by Robert Gannone
Now that our Government and Policy Career Fair is over, many students are now starting the process of applying for federal jobs.
Why?
Working for the federal government offers some great rewards such as a competitive salary, great benefits, job security, and comprehensive health coverage. One of the great benefits that comes with federal employment is the recently created Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which encourages people to work full-time in public service jobs. Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, borrowers may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance due on their loans after 120 payments are made.
When?
If you’ve ever thought about obtaining a government job, now is the time! According to the Partnership for Public Service, the federal government will fill more than 50,000 entry-level jobs in the next 12 months, along with about 60,000 paid internships.
What?
The next step is to find what job best suits your interests and skills. According to the Making the Difference Website, there are jobs and internships available in practically every interest and skill area, in all 50 states and around the world. The website also has a detailed list of the different federal jobs available. In addition, you can view some sample job profiles in different areas by going to our website at: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/makeanimpactexploration.html
Where?
There are nearly 300 federal organizations. If you’re unsure what might be the best fit for you, be sure to check out the Best Places to Work website, which contains rankings of employee satisfaction and commitment in the federal government. It is ranked by categories such as the best Work/Life Balance, Pay, Diversity, and Effective Leadership.
How?
The Federal Government’s official job site is: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/
However, there are several steps you must follow in order to apply for a federal job. First is to create a federal resume. Unlike in other professions, the procedures for applying to a federal job and creating a federal resume contains specific rules such as being as detailed as possible in regards to previous employment. A Federal Resume does not have to be limited to one page. You can view tips here and some samples here.
We have many workshops throughout the year to help you on your way to a career in the federal government. Some of our upcoming workshops include: Business Jobs in the Government, Insider’s Perspective on Working in the Government, and Science & Engineering Jobs in the Government. To view the dates and our full schedule of government workshops, please go to: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/college/GovFair2010.html#Events
Also, be sure to check out our complete resource guide at: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/makeanimpact.html
Great post, I have heard about unbelievable federal job opportunities. I was reading about a Homeland Security internship that gives interns a security clearance. I can’t think of anything more exciting than a security clearance, to a young intern. These federal internships are a great way to try working for the federal government, especially with 60,000 paid internships available.