Current college student--is there still opportunity out there?

[Anonymous]

I'm a college junior majoring in government, now regretting it, and wish I went into something more stable (who knew there would be so many firings...) I need to move out right after college, unfortunately a non-negotiable.

I would preferably like a career with a decent salary (duh) where I can make an impact with critical thinking and analysis. In an ideal world, I would work in foreign policy as a decision-maker, or in research. I recently had a coffee chat with GAO, and that sounds really attractive.

Are there still opportunities out there? Which ones? What can I do with my time left to make myself more marketable in a broad range of fields? I'm considering law, but honestly, it wouldn't be out of passion. Even reading legal/judicial stuff for a short period of time makes my head hurt.

[Anonymous]

Network and make a real impression on everyone you meet.

Be ready to move to a different region for an opportunity.

Don't lose hope or faith in yourself. This is an economy problem, not a "you" problem.

I graduated without a job and it took me a year to find a good one. Through a college grad hiring slump followed by a stock market crash, a war, and a wave of corporate layoffs. Things eventually got better. Do remember to seize opportunities/look for promotions when the economy is good.

Build up your savings now, if you must move out. Find friends who are willing to divide up living space more dorm style to save money, etc. Live somewhere where you can temp in an office job while looking for a better one.

Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

please repost in the colleges and universities forum and go see your college's career counselor ASAP

[Anonymous]

This person wants career advice from professionals who know what's going on in the job market.

OP's post is suitable for this forum. Especially if their college is outside DMV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This person wants career advice from professionals who know what's going on in the job market.

OP's post is suitable for this forum. Especially if their college is outside DMV.

No, he’s a college kid worried about getting a job from his major. That’s what parents and students talk about in the college forum. And it’s an active forum. OP needs to get into their career center and start figuring this out. That’s what college career centers are for.

The college forum is filled with parents living all over the U.S. with kids in schools all over the U.S. Most students have already started looking for internships and/or permanent jobs through their centers. My kid used theirs (not DMV) and had three internships and a job before graduation.

[Anonymous]

Don't work in the legal field if your heart isn't in it. Trust me.

[Anonymous]

OP: Refine your question by asking about entry level opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This person wants career advice from professionals who know what's going on in the job market.

OP's post is suitable for this forum. Especially if their college is outside DMV.

No, he’s a college kid worried about getting a job from his major. That’s what parents and students talk about in the college forum. And it’s an active forum. OP needs to get into their career center and start figuring this out. That’s what college career centers are for.

The college forum is filled with parents living all over the U.S. with kids in schools all over the U.S. Most students have already started looking for internships and/or permanent jobs through their centers. My kid used theirs (not DMV) and had three internships and a job before graduation.

PP, not all career centers are created equal. It depends on the university. I know very few people who got their first good post-grad job through a university career center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't work in the legal field if your heart isn't in it. Trust me.

+1

[Anonymous]

You are not going to be a "decision maker" anywhere right out of college in an entry level position. Except a startup you start.
Learn terminology.
Lobbying is eternal. It's also called government relations, public affairs, crisis management. Sight variations in approach but look into those types of firms.
GAO is awful if you are at all creative, a free spirit, a selective rule abider. It used to be the Accounting office and the AUDIT process underlies all the work. I had a flowchart on my door that covered the door showing all the required steps. It sounds good but the reality is the installed base of employees who will be your colleagues and seniors. I left quickly despite being recruited as a manager.

[Anonymous]

What are you truly interested in? I would move in that direction.

[Anonymous]

Keep an eye on ASAE’s careers website for entry level positions with associations that have government affairs/advocacy activities. It’s a great place to get experience in government affairs and you can often work your way into industry by working hard, performing well, and building relationships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't work in the legal field if your heart isn't in it. Trust me.

I feel this is also true for the medical field

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't work in the legal field if your heart isn't in it. Trust me.

I feel this is also true for the medical field

That’s true for any field.

[Anonymous]

Ok you want to work in foreign policy / research but have not pursued the kind of degree those types of activities frequently demand. Have you had any internships? Have you applied anywhere? Have you considered the trades?