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Breaking into Federal Contracting: A Guide for Lawrence Students

If you’re career options in government, you may not have considered federal contracting—but you should. Federal contractors work with the U.S. government to provide goods and services in industries ranging from defense to healthcare to technology. These jobs offer competitive salaries, valuable experience, and, in many cases, strong job security. In this article, we’ll walk you through the world of federal contracting, how to get hired, and what kind of stability you can expect in this career path.

What is Federal Contracting?

Federal contractors are private companies or individuals who enter into legally binding agreements with the U.S. government to provide specific goods or services. Some of the biggest names in federal contracting include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, Deloitte, and Amazon Web Services. Contractors are responsible for building military aircraft, managing cybersecurity systems, conducting medical research, and much more.

Federal contracts are divided into two main categories:

  • Prime Contractors – These companies have direct contracts with the federal government.
  • Subcontractors – These companies support prime contractors by fulfilling parts of larger contracts.

Why Consider a Career with a Federal Contractor?

If you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career, federal contracting is worth exploring. Here’s why:

1. High Demand & Competitive Salaries

The U.S. government spends hundreds of billions of dollars annually on federal contracts. In FY 2023, contract spending reached approximately $750 billion, with sectors like defense, IT, and healthcare receiving the biggest shares. This means contractors are constantly looking for skilled professionals, and they pay well to attract top talent.

2. Strong Job Security

Unlike private-sector jobs that can be heavily impacted by economic downturns, federal contracting tends to be more stable. Government projects often span multiple years, ensuring steady employment for workers. Additionally, national security, infrastructure, and healthcare needs don’t go away, making these roles essential.

3. Career Growth & Government Exposure

Working with a federal contractor allows you to gain experience with government agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This can open doors to future federal employment or leadership roles within the private sector.

How to Land a Job with a Federal Contractor

1. Identify Companies That Hire Federal Contractors

Start by researching companies that regularly win federal contracts. Some of the biggest players include:

  • Technology & Cybersecurity: Amazon Web Services, Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Defense & Aerospace: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics
  • Healthcare & Research: McKesson, Pfizer, UnitedHealth Group
  • Consulting & Professional Services: Deloitte, Accenture Federal, KPMG

Resources like USA Spending.gov and the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) can help you track government contract spending and identify potential employers.

2. Search for Job Openings

Once you’ve identified potential employers, look for openings on:

  • Company Career Pages – Check the hiring sections of contractor websites.
  • Job Boards – LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor frequently list contractor jobs.
  • ClearanceJobs.com – Great for positions requiring a security clearance.

3. Build the Right Skillset

Many federal contracting jobs require specialized skills, such as:

  • Cybersecurity & IT – Consider certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP.
  • Engineering & Science – A degree in aerospace, civil engineering, or biotech can be advantageous.
  • Project Management & Consulting – Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) are valuable.
  • Security Clearance – Many jobs require at least a Secret or Top Secret clearance, which employers may help you obtain.

4. Network & Use Referrals

Building connections in the federal contracting space can help you land interviews. Attend industry conferences, join professional associations like the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and connect with hiring managers on LinkedIn.

5. Prepare for the Hiring Process

  • Background Checks & Drug Tests – Be ready for thorough screenings.
  • Security Clearance Process – If required, expect an in-depth background investigation.
  • Behavioral & Technical Interviews – Show that you understand government regulations and industry best practices.

What About Job Security in Federal Contracting?

One of the biggest perks of federal contracting is job security—but it comes with some caveats. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Long-Term Contracts = Stability – Many federal contracts last multiple years, meaning companies need employees to complete projects.
  • Government Budgets Drive Hiring – Jobs in defense, healthcare, and IT remain steady due to ongoing government funding.
  • Renewal & Recompete Risks – Some contracts need to be renewed, and if a different company wins the contract, employees may need to transition to a new employer.
  • Security Clearance = In-Demand Skill – If you hold a security clearance, you are highly valuable, and many companies will seek to retain or hire you.

Final Thoughts

Federal contracting offers college graduates a pathway to well-paying, stable jobs that contribute to critical government missions. Whether you’re interested in cybersecurity, engineering, healthcare, or consulting, there’s likely a contracting job that fits your skill set.

By researching employers, building the right skills, and networking strategically, you can secure a rewarding career in this growing field. If you’re ready to explore opportunities, start browsing job boards and company websites today—your future in federal contracting might be just a few clicks away!

USAJOBS Career Explorer

There are thousands of jobs in the federal government and finding the one right for you can be an exhaustive process. Have you ever wondered if there was an easier way to determine which federal government job is the best fit for your interests? There is! The USAJOBS Career Explorer helps job seekers find occupations in the federal government that align with their career interests.

Job seekers answer a series of questions (10-15 minutes) that result in a matched list of federal occupational series. The list offers explanation of jobs in plain language and links to relevant open job announcements. The Career Explorer covers over 300 occupations in the General Schedule and Wage Grade pay scale. 

Try the USAJOBS Career Explorer!

Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program

Did you know that less than 7% of the full-time federal workforce is under 30? The government is looking to change that. They’re prioritizing paid internships that last 10-12 weeks. These internships are a great way to gain work experience, expand your professional network, and understand the impact of public service.

The program is managed by the Partnership for Public Service and it’s a fantastic opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in school to real-world situations. It’s also a chance to bring diverse young talent into the government. So, whether you’re an undergrad, grad student, or professional student, and no matter what your major is, you’re welcome to apply.

You can choose two career tracks that best align with your interests and skills:

  • Public Administration
  • Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
  • Government Contracting and Acquisition
  • Liberal Arts
  • Public Interest Technology

For more information, visit gogovernment.org/fellowship/future-leaders-in-public-service-internship-program/

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference!

Virtual Student Federal Service Internship

by Jonathan Hogan

Among the internships offered by the Department of State, the most accessible in terms of acceptance rate while also granting interns valuable insight into a career in the State Department is The Virtual Student Federal Service internship.

The Virtual Student Federal Service Program is best summed up in an advertisement posted by the federal government. It states: “1: State & other U.S. agencies post unclassified projects that might leverage talent. 2: U.S. college, masters, Ph.D. & post-doc students apply to three projects. 3: … and that’s it! Selected interns work virtually for agencies Sept-May.” To apply, interns (which must be U.S. citizens) simply go through the U.S. federal jobs platform USAJOBS, and, after creating an account, submit a “resume, transcript & short responses” (“How It Works”). To make things even easier, the Career Center has already released an article on how to create a USAJOBS account—just click this link. Here, It is worth noting that federal agencies other than the Department of State participate in the program, however, it seems that the Department of State is particularly active in the program.

If the Virtual Student Federal Service Internship has piqued your interest, you might be wondering what the experience is actually like. In general, interns work between September and May for roughly 10 hours a week. Furthermore, interns can work anywhere in the world. The internship is not paid, however, many interns receive credit for their work—something which feels particularly likely at Lawrence. It is difficult to discuss specifics, as the program is based around a nearly unending array of projects posted by the State Department; however, at the moment of writing, one project is already posted to the website which would see students work as research assistants on the Afghanistan Lessons Learned Project to examine “the goals, policies, strategies, and programs implemented” during U.S. involvement in Afghanistan (Virtual Student Federal Service). Given that the application deadline for this coming year is in July, more programs are likely to be posted shortly. If you determine that the Virtual Student Federal Service Internship is right for you, feel free to schedule an appointment with our government advisor, Ty Collins, for help with the application process here.

Jonathan is a Third Year German and Government major. He works as a Peer Educator to assist students in the CJW and GLI career communities. In addition to professional development, Jonathan is interested in the cultural construction of the modern nation-state, normative constraints on rational behavior, and all things German. You can schedule an appointment with him here to improve your resume, learn more about the CJW and GLI career opportunities, and work on anything else professional development-related.

Works Cited

“How It Works.” U.S. Department of State, https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/virtual-student-federal-service/how-it-works/. Accessed 3 May 2022.

Virtual Student Federal Service. https://vsfs.state.gov/projects. Accessed 3 May 2022.