Students and Recent Graduates

BPA recognizes the value that student interns and entry-level employees bring to our multi-talented workforce. We maintain a wide range of student-focused programs to help you explore the array of opportunities offered by BPA.
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Student Opportunities

Interested in helping advance the boldest climate agenda in our nation’s history? Join BPA today! Apply for federal student and recent graduate positions on USAjobs by selecting the Student or Recent Graduate filter. 
Apply now

This page includes information on the following student programs:

  • Pathways Programs
  • Student Experience Program

Questions about student programs at BPA? Please contact students@bpa.gov. 

Why work at BPA?

BPA is a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship, promoting energy efficiency, renewable wind, solar and hydropower, the smart grid, fish and wildlife protection and initiatives to When you work at BPA you will be providing services to millions of people who call this place home and will take pride in BPA’s multi-faceted public service mission that enables the region’s quality of life.

BPA offers paid internships and employment opportunities in various occupations and duty locations across the Pacific Northwest.

Career opportunities at BPA include but are not limited to: 

  • Engineering
  •  Finance 
  • Tribal Affairs
  • Legal, Accounting
  • Public Affairs 
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Supply & Logistics
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Power Service 
  • Fish & Wildlife

BPA offers competitive salaries with paid time off, as well as opportunities for work-life balance that include telework, flexible work hours and compressed work schedules. To learn more about benefit packages please visit Benefits & New Employees.

Find your career at BPA today!

Pathways Programs

Pathways Programs include federal internships and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates, and those with an advanced degree.

Internship Program: Provides high school, undergraduate, and graduate students from an accredited education institution or from a qualifying career or technical education program with paid internships. Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time in school or an educational program (including Registered Apprenticeship Programs and certain volunteer service programs).

Recent Graduates: Provides recent graduates with a one-year developmental career experience. Applicants must have graduated within two years of completing a degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or career or technical educational institution or career or technical educational program. (Veterans unable to apply due to service obligations have up to six years after degree completion to apply.)

To learn more visit Students & Recent Graduates.

View OPM’s Pathways Frequently Asked Questions: USAJOBS Help Center - Pathways FAQs.

woman standing in cubicle holding papers, with glasses and blonde curly hair; quote next to her stating that the pathways program allowed her to explore diverse careers

Student Experience Program

BPA has many offerings for community college students, trade schools, undergraduates, graduate learning, doctoral students, and post-doctoral work. This includes educational online content, events, research and more. Follow us on social media for upcoming events.

Other Internship Programs