UPS Politics and Government Alum FAQ 

 

This wiki is a space where alums give their thoughts on questions commonly asked by our majors.  If you're an alum and would like to contribute to the answers below, or a student who would like to add a new question to the FAQ, email me (poneil@ups.edu) and we'll add it. 

We also suggest you check out the PG alum profiles at http://del.icio.us/upspolitics/profiles

 

Thanks to everyone who has contributed and helped to make the FAQ a great resource for our students and alums.

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Questions:

 

• How did you get your foot in the door in your job or career?

• Are there classes or course material you wish you had taken or taken more of at college?
• What could I do with a law degree?  What are the "right" reasons to go to law school--or the wrong ones?
• If you went to graduate or law school, did you go directly from undergraduate?  What are the trade-offs between waiting awhile or plunging right in after graduation?
• How does one choose a graduate or law program that is right for you?
• How does one recover or learn from a bad job or position or program?
• If I'm interested in working in some internationally-focused job or career, how can I get my foot in the door?
• What are the tradeoffs in working in the public versus the private sector?
• Does it make more sense to go where you want to live and pursue a job there, or pursue the best job irrespective of where it's located?

• It seems like many people really change what they want to do across their careers.  If you did this kind of career shift, what was the impetus and how did you do it?

 

 

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How did you get your foot in the door in your job or career?

 

Volunteer work. I also used volunteer work to keep my skills sharp and show my committment to the field when I went through a period of waiting for a position to open up. Working for free is also an excellent test of whether you're in the right field and right workplace. - Megan Serenco, '97 

 

Internship. I interned at the National Wildlife Federation in Washington, D.C., right after college. Little did I know how many doors this internship would open up for me. Given the size and prominence of NWF in the environmental community, I was able to advance my career in part on the NWF name alone. In addition, the connections I built up with former interns and current staff provided me with many unique opportunities to hone my writing/communications skills and run grassroots advocacy political campaigns. After 10 years in the environmental arena, I have now moved into the health care world, but the people I've met through my internship and the skills I've learned along the way continue to serve me well. - Shalen Fairbanks '96  

 

Networking. One of my first references was from volunteering and meeting someone at UPS who was on the board at Faith Homes. She later gave me a tip for working at UPS in the Development Office and basically started my career in fundraising for higher ed. When you meet great people, stay in touch! - Christy Thomas '00

 

Searching local resources.  I was new to the area and learned about the Nonprofit Resource Center in my city, where local nonprofits would, among other things, post job opportunites.  Melanie Choy '98

 

Are there classes or course material you wish you had taken or taken more of at college?

 

More English courses, writing courses and public speaking.  If you are not an effective writer or speaker - this is not a good thing.  Also business courses regarding negotiations and selling.  No matter what type of job you have, you will always be negotiating and selling, to customers, to your own company, to fellow workers, to your bosses, etc.  -  Mike Lantz '68

 

Definitely more quantitative courses (econ and stats). Lots of grad programs are very quantitatively focused, so it will certainly make you more prepared. Also, I wished I had taken more foreign language classes than I did (I just took two semesters), just for my own benefit. It certainly makes you more marketable. - Julia Becker '05

 

I would also agree that taking more foreign languages classes is a good idea. - Megan Serenco '97

 

As an undergrad, I had limited electives because of all of the required courses for my double major.  If I could do it over again, I would really have liked to take a few classes in economics and just classes from those professors who you hear so much about.  If you are interested in a subject matter definitely take a course (or two).  I also regret not being able to take additional courses in my major beyond those that were absolutely required.  The P&G department features tremendous professors and students should take full advantage when possible.  Ned Culhane '06

 

In hindsight it is easy for me to say that more business or Econ courses would have better prepared me for the job that I am currently in.  At the time however, I didn't know that business was in my future and thus focused on the courses that interested me (politics).  With that said I have no regrets about the courses I took.  Though certain occupations require focused undergraduate courses I believe that one should simply take the classes that will be both interesting and challenging for them. - Chris Pohlad '07 

 

While I think it is very very important to be able to write well (and the P&G major will help you in this area), it can also be helpful to have some knowledge about the structural side of the English language. If you're going to law school, perhaps think about a linguistics course or a structure of English course--particularly if you didn't get this in high school. I recently took an M.A. course in this area and realized how much I didn't know. Also, perhaps I should have taken more than an intro. to philosophy class. Being able to think abstractly and theoretically is very important. Take classes that you are interested in and will make you a well-rounded person!!  Richard Kamm '96 

 

Yes- I wish I had taken some religion classes, even just an intro to religion. As politics majors and aspiring professionals you will realize how important religion is in every aspect of life. So if you don't know too much about it- I suggest an intro course or specifically focusing on a religion of interest. Linz Heppe '07

 

