Employer Portrait: Federal Administration
As one of the largest public administrative bodies in Switzerland, the federal administration maintains intergovernmental relationships, creates good general conditions for society and the economy, provides infrastructure and ensures the security of the state and its citizens. The various functions range from A to Z.
Information on the employer
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Sector
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Public service
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Location(s)
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Bern and other locations in Switzerland
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Number of staff
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37,000
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New hires/year
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1,500 and 400/500 internships
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Required specializations
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All
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Desired degrees
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Internships:
from the start of a degree program, after a bachelor’s degree, after a master’s degree Direct employment: master’s degree, PhD |
Mission statement and company ethos
Our collaboration is characterized by cooperation, loyalty and appreciation. As an employee, you accept social responsibility.
Salary and employee benefits
Salary: the starting salary varies depending on the job description, educational qualifications and job-specific experience. The starting salaries are typical to the industry. Salaries for vacancies and internships can be found by visiting www.epa.admin.ch.
Fringe benefits: inexpensive travel, discounted participation in sports or investments for your earnings under preferential terms. By working for the federal administration, you profit from attractive offers and fringe benefits in many different areas in addition to your salary.
Working hours and work-life balance
Flexible working hours and work models allow you to realize your own individual lifestyle and help balance your career and personal life in the best way possible. Working hours are usually 42 hours per week with at least four weeks of vacation and at least five additional days off.
Career start opportunities and fields of employment
Career start options: internship or direct employment
Fields of employment: graduates from all fields are employed in a broad variety of different areas.
Requirements
We are looking for candidates with a solid academic degree who are responsible, willing to learn, possess proficiency in two national languages, enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration, have an affinity for politics and are interested in issues facing society.
Development perspectives and continuing education
We invest a great deal in the advancement of our staff. Individual career and development planning is a top priority for us and specifically supported by continuing education programs.
Careers abroad
Over 300 international locations all over the world (Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia, North America, Central America, South America).
Opportunities for students
Internships while studying (no longer than 6 months), internships after completing a degree (bachelor’s, master’s; no longer than 12 months).
Further information: https://www.stelle.admin.ch/stelle/de/home/Einstieg%20beim%20Bund/studierende/hochschulpraktika.html
Application process
Have you found an interesting position? Then send your application dossier directly to the address listed in the ad or apply online. The contact person will be happy to answer your questions concerning the duties described.
Internship positions are listed on the job board of the federal government at www.stelle.admin.ch. Many administrative bodies have other internship opportunities beyond these. Please contact the appropriate government office directly for information (www.hochschulpraktika.admin.ch).
Special information
The federal administration promotes equal opportunity between men and women and language groups. Applicants from all parts of the country have the same opportunities.
... and how are things for the staff?
Job description
I work for a small branch of Political Department 3 (UN) at the FDFA. The department is responsible for elections and nominations for international organizations. We manage affairs for the Swiss candidates (such as Joseph Deiss as president of the UN General Assembly or the Human Rights Council), plan the various election campaigns and coordinate lobbying efforts.
What I particularly like about my job
What I like about my job is the daily contact with the wide range of international organizations and potential candidates as well as the “tangible” aspects of this kind of work: because it deals with elections and nominations, you’re constantly faced with the concrete results (election outcomes) of your actual work and know exactly whether you did a good job or not.
My career path
I studied history and German philology at the University of Basel and finished with a licentiate degree in 2009. I started off as a university intern at the FDFA and was offered a permanent position after half a year.
My goals and perspectives
My current position never ceases to intrigue me, and there are still many projects and ideas I want to realize in the coming years. But whether or not I will stay at the FDFA in the long term remains to be seen – the professional perspectives for employees who are not pursuing diplomatic careers aren’t especially promising. I can definitely picture working for the UN abroad at some point in the future.
My tips for starting a career
The best way to get your foot in the door at the FDFA is a university internship. These internships offer recent university graduates a glimpse into the activities of the department over the course of three to twelve months. They can either work abroad or at the head office in Bern.
