It’s that time of year again. If you are an underclassman like I am, the economy is still looking down, and you could use a well-paying internship or job to get you through the summer. For those UF seniors about to enter the “real world,” the job market is terrifying.
But before you start applying for a job at the local Einstein Bros. or resign yourself to working for your parents this summer, you should consider taking up a unique and fulfilling job opportunity by interning or working for the federal government.
Whatever your major, there is a perfect job for you.
Whether you are an engineer who wants to work for the Department of Transportation or a political science major whose dream internship is with the CIA, the perfect internship or job awaits you, and the time to apply is now.
Many federal agencies are hiring interns and full-time employees.
Not only are federal departments hiring, but there are also countless benefits to working for the American people.
Pay is competitive with the private sector, and you can start off making up to $42,000 a year with just a bachelor’s degree. Interns are paid up to $15 an hour.
Federal employees get health insurance and a pension plan and start off with more than three weeks vacation time a year.
Not interested in working in Washington, D.C., and want to stay in the Southeast? More than 15 percent of federal jobs are located in our region of the country, and more than three out of four federal jobs are located outside of the Washington, D.C., metro area. This includes internships across the state of Florida and the Southeast.
For example, the Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 headquarters is located in Atlanta, while the USDA office in Gainesville hires several interns every year.
Even if your ultimate career goal is in the private sector, working for the federal government can get you there.
Many employers seek to hire those with government experiences.
Government service gives you an opportunity to work in a capacity to serve in a way other careers might not be able to. It is also important to note that federal service is non-partisan.
Whatever your political stripes, federal service has the opportunity to further your career and serve others.
If you have any questions regarding federal internships or full-time jobs, be sure to e-mail a UF federal service student ambassador at gatorfeds@gmail.com.
Kyle Robisch is a federal service student ambassador with the Partnership for Public Service.
