How is the job market in D.C? thinking of moving (student loan, houses)

[mdovell]

I've got a undergrad in political science. In two years I'll have my masters. I'm thinking about maybe moving to D.C. Obviously there's governments jobs and it can be somewhat expensive but I'm not sure how it compares to the boston area.

A friend of mine was telling me about civilian contractor jobs for the DoD being nice.

Does it seem at least for governmental jobs to be a good market in dc ?

[Gottasay]

12 percent unemployment in D.C. Northern Virginia has better employment. If you are going to apply for a Federal job, be patient.

[The Heartbreak Kid]

What are you taking in Grad School? There are jobs here but plenty of Comp. Liberal Arts graduates are catching hell.

[smakawhat]

If you are looking for fed jobs start applying for positions on USAjobs.gov now because it is a lengthy process... Also you can look into internships to get your foot in the door through school.

DoD contracting is not the panecea, but then being a fed isn't always either, they both have their pro and con...

[kodaka]

Everybody and their brother has an undergrad degree in Political Science. And most people here collect graduate degrees like they are candy. Be prepared for steep competition.

Especially for federal jobs and government contractor jobs.

[Helena2010]

Originally Posted by mdovell

I've got a undergrad in political science. In two years I'll have my masters. I'm thinking about maybe moving to D.C. Obviously there's governments jobs and it can be somewhat expensive but I'm not sure how it compares to the boston area.

A friend of mine was telling me about civilian contractor jobs for the DoD being nice.

Does it seem at least for governmental jobs to be a good market in dc ?

If you are thinking about moving to DC, and you're in grad school, apply for the Presidential Management Fellowship, (PMF). It's a two year program. Upon successfully completing the program, you'll have a permanent federal GS-12/13 position. The GS 12/13 salary range is currently 74,800 - 100K+.

Just be sure to apply to the PMF program in your last year of grad school. The great thing about the PMF program is you can work for any federal agency, and the white house/congress... Also, certain agencies offer student loan repayment and performance bonuses each year...

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by Gottasay

12 percent unemployment in D.C.

It isn't that high for individuals with a college degree.

[stax]

Originally Posted by 14thandYou

It isn't that high for individuals with a college degree.

Agreed. It's because the unemployment rate in Wards 7 & 8 (east of the Anacostia river for those who are curious) are so high. I think I saw where Ward 8 had nearly 29 percent unemployment in late 2009. Most of the neighborhoods west of 16th St have about 3-5 percent unemployment (that's last year's numbers though).

[mdovell]

Originally Posted by Helena2010

If you are thinking about moving to DC, and you're in grad school, apply for the Presidential Management Fellowship, (PMF). It's a two year program. Upon successfully completing the program, you'll have a permanent federal GS-12/13 position. The GS 12/13 salary range is currently 74,800 - 100K+.

Just be sure to apply to the PMF program in your last year of grad school. The great thing about the PMF program is you can work for any federal agency, and the white house/congress... Also, certain agencies offer student loan repayment and performance bonuses each year...

Well I have no loans or debt. Grad school really doesn't cost that much..but the PMF does seem interesting..

I know this is a general question but how are things physically looking? back in 2000 I was there for a mini weekend and found it to be a odd combo of huge beautiful Georgian mansions next to um what looked like run down houses