Undergraduate Students

Exploring Careers

Career Paths for Business Students Interested in Government

Career Description

A number of government agencies and government related organizations hire students with undergraduate degrees in business, and almost every job available in the corporate world is also found within the government. Government jobs can involve research on various governmental programs. In some cases, undergraduate business majors working in the government sector will be part of a team of researchers, implementing business management and strategy skills.

In addition to strategic planning and research, the government provides opportunities for those interested in accounting, finance, and consulting. A number of private consulting firms have divisions that deal specifically with the government. And, like nearly all corporations in business, government firms need employees to oversee and evaluate their financial statements. Government careers are attractive due to their benefits – particularly the ability for you to take your benefits from one government job to the next. Washington, D.C., just a few miles from University of Maryland’s College Park campus, is the home to our nation’s federal government as well as hundreds of government agencies. A number of these offices and agencies recruit and hire Smith students on a regular basis.

Sample Career Opportunities

• Auditors – Government employed auditors work in teams that perform a wide range of assignments including conducting audits, reviews, analysis and other improvement activities. Auditors advise appropriate officials of findings and recommendations; coordinate with Federal, State and local governments or private organizations on the performance of audits and examinations carried out by such organizations; and assure that matters needing investigative attention are promptly communicated and followed-up on.

• General Consultant – A consultant to the government typically works for a private consulting firm that has a government arm. A government consultant establishes relationships with government agencies and effectively helps such agencies meet targeted goals. Consulting to the government is a great opportunity to get involved in the public sector while working for a private firm.

• Political Consultant – Elections and campaigns have gotten so specialized that political consultants are often hired to assist with them. These political consultants tell politicians how to run campaigns, giving them everything from strategic advice to marketing advice to polling to research. Political consulting may be a great option for business strategists with a particular interest in politics.

• Think Tanks – Think tanks have mushroomed since the 1960s and have become tremendously influential. Most think tanks are non-partisan groups that produce carefully researched materials such as papers and books. They usually consist of a number of senior fellows or scholars at the top, augmented by a larger number of researchers, analysts, event organizers, and other administrators.

• Legislative Aide – Performs research, writing, and liaison functions for a state or federal senator, a congressional representative, or a municipal officeholder. Positions are typically secured through direct contact with officeholders, and such positions provide the basic foundation for a career in political office.

• Lobbyist – a privately employed individual who solicits members of a particular legislature for the purpose of influencing policy and legislation. Lobbyists attempt to influence a wide variety of popular issues, from education to defense to healthcare, etc.

• Urban Planning Analyst – studies and researches the economic, environmental, and social consequences of development in order to determine strategies for appropriate growth and renovation of rural, suburban, and urban areas. Planning analysts typically work for government agencies.

Skills Needed

The government hires students with diverse backgrounds and a range of business skills however sometimes US Citizenship and/or security clearance are required.

Government Employers at Smith

The following is a sample of the Government agencies recruiting Smith students. The positions are just examples. Always be sure to read the actual job description thoroughly. Sometimes assumptions from the job title may be misleading. You can find out more through TERP Online or the OCM, and also check out the Main Career Center in Hornbake for information and opportunities within the government.

Resources for Further Research

Online Resources

• www.Govtjobs.com is a leading website for individuals seeking jobs in the public sector. Complete job descriptions and application information is available for positions in a variety of fields.
• www.usajobs.opm.gov is the United States Government's official site for jobs and employment information.
• www.careers.state.gov lists a number of employment opportunities – including internships and programs for students in the United States Department of State.
• www.studentjobs.gov lists internships available in the federal government.

• Salary Expert- salary, bonus, cost-of-living, and benefits data for US, Canadian and international jobs: http://www.salaryexpert.com

Print Resources

• The Metropolitan Washington DC Job Bank
• The Complete Guide to Public Employment