Any ISH'ers work with the Government?

[sammichoffate]

Was looking to get into the federal government after I graduate at the lower GS levels.

[IcanzIIravor]

Was looking to get into the federal government after I graduate at the lower GS levels.

What type of job field are you looking to get into? Depending on the agency a number of them will have job openings listed on their websites or links to jobs available or internship programs. I'd look into that.

[knickballer]

I'm assuming you'll be working something in a business field?

Good thing about working for the government is that they give graduates a shot and it's good experience too. People may say the pay is not that good(which is true) but it's probably comparable to private when you consider the hours you'll work for government compared to private. It's also much more lenient and not as stressful as the private sector. Much more benefits, more vacation/time off, harder to fire you, etc.

Bad thing is that your growth is limited after awhile and it's hard to move up after a certain point. People also get fed up with the general inefficiency too and how lazy their coworkers can be.

[Cactus-Sack]

Yes, in fact my job is why I am here. I work for the NSA as a monitor of online paedophiles and potential terrorists.

[sammichoffate]

What type of job field are you looking to get into? Depending on the agency a number of them will have job openings listed on their websites or links to jobs available or internship programs. I'd look into that.Yeah, they have a program for recent grads for interning and stuff. I really don't know what I wanna do yet tho :/

[sammichoffate]

I'm assuming you'll be working something in a business field?

Good thing about working for the government is that they give graduates a shot and it's good experience too. People may say the pay is not that good(which is true) but it's probably comparable to private when you consider the hours you'll work for government compared to private. It's also much more lenient and not as stressful as the private sector. Much more benefits, more vacation/time off, harder to fire you, etc.

Bad thing is that your growth is limited after awhile and it's hard to move up after a certain point. People also get fed up with the general inefficiency too and how lazy their coworkers can be.I was looking into maybe policy analysis for an agency, but I have no idea yet. Yeah, I prefer to be happier with my job rather than making slightly more money.

I went to a meeting on how to apply at my school the other day, the presenter said that if you get stuck at a GS level, just leave because you can make more elsewhere for another agency.

[DeuceWallaces]

What type of job field are you looking to get into? Depending on the agency a number of them will have job openings listed on their websites or links to jobs available or internship programs. I'd look into that.

Every Federal job is listed on USAJobs.gov. If required, the application will portal you to a DoI, NASA, etc. agency-specific page with additional questions or requirements.

First step is to create your resume on USA Jobs. It's a pain in the ass, but once it's done it becomes quite easy. Take your time and do it right. Then, you should create a custom search for jobs you're interested in based on your skills, agency, and locations you're willing to work. Set up an alert and have it email you at least once a week to notify you of jobs you might be interested in.

Be prepared to rarely even have your application referred by HR to the hiring personnel, but be persistent and don't get discouraged.

Good luck.

[dkmwise]

I was looking into maybe policy analysis for an agency, but I have no idea yet. Yeah, I prefer to be happier with my job rather than making slightly more money.

I went to a meeting on how to apply at my school the other day, the presenter said that if you get stuck at a GS level, just leave because you can make more elsewhere for another agency.

That seems like terrible advice since most jobs are on the GS scale and the pay rate on that scale can go fairly high. If you were someone with 20 years experience in the private sector or advanced degrees then I could see trying to avoid it, but to get some experience there is nothing wrong with it at all.

[UK2K]

Once you get a government job, you can transfer to any job you want.

[knickballer]

That seems like terrible advice since most jobs are on the GS scale and the pay rate on that scale can go fairly high. If you were someone with 20 years experience in the private sector or advanced degrees then I could see trying to avoid it, but to get some experience there is nothing wrong with it at all.

Yup. From the fields I was looking in it seems the minimum is a "trainee" position which is a 2 year term in which then you get promoted. Minimum requirements for trainee is typically bachelors degree in that field or similar field and some relevant work experience, pretty much anyone who graduated college recently. From searching it seems like starting salary is somewhere like $40-50k depending on the position and the location(NYC will have higher pay than Indiana). Every year you'll get a 3-4K raise until you're promoted.

From what I know you'll be getting the same amount of $ as compared to a private sector job out of college(If you factor in the benefits, more time off, less hours working, etc). I'd say do it and if you have alot of free time on your hands just study for a license or get your masters. You can make much mroe $$ if you switch private in a few years.

[DeuceWallaces]

Yup. From the fields I was looking in it seems the minimum is a "trainee" position which is a 2 year term in which then you get promoted. Minimum requirements for trainee is typically bachelors degree in that field or similar field and some relevant work experience, pretty much anyone who graduated college recently. From searching it seems like starting salary is somewhere like $40-50k depending on the position and the location(NYC will have higher pay than Indiana). Every year you'll get a 3-4K raise until you're promoted.

From what I know you'll be getting the same amount of $ as compared to a private sector job out of college(If you factor in the benefits, more time off, less hours working, etc). I'd say do it and if you have alot of free time on your hands just study for a license or get your masters. You can make much mroe $$ if you switch private in a few years.

That's not exactly how it works. Step increases are often frozen, and it's somewhat rare that you will be promoted to the next GS level with any regularity. Moreover, as a recent graduate it's unlikely you will qualify for a grade that will put you anywhere near 50K, which is GS-09 (Masters Degree) with 20% for a NYC/DC/Philly location bonus.