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Hi there
My name is Jamie, I'm 21 years old working on my Associates and I'm extremely interested in trying for a Visual Information Specialist position. I'm a really good illustrator, and currently work part time doing illustration/graphic design/UI design for a company in Boston. I also know HTML/CSS, Photography, and most of the Adobe Suite. I think I would be well suited for this kind of position, but my only problem is, I'm so young, and I've obviously never worked for the Federal government before. Is this the sort of job that I can only have a chance at if I have 10+ years of experience in a related position? Do I NEED a bachelors degree?
The only reason I'm asking this is because usually when you go to apply for a graphic design position or other jobs in the art field, your portfolio is your bread and butter and as long as it's good enough, it doesn't really matter what grades you had in college or what degrees you have. But from what I'm reading, VIS jobs for the feds seems like it's all about college credentials, will they even care about my portfolio or whether I'm technically "GOOD" enough for the job?
Sorry if this seems like rambling, I guess I'm just looking for some general advice from any of you, and especially those of you who have worked as a VI specialist! Thanks!
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I'm at a local public agency and we recently hired a graphics designer. The position required 5 years specific experience and there were over 30 applicants. Meanwhile, the local Art Institute is cranking out many graduates with 4 year degrees looking for work.
For the federal government position, it's not only drawing and creativity, but also what we would consider business intelligence here. That's doing data visualizations, such software as Tableau, or ArcGIS, and you can expect a security investigation.
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