We are very happy to announce that Nichols College recently became a Call to Serve Member School. Call to Serve is a joint effort of the Partnership for Public Service and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management with the goal of educating college students about the importance of a strong civil service and providing you with key information about federal jobs.
Being a Call to Serve Member School means that Nichols is linked to a community of over 670 other schools nationwide who have also made a commitment to bringing their students targeted programming about public service and Federal careers. Future programs you can expect to see include Federal agents speaking and holding information sessions on campus, panels of speakers working in the public service sector, and targeted seminars on the application process, among others.
Career Services and the Fischer Institute were pleased to welcome Kim Ainsworth, Executive Director of the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board to Nichols College on December 2, 2009. Ainsworth spoke on current and upcoming employment opportunities in various branches of the federal government and offered insight into the application and hiring process. As Executive Director, Ainsworth is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Federal Executive Board. She leads the implementation, planning and program management of all activities and programs under the two FEB’s two lines of business and acts as chief advisor to the Board of Directors. To view Ainsworth's PowerPoint presentation, click here.
WHY CONSIDER A FEDERAL OPPORTUNITY?
According to the results of a report released in October 2009 by the Partnership for Public Service, the federal government will need to hire 273,000 new federal workers for mission-critical positions over the next three years. This surge in hiring is the result of an increased demand for services, priority program initiatives like climate change and healthcare, a wave of baby boomer retirements and normal attrition.
Where the Jobs Are outlines government-wide projected hiring needs through 2009 and is based on a survey of 34 federal agencies representing nearly 99 percent of the federal civilian workforce. To download a copy click here.
Here are some reasons to consider federal employment:
A great way to get a job with the federal government is to start as an intern. The most typical is the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). Opportunities that fall under STEP will be posted on specific agency sites. To research opportunities available, first visit www.usa.gov or www.bestplacestowork.org to identify agencies of interest, and then visit those agencies’ websites to apply.
Another intern program is called the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), where after working 640 hours, a student could be hired on a non-competitive basis. In order to qualify for a SCEP position, you must be enrolled in an academic program related to the position/agency. These are also posted on agency sites.
For both programs, you can search the usajobs.gov website using STEP, SCEP or “student program” as keywords.
Federal Government Internships Offer Hope in the Tight Economy
Reaping the Benefits of a Government Job
The Upside and Downside of Government Jobs
www.usajobs.gov
The main job search and application website for Federal jobs. All open postings should be here, although some will also be on specific agency sites as well.
www.dhs.gov/careers
The Department of Homeland Security revamped site provides prospective employees with information on job opportunities at all experience levels, a listing of career opportunities and benefits, and walks them through finding and applying for Homeland Security jobs. Also, try out the new “Find a Job” job finder. This tool allows visitors to search quickly for homeland security job postings — by skill, component, or state — on USAJOBS.gov.
www.makingthedifference.org
The Partnership for Public Service’s student website with info about agencies and major specific guides. This website is dedicated to providing resources and current information for individuals interested in federal careers.
www.usa.gov
The government’s official web page with an A-Z agency index. This is the place to go for federal job postings. Search jobs by agency, zip code, salary, and more! The web site also offers other resources such as resume and KSA writing tips, and a special service center for veterans.
www.bestplacestowork.org
The most comprehensive rating of employee satisfaction in the Fed government. Can search by demographics here to see where women, minorities, etc. rate their workplace the highest.
www.studentjobs.gov
A similar site to USAjobs.gov but for students and recent grads.
www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/14/job-tools-americas-job-seekers-challenge
The Job Tools for America's Job Seekers Challenge
Videos
Highlighting federal government careers
Linking your major to the federal government
Federal Jobs by College Major
Federal Careers by Field of Interest