PMIs receive an initial two-year full time excepted service appointment, after which they are eligible for conversion to a permanent federal government position. Eligibility Individuals eligible to be nominated for the PMI Program are graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines completing or expecting to complete a master's or doctoral-level degree from an accredited college or university during the current academic year. These individuals must also have a clear interest in, and a commitment to, a career in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. The Nomination and Selection Process Students need to be nominated for the PMI Program by the appropriate dean, director or chairperson of their graduate academic program.
Students participate in a competitive nomination process devised by their educational institution.
Selection as a PMI finalist is based on review of the PMI application, and a structured assessment center process which includes evaluation of a candidate's oral and writing skills. PMIs are generally notified of their status as finalists in the spring of the year for which they have applied.