The United States Food and Drug Administration is the government agency responsible for overseeing the foods and drugs used by American citizens, but before you apply for a single open position, make sure you look at some tips for getting a job at the FDA. The FDA has a limited number of open jobs available and looks for the best employees, which is why you need to know where you want to work and all the requirements for each job.
Know Where You Want to Work
According to the official website of the FDA, it has jobs available in several different offices, departments and centers. While you might think of the FDA in terms of one large agency, each department serves a different purpose. The Office of Regulatory Affairs is responsible for ensuring that companies follow government regulations, while the Center for Veterinary Medicine focuses on the health of animals. Knowing where you want to work before you apply is one of the best tips for getting a job at the FDA.
Understand All Job Requirements
In addition to looking at the FDA website, you can also view the USA Jobs site to view all open positions available within that department. Don’t send off dozens of resumes without first looking closely at all the requirements associated with each job. While some require just one year of experience or a college degree, other positions may require that you pass a criminal background check and have government clearance. Some jobs are only open to internal applicants or those with government experience too.
Do an Internship
When looking at tips for getting a job at the FDA during your college years, look at the process of doing an internship with the FDA. The FDA has internships available for both undergrads and graduate students that will help you gain experience working for the organization. You might consider applying for one of its special programs after you graduate too. The FDA has fellowships available for those with a bachelor’s degree and those currently enrolled in graduate school, and it offers summer programs for all students too.
Create an Online Account
After looking at some of the FDA jobs currently available, you might worry about tailoring your resume and cover letter to fit each open position. Instead of spending a lot of time working on your resume, create an online account with the USA Jobs site. This site features all open government jobs across the country and government jobs in foreign territories too. You’ll have the chance to list your most recent jobs, show the experience you have in the volunteer or non-profit sector and talk about your education. You can then customize your resume to apply to multiple jobs.
Study the Right Subjects
While there are a number of tips for getting a job at the FDA, one of the most important is that you study the right subjects in college. The best subject to study depends on where you want to work and what you hope to do. A degree in food science may qualify you to work in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, but those who want to work for the National Center for Toxicological Research may need some type of medical degree.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration keeps citizens safe through policies it implements and research it does. This agency consists of multiple departments and offices that focus on animal health, tobacco usage and other subjects. Looking at some tips for getting a job at the FDA can help you find open positions and apply for those jobs.
See also: 30 Best Value Food Science Degrees
