Author Archives: Elise Hanks

About Elise Hanks

I am a senior Feb at Middlebury and about to complete the Literary Studies major. I recently submitted my senior honors essay that was grounded in American Women Poets, Feminist Literary Theory, Gender Theory, Sexual/Textual Politics, and the creation of poetic self. In the past I have interned for the Department of Education, worked as a Federal Service Student Ambassador at Middlebury College and for the Partnership for Public Service where I was trained in helping students find and apply to federal job and internship opportunities. I have held a leadership role with Page 1 Literary Project, a student organization that organizes programs and events that promote literacy in schools across Addison County, Vermont, for the past two and half years. My other extracurricular interests include intramural sports, dance, poetry, and art.

Internship with the Department of Defense

Have you ever dreamed about working on intelligence missions for the military?

Do you have a burning desire to develop a layered defense against ballistic missiles?

Or perhaps the idea of protecting The Pentagon piques your interest?

Well, then unless you’ve spent all winter making your guns a potential national security threat, by all means APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE!

The Department of Defense (DOD) Centralized Summer Intern Program is a paid internship that will promote experiential training opportunities to student interns in the DOD. The goal of the program is to integrate academic theory with workplace experience that may serve as a pipeline to the student employment programs and entry-level employment opportunities within DOD– that means help you get an in to get a job in the future!

Requirements:

•     You must be a U.S. citizen.
•     You must be enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited institution of higher education.
•     You must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale.

Salary:  Weekly Stipend

Location:  Washington, D.C.

Closing Date:  Rolling Application

Contact Information:  Tina James

Email:  tina.james@cpms.osd.mil

Phone:  (703) 696-5606

Get help finding a federal job or summer internship!

Interested in a summer in D.C.?

Curious about how to work for the State Department or an intelligence agency?

Wondering how to find paid positions at the Department of Energy, Education, Agriculture, or other agency?

As Middlebury’s Federal Service Student Ambassador I am available to help you learn how to find and apply for federal jobs and internships.  Once you find an opportunity you are interested in, I am available to help you draft a federal resume, learn how to answer KSAs on federal job applications, or review your application materials.

I am holding Drop-In hours at CSO from 2:00pm to 4:00pm every Monday afternoon.   If you would like to email me about specific opportunities, please feel free to contact me.  I am also available by appointment and can be reached at ehanks@middlebury.edu

Internship Winter Term Workshop Opportunity!

This J-term I will be hosting a weekly workshop opportunity for Middlebury students who are interested in learning more about how to get a government internship.  The workshop is FREE!  I would love to have any and everyone interested.  Sign up in McCullough starting Monday at 9 am!

GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE

Interested in finding a federal internship or job?  Stop in to learn about what federal agencies could interest you!  This series of workshops will review how to find jobs and internships as well as how to write and review federal resumes.  We will also learn strategies for answering KSAs essay questions and will help you learn how to make yourself marketable.

MEETING:                          Mondays                       7:00 – 8:00pm

LOCATION:                        Chateau 107

INSTRUCTOR:                   Elise Hanks ’11            Cost:  No Charge

Summer in the City: DC Internship Spotlight

Call to ServeThe idea of a summer internship in Washington, D.C. appeals to many young professionals and undergraduates.  The city sizzles in the summertime heat and is certainly a hotbed of activity and ideas.  Our nation’s capitol houses not only over 150 government agencies and scores of non-profits, it also hosts some of America’s most prestigious intern programs for students.  With all of the opportunities, it can be overwhelming to determine where one might find success or even where to begin the search for a summer internship. Allow me to help you out.

A summer in D.C. is not just for those who have a pension for politics or an itch for international relations.  Each federal agency has numerous offices that are looking for interns.  One could work for a legal team or a policy and planning office; internships in communications or editing are available, too.  Data manipulation and statistical analysis are a part of most every agency as well.  Many federal departments have employees who are looking for help with grant writing and proposals as well as research projects.  Some agencies are especially interested in foreign affairs and relations and are looking for interns interested in languages and different cultures.

