What is the hierarchy of "prestige" entry-level fed positions for a new college grad?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you’re looking for “prestige,” I don’t think the Federal Govt qualifies. That isn’t to say there isn’t really important and interesting work being done, but “prestige,” I don’t think so.

Signed,
Govt Employee

Depends on the audience.

Fair enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t imagine State hiring new college grads as FSOs. I always thought they wanted two years’ minimum work experience or at least a Peace Corps stint or Fulbrighters.

It’s not as uncommon as you think

For actual FSO positions in “cones”? They hire 21 yo recent grads? Really?
So they’ve taken the FSOT, passed the FSOA, put the register, and selected then put in A-100?wow.

[Anonymous]

Guys from my high school got government jobs in DC after college. They were far from prestigious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think CIA is all that prestigious.

For a lot of agencies, you can get a job there if your parent works there. Is that prestigious?

You can get a job there if you meet the qualifications of the job you applied for, do well in the interview, pass the security and medical screening process. Doesn't matter if you're a relative or not, everyone goes through the same process.

Signed,
CIA recruiter
https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/

huh, CIA on DCUM, okay…
being referred by a current employee doesn’t boost the applicant?

That "boost" is a second look, a double check. It's not like your relative can just walk in the door from your blood connection. Hopefully, whoever referred you provided good answers on the lengthy referral form justifying why and how you would be a fit for the job and the organization. Hiring decisions go through multiple concurrences. There are lots of hoops, unlike the private sector. It does feel prestigious after you make it through all that scrutiny.

huh. okay, that’s interesting.

[Anonymous]

It’s the federal government.

It’s not prestigious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guys from my high school got government jobs in DC after college. They were far from prestigious.

lol, been a long time since I saw the “guys from my high school” line. Fun memories!

[Anonymous]

Let’s put it this way. DH’s job (at an agency mentioned above) generated quite a bit of positive attention and commentary at our midwestern HS reunion. People in DC, NYC, etc. may or may not consider it prestigious but those in his hometown definitely do.

[Anonymous]

It is a sad question.

Try to care more about things that matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t imagine State hiring new college grads as FSOs. I always thought they wanted two years’ minimum work experience or at least a Peace Corps stint or Fulbrighters.

It’s not as uncommon as you think

For actual FSO positions in “cones”? They hire 21 yo recent grads? Really?
So they’ve taken the FSOT, passed the FSOA, put the register, and selected then put in A-100?wow.

Yeah, not that many. I think the average age of entry now is late 30s.

[Anonymous]

Only government people think there is prestige in being a fed.