Preparation 

Essentials

• A targeted resume, cover letter, and networking strategy:  Your research will allow you to present your relevant skills and experience in the language of the industry, which is especially important if you are a career switcher. The more feedback you receive on your resume and cover letter from coaches, peers, alums, and contacts with industry experience, the stronger it will be.  Note that Federal Government resumes are formatted very differently from McDonough Career Center Standard resumes.

• Washington, DC is considered to be at the nexus of business, government, and policy. Given the large number of government agencies and contractors, it is critical to begin researching your possibilities and pinpointing specific areas/causes that are of interest early.  

• Even though the job search occurs more on a “Just-In-Time” basis in the spring months, students should begin networking often and early in the year to establish a solid network and to determine the “right fit” for an office that is friendly toward the business school skillset and work style.  

• For full-time positions, the federal hiring process can take 6-9 months, including a background check and/or security clearance. Candidates should spend time learning about the process before beginning to apply.  Agencies that recruit on-campus regularly for MBA candidates are the FBI and Secret Service.  For internships, the eligibility requirements, applications process and required background checks vary greatly. 

• Federal programs such as the Presidential Management Fellows program are highly competitive, so establishing a solid network of professional contacts within agencies of interest is very important.  

• Note that we partner with other Georgetown campus career centers regarding employer information sessions and events, so not everything takes place in Hariri.  In addition, each February the Georgetown University Cawley Career Education Center sponsors a Government & Nonprofit Career Expo. 

•  Look at examples of job descriptions (USAJOBS.gov is a great place to start) that interest you and familiarize yourself with the unique federal job title naming conventions, specific skillsets, strengths, and competencies that are in demand for the roles you seek.  You may wish to set up a “job alert” so that you will not miss out on opportunities.  Some jobs are only open for short periods.  Certain internships, such as with the State Department, accept applications over a year in advance. 

• Employers commonly track you from your first interactions with their organization.  Representatives and alumni visit campus and meet with students to identify top talent long before the formal resume submission.  Every informational conversation counts!