jc57885a wrote: ↑Thu Mar 25, 2021 11:30 am
Patrick Bateman wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:27 pm
jc57885a wrote: ↑Sat Mar 20, 2021 9:43 am
Just heard I got denied AF summer internship. Super disappointed, especially since I'm currently externing with them this semester. I don't know how I was selected last application and not this time around. I feel like I've done an excellent job at my base, but I don't think my base really has much of a say when it comes to the internship program, I am under the impression that decision is made at HQ entirely.
How bad is this? Do I have no chance now? If I was denied the summer internship I feel like I won't be accepted to the real deal. Anyone currently in JAG- does your office have a say in selecting summer interns?
My understanding is that the intern selections are handled at the JAX level.
It is possible that despite your solid externship experience, you have some application package issues. You may want to ask your current SJA to review your intern application package for any major red flags.
Thanks for the response. So I did reach out to the recruiter at the JAX level and was informed there were only 20 openings total for 2L's across the whole country for the paid internship program, so that makes me feel better.
The only issue I think my application would have is my GPA. It's standing at a 3.125, maybe I can pull it up to a 3.2 by the time I apply Direct Appointment next term. The low GPA definitely worries me, and it has stopped me from obtaining many firm positions. JAG tends to do a whole person application so I'm really banking on that, and I've seen examples of JAG for all branches taking people with even lower GPA's provided they had some good experience. I know AF is probably the most competitive, though, and will likely apply to other branches as well.
You're kind of a legend on this board so I'm wondering if you could chance me: T1 school, 3.1-2 GPA, AF JAG extern experience (has been going well, feedback all very positive and receiving increasingly difficult and "hot" projects), currently an appointed member of my local government and have lots of public service experience/internships, and moot court experience. Thanks!
I could have worded my reply a bit more artfully - what I was trying to get at was that you need to make sure your substantive application materials (resume, cover letter, whatever) are in the best possible shape. The internship is indeed highly competitive, so who knows what the ultimate LIMFAC was with your non-selection (maybe it was the GPA issue, maybe it wasn't). Your GPA is probably close to median for a T1, maybe a bit under, so while it is not ideal, it isn't that terrible.
The "soft factor" stuff you list all sounds solid, especially when paired with a successful externship. Letters of recommendation from the SJA/DSJA will help your AD application package.
One remaining thing you need to nail down is a watertight application package - start working on how you will capture your extern experiences for the resume. See if you can get thoughts on your current resume in terms of format and substance from the SJA or Deputy before you are done at that office. Having done a lot of both hiring and applying for Federal jobs in the last five years, I can tell you that a lot of people do a poor job of assembling a resume and never give it a second thought.
The other piece for your AD application is nailing the SJA interivew - it would be great if the SJA you are working for now is still in that office to interview with. If they end up PCSing, you can at least get an LOR from them. There are a lot of posts over the years on the interview process - catch up on those and talk to the captain types in your office about their interview experiences.
As has been noted in other posts, if you are not already fit, make sure that is a very high priority. You want to look in fighting shape for the picture that will be part of your application.
Good luck.