As college students, we keep hearing that “times are tough.” In the midst of economic uncertainty, we are studying hard, networking and trying to keep our resumes fresh. We want to work, and for those of us with a passion for public service, the government is our first choice for employment. The problem is that government employment might not be available.
GovLoop member, Amanda Parker, recently completed her Master’s of Public Policy program. Through sacrifice and dedication to her work — and what Parker admits was a stroke of good luck — she secured an internship that she called her “dream job” at a federal agency. Alas, due to budget constraints, she’s afraid her agency won’t be able to convert her to a full-time employee upon completion.
Parker’s situation is not uncommon. Her predicament not only faces recent graduates, but also people with years of experience — people who have worked hard for years, but the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be shrinking, and are left to ask: “What now?”
The advice Parker received from the GovLoop community was overwhelmingly positive, albeit blunt.
“The world of careers is vast, and people your age and in your circumstance are often looking at it through the cardboard from the middle of the roll of paper towels or aluminum foil, scanning the horizon for something that dovetails perfectly with your program,” said Mark Hammer, an analyst in the Canadian public sector.
“Give it all a chance, and keep asking yourself what your objectives and motives might translate to. Sometimes jobs surprise you in providing counter-intuitive ways to express what’s important to you.
“Besides, your motives may change over your working life and there may well be career paths that don’t appeal now but which will appeal later.”
The theme of being open to new career paths was echoed by others, as well.
“Try a new path; pursue a new job/career; etc. You really will never know what your next step is unless you start trying new things and moving forward. If you find that you don’t like a new path/position, change it,” said Stefany Mercer, an extramural support associate for the federal government.
Emphasizing your qualifications and the skill sets that employers desire was another piece of advice.
“…find that niche which can only be fit by you. Discover that exclusive skill of yours that the organization needs, and market it broadly and insistently,” said Jorge Aponte, a consultant with the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
But above all else, members said that patience and tenacity are a great combination that can lead to employment.
“…you may not see the answer yet, but you will. You’ll see it when the time arises. Until then, keep your mind open to new things, your eyes watching for opportunities, and your ears peeled for potential positions. Opportunity favors those who are best prepared, and it sounds like you’re pretty prepared professionally,” said Deb Green, a program manager for the Federal government.
David Reinbold is a GovLoop Fellow and M.A. Candidate, International Media at the American University. GovLoop is the premiere online community for the public sector, connecting 50,000 federal, state and local government employees and equipping them with resources and collaboration tools to solve society’s toughest challenges.