I wish I had taken more business courses, as well as a course on public speaking. My professional writing and politics majors have served me well, but at this juncture in my career, I think a couple basic business courses would be helpful. I think a public speaking course would have also helped in the early days.  -- Shalen Fairbanks '96 

 

In retrospect, I wish I had taken a few business classes like accounting and marketing in order to have a better understanding of the mechanics of day to day business operations.  Julie Peterson '86

 

I wish I would have taken statistics.  I took calculus my freshman year eager to push myself- but stats would have served me much more. Liz Perry '03

 

Yes.  Economics and Science.  I loved my liberal arts education, but now that I'm looking at some Masters programs, and being surrounded by the experts that I am in DC, those are my two glaring holes.  I took one Econ course and should have taken at least two more.  My experience in DC has shown me that folks with experience in science and policy (AAAS Science Fellows, for example) are highly sought after and well respected.  Granted, I work on energy and environmental policy.  I wish that I would have taken a course on the economics of the environment and it seems a perfect Science and Society core could come from the climate policy debate (and I can't stress how many job opportunities there are in DC re: climate, energy and associated technologies). Kari Manlove '06

 

A foreign language.  Clark Yerrington '82

 

Something finance or business related.  Although business classes were absolutely the last type of class I wanted to take at the time, in retrospect I’ve realized that businesses and the resulting flow of funds play an important part in the world that it is helps to have an understanding.  Also, I think a lot of people (myself included) end up working in the business world anyway so it’s handy to have at least a basic understanding.  By the way, I ended up getting both an MBA in finance and a master’s of accounting.   Brian Zackary '96

 

I really wish I had taken classes in religion and econ. There are great profs at UPS, so take a chance and get outside of the major to explore other areas of campus.  - Christy Thomas '00

 

I suppose I could have taken statistics or more econ, but I'm happier that I so many courses outside of my major.  Those are the courses that have informed much of my life and interests outside of my work.  It could be that my job encourages me to take a few classes in statistics or to study econ now, but highly unlikely they would subsidize cermamics or ancient astronomy.  Melanie Choy '98

 

I didn't take a single econ class during undergrad and now, after having been required to take it for my graduate degree, am obsessed with the subject. I very much wish I would have figured this out earlier. That said, I think the most important things I got out of college were strong writing skills and the ability to construct an argument, which can be accomplished in just about any subject.    - Kendall LeVan '05   

 

What could I do with a law degree?  What are the "right" reasons to go to law school--or the wrong ones?

 

I did go to law school and have both a JD and LLM in Taxation.  Go to law school because you want to become a lawyer and practice law.  However, you need to understand that everyday in the practice of law is a constant challenge and very similar to being in school with papers to write and tests to take.  If you think writing a college paper is hard, try writing a 50 page brief for the court of appeals and then having the paper graded by opposing counsel and a group of Justices.  Then you get to be graded on your oral presentation, which might be 5 minutes or an hour long, again by opposing counsel and a group Justices.  The practice of law can be intellectually intriguing, fulfulling, fun and ego fulfulling, but it can also be very hard, very stressful, extremely long hours and ego busting.  -  Mike Lantz - 68 

 

Although I do not have my J.D. (yet), let me  briefly try to answer this question.   I play basketball with about 20 rather prominent lawyers in DC and it's incredible the backgrounds they bring.  There are the traditional partners at law firms but several hold government positions ranging from the SEC to EPA.  Others are doing non-profit work in DC or business.  My interactions with these individuals have opened my eyes to the fact that all lawyers are not in courtrooms. Ned Culhane '06 

 

Go to law school because you want to practice law and you have at least some idea of the area in which you would like to practice. This way you can take the course work which will best prepare you and do summer work or an internship at the firm/organization at which you would eventually like to work. Don't go to law school because you're not sure what else to do, don't want to go to med. school or business school, or because you only have a vague interest in the law. Law school is a lot of work and costs a lot of money so don't go just to make yourself a more well-rounded person or as means of continuing your liberal arts education. There are other cheaper more fun ways to do this. Richard Kamm '96 

 

I can’t answer this question from direct experience.  I would say you can be a lawyer (I’d suggest immigration attorney)- but that is because I can work in a field where we experience first hand the shortage of them.  The right reasons-to help people in need. The wrong reasons- a big house and perks.  Liz Perry '03 

 

