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Frequently Asked Questions

Post-Graduation Employment

Will I get to choose the organization I will work for after graduation?

On the application, Participants have the opportunity to indicate their top three choices of DoD organizations by which they would like to be sponsored and their geographical preferences. Participant preference will be considered; however, placement with a Sponsoring Facility (SF) will be determined by the needs of the DoD.

Generally, Participants complete their post-graduation service with their SF. Participants are notified of the identity and location of their SF at the time of award and are expected to complete the post-graduation service with the SF. Participants are responsible for contacting their SF prior to accepting the award to ensure they are compatible with the organization.

In rare cases, a SF may determine that the Participant’s skills and the organization’s needs is not a good fit and/or the needs of the organization have changed such that the anticipated need no longer exists.  In such a case, the SMART Program Office will work first with the SF and Sponsoring Service to locate alternate placement within the Sponsoring Service. If alternate placement within the Sponsoring Service cannot be found, the SMART Program Office will contact other participating DoD organizations to locate placement options.  If no option can be found, the case will be referred to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) which will determine whether the Participant’s post-graduation service commitment will be waived. Requests for alternative placement of a Participant for completion of the post-graduation service must originate with the SF or Sponsoring Service.

What happens if I don't want to work for the service I have been sponsored by?

Participants are required to complete the internship and post-graduation service with the SF.  Participants are notified of the identity and location of their SF at the time of award and are responsible for contacting their SF prior to accepting the award to ensure they are compatible with the organization. Requests for alternative placement of a Participant for completion of the post-graduation service must originate with the SF or Sponsoring Service.

Can the post-graduation employment period be deferred?

No, awardees are expected to begin fulfillment of the post-graduation employment period immediately upon graduation.