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Job Opportunity: Interested in Legal and Environmental Work?

Call to Serve

WHAT: The U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) is currently hiring paralegals for their 2010 Honors Paralegal Intern Program.

WHO: ENRD is looking to hire paralegals who:

  • are 2009/2010 college graduates,
    • have an overall GPA of at least a 3.0,
    • are organized, analytical, have strong research and writing skills
    • can work both independently and collaboratively,
    • can start on or about July 19, 2010.

    **U.S. Citizenship, security clearance and drug test are required.

    WHERE: Positions will be located in Washington, D.C. and Denver.

    ABOUT Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD)

    ENRD is the largest environmental law firm in the country and has represented virtually every federal agency in courts nationwide. ENRD has primary responsibility for litigation on behalf of the United States regarding:

    • Prevention and Clean Up of Pollution
    • Wildlife Protection
    • Environmental Challenges to Federal Programs and Activities
    • Acquisition of Property for Federal Needs
    • Native American Rights and Claims
    • Stewardship of Public Lands and Natural Resources

    DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

    Duties of the paralegal include:

    • Administrative case preparation
    • Trial support
    • Cite checking
    • Legal research utilizing Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw, etc.
    • Freedom of Information requests

    The starting salary for a GS-7 (entry level for federal employees) is approximately $41,000. In addition to salary, the federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package and a transit subsidy for individuals who utilize public transportation. Benefits of federal position potentially include:

    • Loan Repayment Programs
    • Generous Vacation Time
    • Many Advancement Opportunities
    • Healthcare Benefits
    • Flexible Federal Work Schedule
    • Federal Hiring Preference in the Future

    The Division is conveniently located within walking distance of major museums, restaurants, sporting venues, and theaters. Interns who successfully complete the program will be eligible for a permanent position in ENRD

    HOW TO APPLY:

    To apply please visit following link: https://applicationmanager.gov. After establishing your userID and password, use 291592 as the Vacancy ID number, then follow the instructions to complete your application. The application process includes submitting a resume (be sure to include your GPA on your resume), an unofficial school transcript and completing an online questionnaire.

    APPLICATION DEADLINE:

    For early consideration please apply by December 31, 2009

    All other applicants may apply by January 31, 2010

    Introducing Middlebury’s new Federal Service Ambassador

    Call to ServeHello young and enterprising Middlebury professionals!  My name is Elise Hanks, I am currently in my third year and am majoring in Literary Studies, and I am here to help you!

    I am Middlebury’s Federal Service Student Ambassador and it is my job to help you learn about, find, and apply for federal internships and jobs.  I work for the Partnership for Public Service and this year will be working closely with CSO to have office hours, host workshops and panels, and hopefully bring a speaker or two to campus.  Here are some things that I can help you with:

    • Create a federal resume
    • Find a department or agency that interests you
    • Learn where your skill set fits within government agencies
    • Inform you of the benefits and advantages of working in the public sector
    • Help you find opportunities for summer internships, long-term programs, and jobs

    As I mentioned earlier, I am a Literary Studies major…not something you usually associate with federal service or government work.  I wasn’t aware of the opportunities myself until this past year when I found an internship in Communications and Outreach with the Department of Education.  Although I don’t anticipate a career in a communications field, the opportunity allowed me to hone my writing skills, gain experience planning and hosting large-scale events and symposiums, and I was able to learn more about the public sector and the opportunities it affords its employees.  There are more than 100 federal agencies who are looking for scientists, researchers, accountants, lawyers, engineers, consultants, managers, communications specialists, analysts, doctors, public speakers, speech writers, and more.

    Government work is not just for political science majors! Chances are I can help you find an opportunity specific to your skill set and interests.

    I’ll be hosting various workshops and panels throughout the year- and you can always reach me by appointment or during my office hours in CSO from 4:00pm-5:00pm on Tuesdays.

    Stay tuned for more information about federal service and government opportunities and information!

    Cheers,

    Elise Hanks ‘11