There are many things you can do with a law degree.  Obviously the majority of students go into private practice.  However, there are many options even in private practice including working for a large firm, medium sized firm, or a small firm, or "putting out a shingle" as they say and working for yourself.  With a law degree, you can also work for corporations as in house counsel.  This is a very different experience than working in a firm.  Many students also go into government work which is quite varied and includes working for the state attorney, U.S. attorney, county attorney, working for the public defender, police department, or one of many government agencies including the SEC, etc.  Some students also opt to go into academia, becoming professors or research librarians. (If you choose to go to law school you will soon realize the importance of legal research librarians... we would be lost without them).  Some students choose to do public interest work.  Other students choose to avoid the legal profession all together and go into business (some of these never even take the state bar).  There really isn't a "right" or "wrong" reason to go to law school.  I can say that students who choose to go to law school for certain reasons as compared to students who choose to go for others tend to be more or less successful (whether your reason for going to law school is really related to your level of success in law school, I'm not entirely sure, but its possible).  As with any advanced degree, you should make the decision for your own personal reasons and on your own terms.  (in other words, I would suggest is is not a good idea to go to law school because your father is a lawyer and he told you that you should be a lawyer too...unless, of course, you truly want to practice law).  However, that said, law school is a great deal more work than most graduate degree programs in that it is very intensive.  Law school is 3 years, full time.  During my first year I spent, on average, 90-120 hours per week on my studies.  It is a huge time commitment.  My advice is to do your research before making the decision to go to law school.  Make sure this is what you want to do and that you are not simply flipping a coin between law school and business school.

 

Other advice on things I wish I had known when I was in college regarding law school:

---Apply to many law schools, even ones you don't think you can get into and especially ones you don't think you can afford.  Law schools give scholarships.  I had no idea I could get scholarship monies for law school and now I am going to school tuition-free.  Kristin Stastny '05

 

 

If you went to graduate or law school, did you go directly from undergraduate? What are the trade-offs between waiting awhile or plunging right in after graduation?

 

I looked at grad school right away, but found that I didn't really know what I wanted and feared I wasn't qualified enough. So I went into the Peace Corps and learned Russian and then I went to grad school. I ended up not finishing the program (with the hope to go back/go somewhere else), and I'm still defining what I want to do. Jennifer Eidum Zinchuk '03

 

I just had a conversation with my sister, a college senior, about this yesterday.  I think it is truly valuable to get some "real world" experience before going on to grad school.  There are definitely some programs that are better suited if you go straight through so you can actually finish them before too too long (aka med school) but I would recommend a year or two to allow you to better gauge what you really want to do down the line.  It allows you to see the types of jobs that people with these degrees actually have or what positions require certain degrees.  It provides additional criteria for you to best select the program that is best suited for your short and long term goals.  I am following this and applying to J.D. programs this fall. Ned Culhane '06 

 

I took a year off to do AmeriCorps and wish I had taken more. The year/s after undergrad. are a great time to explore your passions. Travel. Do volunteer work such as AmeriCorps or PeaceCorps. Start your own non-profit. In many instances, this experience will improve your chances of getting into law school. Plus, once you start down the road to being a lawyer, there is no turning back. You will never again have a large chunk of time to explore passions outside of the law. My suggestion would be to take a year or two.  Richard Kamm '96 

 

I initially wanted to go straight into grad school. However, I feel that waiting a few years was a better choice. It gives you time to travel, and work (and save up for the costs of more school). The break from school is nice, and after awhile you are pumped up to go BACK to school. Now that I have had a little breathing room I realize that I was on the right track with my studies and I want to continue. This kind of drive will help during interviews and essays, it really does shine through.  Linz Heppe '07 

 

While I would strongly recommend waiting a couple years and figuring out what you really want to do, I wouldn't wait too long. I regret not going to grad school sooner. Now I feel like I've waited too long and am having a difficult time trying to fit time in for the occasional class with two kids, a mortgage and a full-time job/career. Shalen Fairbanks '96 

 

I am in graduate school now.  I waited 4 years after graduating.  I suppose I had to plan a year in advance so I waited 3 years before making significant movement in this direction.  I think the decision to move directly to grad school or wait depends on career plans (if you know).  I wasn’t entirely sure but I knew I wasn’t done with my education.  After four years of gaining experience in the field, I feel that I have an advantage over other students because I have returned with more first hand experience and perhaps a little more direction (informed direction- by which I mean that going from undergraduate to graduate school immediately one may enter with a fully formed research question but might not know personally why interested or what is really happening).  I do think that I will struggle a little bit more to get back into the swing of things- academia is a much different rhythm than work.  So over all I think best to do an cost/benefit analysis of individual situation and wait if unsure.  Liz Perry '03 

 

I'm EXTRAORDINARILY happy with my decision to have deferred grad school a few years.  It's one thing to know what you want to study for a masters (if you are lucky enough to know), but I think it's another to know what you want to DO and how you're going to APPLY a masters.  You're a practiced student of teachers and texts, but that's not the sole end of your masters' degree.  Eventually, you are likely to sit at a desk from 9-5 for some duration, so I recommend getting a feel for that and asking yourself how to make that experience best with a masters, so that perhaps you're the one traveling.   Kari Manlove '06 

 

The advantage of waiting a few years is you bring additional life experience and perspective to the graduate school experience.  As a result, I believe you get more out of the program by being able to apply the principles of what you study to your own experiences retroactively.  Also, the students with the most to offer in class discussions are often (but not always!) the ones who can contribute real-life personal examples whereas those without as much experience, while displaying plenty of book smarts and critical-thinking ability, tend to have less to offer.  The worst case scenario, of course, the one student who’s every contribution elicits eye-rolling from the rest of the class for the sheer naiveté of their comments.

