As I’ve mentioned, the government is going through a hiring spurt and is seeking new college grads of many backgrounds for a variety of positions. Head to USAJobs.gov to start perusing positions. Here are some articles to keep you in the federal job loop, as well as questions posed by other students (and answered by those in the know).
Good reads:
By Alyssa Rosenberg, Government Executive
In a State of the Union address that ranged from job creation to education reform, President Obama also called for restoring trust in government, streamlining the federal budget, and extending debt forgiveness to students who spend 10 years in public service careers.
By Joe Davidson, The Washington Post
President Obama may not have given federal workers much of a salary increase – just 1.4 percent – in his proposed budget for fiscal 2011, but he did show them some love.
Editorial, The Washington Post
This time it was record-breaking snowfalls that forced the federal government to close. Next time, it could be any number of natural or man-made events that keep federal employees from venturing into their offices. But empty downtown buildings should not create a government standstill. And it should not take a natural disaster or terrorist attack to highlight the importance of having federal employees plugged in and ready to do the government’s work from home.
By Alyssa Rosenberg, Government Executive
President Obama’s budget proposal forecasts a dip in the overall size of the federal workforce in fiscal 2011, but employee advocates remain optimistic about pockets of potential growth.
Q & A:
How does the federal government pay its employees?
At most federal agencies salaries are set by the General Schedule (GS), which goes from Grades 1-15. There are ten steps within each grade and an individual moves through those steps based on the number of years he or she has worked in that grade or by promotion.
At most federal agencies salaries are set by the General Schedule (GS), which goes from Grades 1-15. There are ten steps within each grade and an individual moves through those steps based on the number of years he or she has worked in that grade or by promotion.
What is the GS grade for an entry-level job?
With an associate’s degree, a student would typically enter government as a GS-4. With a bachelor’s degree, a student would likely come in as a GS-5. With a bachelor’s degree and a high level of academic achievement (see below), a student might be eligible for a GS-7 at entry. With a master’s degree, a student is eligible to enter the government as a GS-9, and with a doctorate, as a GS-11.
What qualifies as high academic achievement?
According to the Office of Personnel Management, high academic achievement, more often referred to as Superior Academic Achievement (SAA), is generally determined by class standing (upper third of class), GPA (3.0 or higher overall or 3.5 or higher in major), or honor society membership. A student should read the “Qualifications and Evaluations” tab in the job vacancy announcement carefully to determine whether or not they qualify for this status, and if they are not sure, contact the agency representative in charge of hiring for the position to which they are applying.
With an associate’s degree, a student would typically enter government as a GS-4. With a bachelor’s degree, a student would likely come in as a GS-5. With a bachelor’s degree and a high level of academic achievement (see below), a student might be eligible for a GS-7 at entry. With a master’s degree, a student is eligible to enter the government as a GS-9, and with a doctorate, as a GS-11.
What qualifies as high academic achievement?
According to the Office of Personnel Management, high academic achievement, more often referred to as Superior Academic Achievement (SAA), is generally determined by class standing (upper third of class), GPA (3.0 or higher overall or 3.5 or higher in major), or honor society membership. A student should read the “Qualifications and Evaluations” tab in the job vacancy announcement carefully to determine whether or not they qualify for this status, and if they are not sure, contact the agency representative in charge of hiring for the position to which they are applying.
How can I make sure I’m eligible for the highest possible salary?
To ensure that you are placed at the highest GS grade and step possible, it is important to present information that describes the tasks, functions and responsibilities you have had, as well as the reach, breadth and relevance of your previous work experiences. This can include things done at school – you can demonstrate leadership skills through your campus activities!