In partnership with other national and local nonprofit groups and with the support of a seasoned cadre of Human Resources expert, we are launching an educational webinars series and conference calls to provide individuals interested in public service with the knowledge necessary to determine whether they would like to serve and at what level, or to use that new acquired knowledge to improve their chances to secure better opportunities in the private or nonprofit sector.

For us at Grupo 21, the goal is to pave the way for a more diverse and representative workforce.

Our webinars are open to the public. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

• November 4, 2026 — 3rd Grupo 21 Professional Development Bootcamp, at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Carolina Campus in Puerto Rico. Virtual and In-Person attendance is available. Registration is required. 
• November 5, 2026 — 5th Annual Grupo 21 Puerto Rico Reception & Bridge Building Awards, at Casa Kai in Santurce, Puerto Rico. (By-Invitation-Only. Widely attended event.)
• January 5, 2027 — 6th Annual Grupo 21 Anniversary Reception & Awards Ceremony, at UnidosUS headquarters in Washington, D.C. (By-Invitation-Only. Widely attended event.) 
• April, July, and September 2027 — Grupo 21’s Networking Breakfast Series in Washington, D.C. (By-Invitation-Only.).

PAST EVENTS

• To watch past webinars and other recorded events, please visit our Facebook page.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

• https://presidentialtransition.org/readytoserve/
• https://ourpublicservice.org/events/ready-to-serve-webinar-series-for-aspiring-political-appointees/

PLUM BOOK

• https://www.gpo.gov/who-we-are/news-media/news-and-press-releases/gpo-releases-plum-book---dec-2020 

FEDERAL COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS

• https://www.usgovernmentmanual.gov/ReadLibraryItem.ashx?SFN=+FG8vUAP++X7mtXAlvTS/Q==&SF=VHhnJrOeEAnGaa/rtk/JOg==

WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

•  White House Internship Program – The White House 

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

•  USAJOBS - Students
•  Students & Recent Graduates (OPM)
•  Student Internship Program - Careers (State)
•  Students and Graduates — FBIJobs 
•  Headquarters Student Internship Program | U.S. Department of the Treasury 
•  Pathways for Students and Graduates | Student Internships and Jobs | Working at CDC | Careers at CDC 
•  About • GoGovernment  (From our friends at Partnership for Public Service) 
•  NASA Internship Programs - NASA 
•  Students | Homeland Security 
•  United States Postal Inspection Service 
•  Student employment opportunities (U.S. Secret Service)
•  Careers - CIA 
•  Student Internship and Recent Graduate Opportunities | US Department of Transportation 
•  College Internships | house.gov 
•  Student Opportunities – Senate Employment Office 
• Congressional Internship Program | CHCI 
•  Internship Homepage – Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute 
•  A-Z index of U.S. government departments and agencies | USAGov (Check out programs by your agency of interest.)

PUERTO RICO PROGRAMS

•  Internado Córdova y Fernós | Oficina de Servicios Legislativos 
•  Programa de Internados (Estado)
•  Internado Oficina de Gerencia y Presupuesto 
•  Programa de Internado (Oficina de Etica Gubernmantal)
•  Internado Manuel Díaz Saldaña (Departmento de Hacienda)

AWARD PROGRAMS

•  Youth Awards - Hispanic Heritage Foundation 

FEDERAL RESUME & CAREER GUIDANCE

•  Office of Personnel Management: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ 
•  Where can I get help with writing my resume? - OPM.gov 
•  How do I write a resume for a federal job? – USAJOBS Help Center 
•  USAJOBS - Career Explorer 

NETWORING TIPS 

Your next internship, job, mentor, or professional opportunity may begin with a conversation. Networking isn't about collecting business cards or asking people for favors. It's about building genuine relationships, making a positive impression, and staying connected.

1. Have Your Introduction Ready (Your 30-Second Pitch. Yes! 30 seconds.)

Be prepared to introduce yourself confidently:

• Who are you?
• What are you studying or what do you do?
• What are your interests and career goals?
• What kind of opportunities are you looking for?

Example: "Hi, I'm Maria. I'm a junior studying X at Y university. I'm interested in public service and government affairs, and I'm looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience."

2. Do Your Homework

If you know who will be attending, take a few minutes to learn about their organization, career, or professional background. A little preparation can make a big difference.

3. Dress and Present Yourself Professionally

You don't need an expensive wardrobe. Dress appropriately, maintain good posture, smile, make eye contact, and be approachable.

4. Be Curious. Ask Good Questions.

Don't just talk about yourself. Show genuine interest in others.

Try asking:

• What inspired you to pursue your career?
• What skills do you value most in someone entering this field?
• What advice would you give someone starting out?
• What opportunities or challenges should I be aware of?

5. Don't Lead With "Can You Get Me a Job?"

Build a relationship before asking for a favor. Instead, ask for advice, insights, or recommendations on how to enter a particular field.

6. Make It Personal and Memorable

Listen carefully. Find common interests. Remember people's names and something meaningful about your conversation. Make sure to take notes about the conversation. Be authentic—don't try to impress by pretending to be someone you're not.

7. Be Ready to Share Your Resume or LinkedIn Profile

Have an updated resume available and make sure your LinkedIn profile includes a professional photo, headline, education, experience, and relevant skills. Make it easy for people to learn about you. If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, what are you waiting for? We have a workshop just on that. Check out our free video resources.

8. Follow Up Within 24–48 Hours

Send a short, personalized thank-you message. Mention something you discussed and express your interest in staying connected. Keep it simple.

Example: "It was a pleasure meeting you at the Grupo 21 Bootcamp. I appreciated your advice about starting a career in public service. I would love to stay connected and learn from your experience."

9. Stay Connected—Don't Just Reach Out When You Need Something

Engage with their professional updates, congratulate them on accomplishments, share relevant information, and occasionally check in. Relationships take time to develop. If you exchange messages with a potential mentor but wait 6 months for a follow up, you are starting from scratch instead of building up a relationship. 

10. Pay It Forward

Networking is a two-way street. Share opportunities with classmates, introduce people who might benefit from knowing each other, and help others whenever you can. You don't have to be established to be helpful.

Before leaving this event, challenge yourself to:

• Meet at least 3 new professionals.
• Connect with at least 3 people on LinkedIn.
• Ask at least one person for career advice.
• Identify one concrete next step toward an opportunity.
• Follow up with the people you meet within 48 hours.

Don't underestimate the power of one conversation. Your first job may come from someone you meet today. Your next mentor may be sitting across the table. And one day, you may be the person opening doors for someone else.

Build relationships. Stay curious. Follow through. Pay it forward.

Networking is about building relationships but remember that not everyone who offers an opportunity has your best interests at heart. Be professional, approachable, and open-minded, but also exercise good judgment.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels uncomfortable, inappropriate, or too good to be true, take a step back.
• Protect your personal information. Don't share sensitive information, financial details, passwords, identification documents, or private information with people you barely know.
• Verify opportunities. Research employers, organizations, recruiters, and individuals before accepting offers or sharing personal information.
• Watch for red flags. Be cautious of anyone asking for money upfront, promising guaranteed jobs, pressuring you to make immediate decisions, or requesting inappropriate favors in exchange for an opportunity.
• Set professional boundaries. You never have to tolerate inappropriate comments, unwanted advances, uncomfortable situations, or requests that compromise your values.
• Ask for advice. When in doubt, consult a professor, mentor, trusted professional, or someone you know before making a commitment.

Remember: A legitimate professional opportunity should never require you to compromise your safety, dignity, integrity, or financial security.

Be ambitious. Be approachable. Be smart. Protect yourself.

Grupo 21 | Building the Next Generation of Leaders