Finding work in New Jersey is tough (rent, credit card)

[FreshFresh]

Any tips for Poli Sci major with 2 years Customer Service/Paralegal experience?

i've been going to agencies and they are having it tough too, its been slow since January

i'm looking to go to grad school but some people advised me not to

they said its best to find a job first

[BobKovacs]

Well, with a 4-year poli-sci degree, you're not exactly going out there with a huge skill set that'll fit more than customer service/retail unfortunately. Grad school may be a better choice, but unless you're planning on a career in some portion of the political arena, I'd consider a major with more "practical" applications. Sorry to be blunt, but I've seen plenty of folks with degrees in poli sci, philisophy, etc., who couldn't get beyond working at the mall.......

[EEEPNJ]

Sadly, Bob's on target. Especially in our current economy. Customer Service USED to be a decent stepping stone into an organization - but between downsizing and offshoring it's not what it used to be.

When you say Grad School, what field were you thinking of? That may be a good option to make you more marketable in this economy.

[FromDaSack]

I know, ppl with degrees have a harder time lookin for jobs then HS dropouts right now.

[lammius]

Originally Posted by FromDaSack

I know, ppl with degrees have a harder time lookin for jobs then HS dropouts right now.

That's been the case for years, especially if you have a liberal arts degree. They're pretty useless (I know, I have one). The OP should take Bob's advice.

[ottomobeale]

Get a 2 year tech degree for something in demand or a masters in something in demand.

Note IT is flooded ATM. Dont go there.

[davenj08]

i agree with what everyone said. i would strongly recommend a Masters but only if you major in one of the 'selling' subjects - like Finance, Accounting, Biotech, etc

the whole world, not just the tri-state area, is getting very competitive. china and india are creating a few million engineers, pharmacist, biotechs every year. if you're young and are studying/preparing for next 30 years make sure you understand that you are competing against rest of the world not just the local NJ market.

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by FreshFresh

Any tips for Poli Sci major with 2 years Customer Service/Paralegal experience?

i've been going to agencies and they are having it tough too, its been slow since January

i'm looking to go to grad school but some people advised me not to

they said its best to find a job first

No interest in working in the public sector?

[JERSEY MAN]

Originally Posted by Badfish740

No interest in working in the public sector?

I agree with Badfish. One of the few areas that adds jobs most of the time are govt. agencies. It's not a glamorous job field but you can pay the rent and it's fairly secure. You don't get the limos to drive you home and the unlimited credit card expenses for your clients, but you can put dinner on the table. I took a govt. job over 30 years ago and no one wanted to, it wasn't good enough for them. Now they trip over each other to get one and ***** and moan daily on message boards that we are overpaid and underworked.

[ottomobeale]

Public jobs are a mixed bag. Typically better benefits and lower layoffs.

offset by

public accountability and strict, often changing budgets.