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Advice on getting into a government role?
Hi all! It has always been a career goal of mine to work for a governmental agency like FEMA, the EPA, or the DEC (local environmental protection). Does anyone have any advice on getting a foot in the door here?
Anonymous
07/22/24 at 4PM UTC
Be consistent on USAJOBS. Use the built in resume builder as well.
Anonymous
04/06/22 at 2:36AM UTC
Its near impossible to get in the door due to so few jobs. A 10,000k strong corporation may have only one emergency management manager with maybe 2-3 support staff. When I began my emergency management career, I had no degree, no experience and no jobs available despite living near FEMA. I accidentally chanced upon a clerical role in the county government where I met the one and only emergency manager who had no staff. But they had volunteer opportunities where you could help in emergency situations. This was fought with nightmares that led to seeking medication for anxiety. I now have entry level experience on my resume. PS. The social worker assigned to the emergency management detail asked me to date his friend who was also Asian (all asians must be the same, eye roll). When I told him off, he blocked my attempts to join the emergency management volunteer detail that would give me the only opportunity I had in 20 years since attempting to get my foot in the door. Hence my anxiety attacks from the experience. But without being sexually harassed and racially harassed, and enduring it for the opportunity, my resume would be empty and I'd perpetually be victim to the cycle of not being able to get my foot in the door. Emergency management is not friendly to women but you can find opportunities. There are volunteer groups in FEMA and with the local government where you can deploy as a volunteer to emergency zones. And many colleges offer an emergency management certificate so you don't have to go back to school full time. In a woman of color emergency management seminar I attended, the panelists all had 2 graduate degrees and stated that even with those qualifications, it was difficult. https://www.fema.gov/careers/position-types/reservists
Shelly J. AppetInterior Designer/Senior Space Planner
43
10/28/20 at 1:13PM UTC
I’d say the same as Retired Happy. I’m a Federal Contractor which seems to be working out very well. I’ve been able to prove myself in my role and the Feds I work with seem to appreciate me. I was told about Federal positions for my job on USA Jobs so that I can become a Fed and still work with my department. I would suggest trying to get in the door that way. Good luck!
Retired happy
567
10/27/20 at 2:52PM UTC
I spent 40 years in federal and state governments including management. Wait until after the election. Agencies have been demoralized. You can look at USA jobs to start. Networking helps. Being specific though about what you want to do helps. These agencies have endless possibilities just like private. Belonging to professional associations and you school alumni help.
