Ten Great Reasons for Working
for the Federal Government¹

1. It is an Excellent Time to Enter the Federal Employee Job Market…The Nation’s Largest Employer is Hiring!

• The federal government is preparing for approximately 30 – 50% of the federal employees to be retiring within the next 5 years. That is approx. 1.8 million federal employees who are eligible to retire. In addition, there are new positions that are being created and thousands of job openings at any one time.
• The federal government will never go out of business. It will always need good people to serve the interests of American citizens.

2. You Can Make a Difference

• The work that government employees do has an impact on the life of every American.
• You can play a vital role in addressing pressing issues, from homelessness to homeland security.

3. There’s a Job for Every Interest

• There are federal jobs suited to every interest and skill, from adolescent education to zoology.
• You can combine your skills with your interests – for example, use your accounting background to improve the environment, your engineering degree to improve airport security, or your biology degree to conduct cutting –edge medical research.

4. You Can Advance Quickly

• Federal agencies offer excellent training and development opportunities, and training can begin your first day on the job.
• There are a number of “fast track” possibilities for advancement within your field.

5. There are Federal Jobs Around the Country . . . and Around the World

• Only 16 percent of government employees work in the Washington, D.C. vicinity
• Over 50,000 federal employees work abroad.

6. The Federal Government Values Diversity

• The federal government has steadily increased the diversity of its workforce
• Federal agencies actively encourage minorities and individuals with disabilities to consider government service through a variety of internship and fellowship programs.

7. Federal Jobs Pay Better Than You Think

• Average government salaries are competitive for most professions.
• Pay can increase pretty quickly for top candidates with strong education and experience.

8. Flexible Work Schedules and Benefits Encourage Work–Life Balance

• Flexible work schedules are a major upside for those with busy schedules.
• Federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement and vacation, are extremely competitive with the private sector.

9. The Federal Government is a Career Builder

• Advance your career by developing highly marketable skills.
• Utilize your federal experiences as a building block for an exciting and diverse career.

10. The Federal Government Can Help Pay for School

• Federal agencies may help you pay back your student loans if you work there for a certain length of time.
• Pursue a graduate degree, and your employing agency may just pick up the tab!

                                     
1 _{Adapted from Red, White & Blue Jobs: FInding a Great Job in the Federal Government, Partnership for Public Service, www.calltoserve.org}
^{2 _{Where the Jobs Are: The Continuing Growth of Federal Job Opportunities. A report by Partnership for Public Service, National Academy of Public Administration, The New York Times Job Market.}}