Anonymous wrote:I think the top school counts most for getting the first job. After that you get good jobs through good work experience and networking/being someone people want to hire. So maybe going to a good school (and not just ivy) or top of class at lower ranked school gets the good first job and sets you up for later success.

Completely agree (I'm a pp). Also, a lot of the jobs that are flexible, with good people, etc aren't the most "prestigious" jobs. I actually think experience can matter more than a great school/grades largely because of that. The competitive nature of firms caters to the type that may think themselves "too good" for these jobs, especially if they are younger as don't realize the importance of flexibility and a good atmosphere.

Anonymous wrote:I think the top school counts most for getting the first job. After that you get good jobs through good work experience and networking/being someone people want to hire. So maybe going to a good school (and not just ivy) or top of class at lower ranked school gets the good first job and sets you up for later success.

Agree with this. I did well at a law school that isn't ranked well. Graduated just in time to land a decent first position before the economy crashed. Worked hard, had some luck, and I'm in a great place now. The law school matters lots less for subsequent jobs... but I sure wouldn't want to be graduating now, or even a year or two after I did.

For those at family friendly government agencies, would you mind saying which ones?

If you don't land one of those good first jobs that provides good work experience, are you forever at a disadvantage? Similar to what they say about college grads who are unemployed or underemployed, they will always be behind.

I think the top school counts most for getting the first job. After that you get good jobs through good work experience and networking/being someone people want to hire. So maybe going to a good school (and not just ivy) or top of class at lower ranked school gets the good first job and sets you up for later success.

I've found a very family friendly environment at a government agency doing regulatory work (as someone said, fairly long horizons on deadlines); telework twice/week or compressed schedule (not both); ability to arrive/depart early in the day. But, I have found this is not true at all agencies or even at all divisions in my agency: I also have worked at agencies that expected you there 9:00-6:00, required you to carry and check a blackberry in the evenings, didn't allow compressed schedule or telework, etc. So it really depends on your boss and other higher-ups, and on the nature of your work. I think it helps that I work for a woman with small kids.

Cons of agency work: you must account for every hour of leave or personal time; potentially low pay for the hours if you have one of the quick-paced or inflexible jobs; no maternity leave (just sick and annual); more likely to require business formal attire, which can get pricey on GS salaries; difficult to get into now and facing possible reductions in the near future; much of the work is very DC-specific so it's difficult to move elsewhere.

Since PP asked, I went to a "Top 10" law school and worked at a firm for several years before switching to government. I believe it was the specific experience I got at the firm (subject matter) that got me the government job, and not my degree.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have to ask. Are those with these wonderful jobs Ivy grads?

13:13 here. No, not at all. I went to a small liberal arts college for undergrad, and a State U. for law school.

Not a pp, but have a similar job I love. Third tier law school, govt for five years then large firm prior to my current gig.

Anonymous wrote:Have to ask. Are those with these wonderful jobs Ivy grads?

13:13 here. No, not at all. I went to a small liberal arts college for undergrad, and a State U. for law school.

Small firm, very flexible on kid stuff, some travel though.

DOJ, best job and colleagues I could hope for!

Anonymous wrote:Have to ask. Are those with these wonderful jobs Ivy grads?

No. 3rd tier law school, networking/connections and luck/timing.

Family friendly small firm (10 lawyers). Work part time. Flexible schedule. I love it.

Anonymous wrote:Have to ask. Are those with these wonderful jobs Ivy grads?

I am a PP, and no. I went to a Tier 2 law school. Was near the top of my class though and ended up doing 4 years in DC Biglaw prior to my current job.

Family friendly where I work in the government.

I work for myself so I control my schedule to a large degree. If I want to leave after court to go grocery shopping or to get my nails done or to volunteer at school, I go. I leave by 4:30 every day and do the pick up and come home to cook dinner and spend the evening with family.