How to get a job at the FDA? Here's everything young professionals should know
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For students and young professionals who want to make a meaningful impact on public health, a career at the FDA offers both purpose and prestige.
But how exactly does one get started?
What the FDA actually does
While many think of the FDA purely as a science agency, its responsibilities stretch far beyond the lab. The agency hires professionals from a wide range of backgrounds—scientists, doctors, engineers, data analysts, public health experts, lawyers, policy makers, and even communicators and IT specialists.
For instance, if you're majoring in biology or chemistry, you might fit into roles dealing with food safety or pharmaceutical review. If you're a public health student, epidemiology and regulatory policy might interest you. Law and political science graduates can pursue careers in compliance or policy analysis, while engineers may work on assessing medical device safety. In short, there's no single path in—there are many.
Building the right educational foundation
Most positions at the FDA require at least a bachelor's degree, and more technical or research-heavy roles often prefer a master's, PhD, PharmD, JD, or MD. Students hoping to enter scientific or regulatory careers should pursue degrees in fields like biology, microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, or biomedical engineering. Those interested in policy, law, or communication can major in public health, public administration, political science, or law.
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Academic excellence is important, but what also stands out is coursework or experience in areas like data analysis, clinical trials, research methods, bioethics, or FDA regulatory systems. Taking relevant electives or doing a thesis related to health regulation or safety can strengthen your application.
Internships and fellowships: The smartest entry points
If you're still in school, or recently graduated, your best bet is to gain entry through an internship or fellowship.
The FDA offers multiple programs designed specifically for early-career professionals.
One of the most accessible is the Pathways Program, which includes internships for current students and special hiring opportunities for recent graduates. These positions are paid and often lead to full-time roles within the agency.
For those with advanced degrees, the FDA Commissioner's Fellowship Program is highly prestigious.
This two-year, full-time program gives fellows the chance to work on real-world regulatory issues and collaborate with leading FDA scientists and policy makers.
There's also the ORISE Fellowship Program, which partners with the FDA to offer short- and long-term research positions. These fellowships are ideal for students in STEM fields who want to gain hands-on experience in public health and regulatory science.
Each summer, the FDA also hosts students for short-term research internships in labs and policy offices. These summer opportunities are competitive, but they offer valuable exposure to the agency's mission and operations.
Navigating the federal hiring system
All permanent jobs and many internships at the FDA are posted on USAJobs.gov, the official job portal for the USgovernment. Applying through this site can feel intimidating at first, but it's manageable once you understand the format.
First, you'll need to create a USAJobs account and upload a federal-style resume—which is usually much longer and more detailed than private-sector resumes. These resumes should include your full education history, detailed descriptions of work and volunteer experience, skills, certifications, and any honors or awards.
Job announcements on the site are detailed and may include questionnaires, writing samples, or transcripts.
Be sure to read each posting thoroughly, tailor your application to the specific role, and submit all required documents before the deadline.
The citizenship question and international applicants
It's important to note that most FDA jobs require US citizenship, especially for permanent roles. However, students or researchers who are not citizens may still be eligible for certain internships or fellowships, especially those run through academic institutions or programs like ORISE.
International students interested in working with the FDA should consider partnerships through US universities or look for collaborative opportunities with other international health organizations.
The bottom line
Joining the FDA is not just about credentials—it's about passion for public service, dedication to science and health, and a willingness to learn. Start early by exploring internship opportunities, talking to mentors in your field, and following the agency's work in current affairs.
Working at the FDA means having a front-row seat to decisions that affect millions. For students and young professionals, it's a place where your knowledge can meet real-world impact.
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