – Fall 2022).

We strongly encourage you to sign up to receive USAJobs notifications to ensure you do not miss the application window.

Opportunities will also be linked below when available.

2L Summer 2023 - Washington, DC

2L Summer 2023 - Regions

1L Summer 2023 - Washington DC

1L Summer 2023 - Regions

Business Summer 2023 - Washington DC

Business Summer 2023 - Regions

Upcoming Information Sessions

Information sessions for Spring 2024 will be held in late August and early September 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application

I missed the deadline can I email my application?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications outside of the application window and USAJobs system.

I do not have updated grades yet. What should I submit?

You should submit your most recent transcript along with proof of current enrollment.

I have updated grades. Where should I send them?

If the announcement is still open, you may update your original application materials through the USAJobs website. We are not able to accept updated documents after the announcement closes.

Can my application be transferred to a different location if I did not apply to that location?

No. You will only be considered for the offices/locations to which you apply.

Can I participate if I am related to a current SEC employee?

Yes. You may participate in the program so long as your relative is not in your direct chain of command.

General Program

What if I am not able to report on the program start date?

Each session has two reporting dates.  Requests to start outside of the two options provided when you are offered a position will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Pay/Benefits

Can I receive credit in lieu of pay?

No. The SEC Scholars Program is currently a paid program. We do not offer opportunities for credit only at this time.

How much will I be paid?

Program participants are paid an hourly rate. Current hourly rates are listed below.

2023 SK Base Rate Pay Chart (Bargaining and Non-Bargaining Units) Effective 04/09/23
(incorporating a 4.1% increase to base pay)

How often will I be paid?

Program participants are paid bi-weekly.

Am I eligible for health and life benefits in this program?

No. Program participants are not eligible to receive health or life benefits.

Will I earn vacation time?

Participants will earn sick leave. Sick leave is not paid out upon departure.  If you have a sick leave balance at departure, it will be restored if you return to the Federal government. Participants will not earn annual leave. 

Contact Information

Need more information? Email students@sec.gov and a team member will assist you.

***SEC Scholars positions are not eligible for conversion to a permanent position.***