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Giving the Federal Government a Second Look March 19, 2009. Topics we’ll discuss today: Government stereotypes My job and how I got it Resources you can use to learn more about federal opportunities Answer your questions. Federal Myths.
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Topics we’ll discuss today: • Government stereotypes • My job and how I got it • Resources you can use to learn more about federal opportunities • Answer your questions
Federal Myths Everyone has stereotypes that they associate with the government. What are stereotypes that you’ve heard about government work? OURPUBLICSERVICE.ORG
Myth #1: The “political science major” myth • Federal employees were all social sciences majors. The government doesn’t need people with other backgrounds.
Myth #2: The “low pay” myth • Salaries for federal employees are low low low. Hence, you’re better off going to work for the private sector.
Myth #3: The “Washington” myth • If you work for the federal government, you have to work in Washington, DC. Say good bye to your friends and family.
Myth #4: The “bureaucracy myth” • Federal employees are paper pushers who are caught up in bureaucracy. Your work as a federal employee doesn’t make a difference.
Myth #1: The “political science major” myth Breaking down myth #1: • Federal employees were all social sciences majors. The government doesn’t need people with other backgrounds.
Busting Myth 1: Almost any major can find a federal fit In FY 2007, roughly 46,264 people were hired in the federal government at the entry level (GS-5, GS-6, GS-7) into the following occupations:
Busting Myth 2: The “low pay” myth Breaking down myth #2: • Salaries for Federal employees are low . Hence, you’re better off going to work for the private sector.
Busting Myth 2: General Schedule (GS) grade criteria GS-5 and GS-7 are considered “entry level”
Busting Myth 2: Selected 2008 starting salaries Then, 2-3 years later… possible career progression
Reinforcing Myth 2: Benefits of government service • Student loan repayment assistance • Some agencies may repay up to $10,000 of your student loans per year • In 2007, 33 agencies provided 6,619 employees with $42 million in assistance • The average loan repayment in 2007 was $6,345 • Flexible schedules and generous vacation • Training and professional development • In 2007, more than half of the $33 million in recruitment money available was spent on entry and developmental-level positions • Competitive health and retirement benefits • Excellent advancement opportunities
Myth #3: The “Washington” myth Breaking down myth #3: • If you work for the federal government, you have to work in Washington, DC. Say good bye to your friends and family.
Busting Myth 3: Jobs are located across the U.S. and world There are over 50,000 federal employees overseas
Myth #4: The “bureaucracy myth” Breaking down myth #4: • Federal employees are paper pushers who are caught up in bureaucracy. Your work as a federal employee doesn’t make a difference.
Myth #4: The “bureaucracy myth” • My Story • Regional Director - U.S. Department of Labor Office of Public Affairs • 10 Years in the Government • My federal career started with an internship!
Myth #4: The “bureaucracy myth” • What do I do? • Serve as the senior spokesperson for all Department of Labor agencies within a seven-state region • Regularly interface with members of the media and the general public • Support agency enforcement, program and outreach efforts – the “eyes,” “the ears” and the “mouth” of the organization
Myth #4: The “bureaucracy myth” • What’s In It For Me? • Using communications skills to further the mission of the U.S. Labor Department • The Labor Department touches anyone who will work, wants to work, does work, and has worked. • Community Outreach projects offer opportunities for direct community impact • It’s about “the work!”
www.makingthedifference.org • www.makingthedifference.org • Red, White and Blue Jobs Library: how to find great jobs in the federal service • 17 interest-specific career guides • Internship database • Agency profiles • KSA writing and federal resumes • Profiles in public service • Security clearance • Student loan repayment
Opportunities for Students STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program) Guidelines Must be a student (verified through transcripts) Must be at least 16 years old Must remain in good academic standing Must meet qualifications for position Must be U.S. Citizen/immigration laws for employment
STEP Guidelines continued School/Employer agreement Temporary Appointments (up to 1 year—always in trial period) Excepted service (not able to covert to competitive service) Performance appraisal Will earn annual and sick leave Work out the hours between agency and student
Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) Guidelines Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at school Must be at least half-time course load Degree must be related to work required by job Good academic standing Must meet qualification standards for position U.S. Citizen
SCEP continued Verify enrollment and standing each semester with transcript Need working agreement Appointed for up to maximum of 8 years
Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP) Allows agencies to recruit exceptional individuals into a variety of occupations at the GS-5, GS-7 and GS-9 levels Allows individuals to be appointed to a 2-year internship program that provides formal training and developmental assignments established by the agency Upon successful completion of program, interns may be eligible for non-competitive permanent placement within the agency.
Student Interns Not paid (credit only) 10-12 hours per week Advertised through college websites/career offices Must be current student Need to sign up for credit through school and provide proof of credit
Finding Government Job Postings • www.usajobs.opm.gov/ • www.makingthedifference.org/index.shtml
Questions? • Leni Uddyback-Fortson (215) 861-5102 uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov
