Department of Homeland Security Needs College Graduates

The Acquistion Professional Career Program Iswork experience. If the applicant wishes to work
Open to College Graduatesin a field office, this also should be indicated on the
The Department of Homeland Security has jobsapplication. Otherwise the applicant will be
in many fields, particularly, as one might expect, inconsidered for jobs in the Washington, D. C. area
the field of law enforcement. But one area whereonly.
there are many career openings in this importantNew Hires Will Receive Extensive Training
Federal agency is in the field of acquisitions. At theThe Department has an intensive training program
entry level there is a new program called thethat uses the class room as well as online and
Acquisition Professional Career Program or ACPC,on-the-job training. As the program participants
which is open to recent college graduates whoprogress through the APCP, they will gradually
would, as the name suggests, like to pursue aearn higher certifications which gives them
career in the field of acquisitions. These arestanding in the Federal government work force.
important positions, for without this behind theNew hires also receive management and
scenes work force, the men and woman in theleadership training. Homeland Security Department
field would be unable to function. The Dept. ofjobs require U.S. citizenship and APCP positions
Homeland Security has the third largest budget inrequire a Secret Security clearance as well.
the Federal governmental, with over $20 millionApplicants may be asked to take a drug test.
dollars spent annually for goods and services. SoCareers with the Federal government offer
there are many areas of expertise needed tooutstanding benefits. To name a few of the
manage the actual purchases as well as themajor benefits, there is a program to help with
inventory acquired.school loan repayment which might be of special
Applicants Can Apply Online through the Office ofinterest to recent graduates. And there is tuition
Personnel Managementassistance for on-going education. An entry level
An applicant should designate that he or she isemployee receives up to 13 personal leave days,
applying for a job as an Acquisition Candidate and10 paid holidays, and 13 sick days annually. In
submit a resume and a transcript to the Office ofaddition, there are good health plans available,
Personnel Management. If the applicant isthrift plans with matching benefits, life insurance
interested in pursing a career in a certain field,and long-term care insurance.
that should be indicated. Otherwise, the OPM willOnce education and training is completed, there
decide what career field would be the best fitare a wide variety of Homeland Security Jobs
based on the applicant's training and previousavailable to those seeking them.