InternTIPS: A Recap of Alumni Advice Day-Federal Service

Though the program was sponsored by The College of Chemical and Life Sciences, the overriding message of Alumni Advice Day-Federal Service was of the multi-disciplinary nature of all federal offices. In other words, their messages are applicable to all of you federal career-seekers in Federal Semester.

The presenters--a forensic scientist, an EPA toxicologist, a member of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Corps, and a Program Director in the National Cancer Institute--all gave brief backgrounds on their career trajectory and offered tips on seeking out federal employment. All were personable and showcased their human side--driving the points that:

1. You don’t have to have a perfect track record to earn a federal position. These are real people, who have lived their lives, exhibited foibles that are inherent in the human experience, and learned lessons. This did not preclude them from entering federal service and having successful careers.
2. Public servants are not robots. As many of you have found--and communicated through your journals--federal offices aren't an intimidating 1984-like office environment overseen by the omnipotent foe of fun, Big Brother. People follow procedure and work hard, but there is room for innovation and a laugh or two throughout the day.

Please find brief panelist bios below, along with a few bits of wisdom that they passed on through the presentation:

Donna Eisenberg, Forensic Document Examiner for DHS

• Donna got into forensics before CSI and Law and Order made it cool! It was a round-about journey that began at UMD with a psychology degree, made pit-stops at various admin and legal assistant jobs and ended with a master's degree in forensics as a bridge to the government. She's worked in her field with the Secret Service and DHS.
• Her message on career paths: she didn't know exactly what she wanted to do early in life. She was patient and allowed life to take its course and direct her to a career that she has now enjoyed for about 20 years.
• Don't stress; experience as much as you can! Pursue internships like you are all doing right now! Network with other professionals through things like informational interviews. Attend panel discussions and learn about other careers and the panelists' career paths; and while there, collect business cards!
• For instance. I asked for Donna's business card on Friday. In the Sunday Post, there was a book review for a new novel that explored the world of forensic science; so on Monday, I emailed her a note, sharing the link to the story and taking the opportunity to express my gratitude for her time on Friday.

Lt. Eric Johnson, NOAA Corps Recruiter

• Eric is an officer in the NOAA Corps. NOAA Corps Officers undergo basic training in which they learn how to drive ships, fly planes and manage diving expeditions to prepare them for managing field research operations around the globe.
• In this position, he essentially supports federal atmospheric and oceanic research by managing personnel and operations on maritime projects. He was recently on a 2-year assignment on the Hi'ialakai--the biggest dive boat in the world--in the Pacific, taking a hands-on role to operationally support the Hi'ialakai's staff scientists.
• Eric's advice centered on being "persistent, but not obnoxious." He advised that applying this to the job search, if you are denied a position, you should follow up with the hiring officer for information on how you can improve your application in the future. Find out what experience you might need to develop or skills you need to hone; then pursue activities towards these highlighted professional development areas.
• This also applies to the work you all take on in your internships. Many of you noted that you were intimidated by the level of work you were assigned. Complete your work as best you can, and always follow up with your supervisor to learn how you can improve. This will enhance your capabilities and raise your standing in the office!
  

Dr. Betsy Read-Connole, Program Director, National Cancer Institute

• Dr. Read-Connole was involved in the isolation of the retrovirus that causes AIDS---wow. This incredibly impressive public servant advised that the best way to pursue careers in the federal government is to attend panel discussions to network and look into NIH's training programs like the Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) program and the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA).
• IRTA and CRTA provide opportunities for recent college graduates to spend a year engaged in biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Trainees work side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research.
• Find more information at http://www.training.nih.gov/student/Pre-IRTA/irtamanualpostbac.asp
• She also advised that you never know who you'll be reintroduced to. The moral: make good impressions and never burn bridges. You never know when you'll come back into contact with former colleagues or when new employers know a former boss.

Bill Waugh, EPA Toxicologist

• Bill works with industrial chemical regulations and has developed innovative systems to work with industry to share EPA's testing methods so industry will apply EPA standards when testing new products.
• Reflecting on this, Bill noted that if you show any initiative in the federal government, you can write your own ticket, especially in science/research positions. This is a far cry from the negative stereotype of a complacent paper-pushing beaurocrat!
• Bill also told the group that 1/3 of the federal workforce will turn over in the next five years. Now is the time to get into government!
• He was also kind enough to put together and distribute a hand-out that lists the 2010 federal salary table and FAQs that go over opportunities for promotion, benefits and other general tips. Pick up your copy in the Fed Sem Office or email Joey (manfredo@umd.edu) for a pdf copy.

General Tips:

• While pursuing a federal job, realize that it can be a lengthy process. It may be wise to hold down interim employment while pursuing your federal interests.
• It's important to get a foot in the door. Your first job may not be your ideal--but it gets you into the system. Think of it as a stepping stone.
• Any policy-related job requires superb writing skills. Practice communicating in a clear, concise style. If you want ultimately to work in policy but can't get in right away, take a job in a federal office and communicate your interest in policy. There may be opportunities for you to work with your office's policy team and transition it into a full-time position.
• You could also pursue state or local government employment to build your resume and demonstrate interest in policy!
• For you go-getters, look into OPM's Federal Career Internship Program. From their Web site: "In general, individuals are appointed to a 2-year internship. Upon successful completion of the internships, the interns may be eligible for permanent placement within an agency. Individuals interested in Career Intern opportunities must contact specific agencies directly. The Office of Personnel Management will not be the central source for career intern opportunities." http://opm.gov/careerintern/
  

Good luck, folks!