My first degree was an MBA in finance at McGill University in Montreal which I started a mere two years out of UPS with only English teaching work experience while most of my peers had worked for corporations.  I didn’t understand the difference experience made until I started my second degree six years removed from UPS, a master’s of accounting at USC, and was surrounded by students fresh out of undergrad and I was the one of the students with relevant work experience.  Brian Zackary '96 

 

I went to graduate school almost right out of UPS.  I took about 8 months off between graduating UPS and starting law school.  Personally, I think it's better to jump right in, however, there are certainly trade-offs.  The benefits of jumping right in are that you maintain the momentum from undergraduate and do not need to re-learn how to be a student.  As far as drawbacks, you may just pile debt on top of debt and it is also sometimes advantageous to get some real world work experience prior to beginning a graduate degree (I would say, especially with an MBA it is a good idea to work first--many MBA programs do not even admit students who have not worked after undergraduate before enrolling in the program).  Kristin Stastny '05 

 

I'm really glad I took some time off between UPS and grad school. I was able to explore a lot of different programs and decided on one that was the best fit for me. I had time to travel, gain some real world work experience and just have fun! But, it is much harder to get back into the world of school once you've adjusted to life with a real paycheck. So, if you're after a PhD, go straight through. - Christy Thomas '00

 

How does one choose a graduate or law program that is right for you?

 

Think about where you want to be. Rural/urban, etc. Think about the area of law in which you would like to practice. For example, if you want to do government work, come to D.C. Think about the size of the school. After UPS, a larger law school can feel very cold and impersonal. What is the average class size? What percentage of students pass the bar on the first try? Law school reputation matters. Talk to students who go to law schools to which you are applying. Are they happy? I went to American here in D.C. and one of the best things was all of the internship/externship oppportunities available in the city. Choose a law school in an area with a good legal market.  Richard Kamm '96

 

Do some research. Decide what you are REALLY interested in and sift through class offerings according to your interests. Go to the campus and get a feel for the atmosphere, do you like it? Talk with current students and get the real story about the programs you are interested in. And don't give up. If you do not get accepted to your first few choices- and are positive that you would thrive at one of these schools, then keep applying.  Linz Heppe '07

 

I have a long answer for this question- so the shortened version is start planning and looking far in advance.  There are so many different programs and programs within programs it takes a while to sort it all out.  I think it is important to find a place that feels comfortable (more of a gut thing) and go into the program head first- what you put in to it – you’ll get out- you can make a lot out of your experience.  Liz Perry '03

 

First of all, with hard work, you can get a good education anywhere so regardless of where you end up, make the most of it.  With that attitude, you will graduate convinced that it was, if not the ‘right’ program, at least not the wrong one. Other than that, look at strength of the program in your area of interest.  I would recommend not limiting yourself by geography unless you have serious extenuating circumstances such as relatives you have to care for or a spouse with a career to consider because the change in geographic surroundings can enrich the experience.  How I ended up doing an MBA in Montreal is a long story, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.  Besides, you can always move after graduation.  Brian Zackary '96

 

Factors to consider: (1) tuition/cost of living (although this should NEVER really be #1) (2) location (especially with law school--go to school where you want to practice law, especially if you are going to a middle tier school) (3) professors--learn about them, what research they have done, where they went to school, areas of expertise, etc. (4) resources (career planning centers, library facilities, etc.) (5) financial aid (6) % of students passing bar (this will vary with state as well.  e.g., California has a notoriously difficult bar examination so remember not to compare apples and oranges...) (7) % students obtaining job within first year post-grad (8) mean starting salary of grads (9) ranking of school.  Kristin Statsny '05 

 

I would really think about the tradeoffs you make to go to grad school. Are you ready to spend a few years focused on school instead of your family, friends, work or travel? Is your degree going to help you reach your next goal and is it worth it? You're investing a lot of time and money and while I wouldn't change my mind, it can take a toll, especially if you end up away from friends and family for a few years.  - Christy Thomas '00

 

When initially thinking about graduate programs I think it is important to see how well they fit with your interests: is the school strong on international security, or health care, or environmental policy? Additionally, if going into a public policy or public admin-type program, I think it is really useful to think about how quantitative-heavy you want your experience to be, because there is a lot of variation in what is required. Finally, I can't underscore enough how important I think it is to visit the schools you are considering and just see if you feel comfortable. I knew in half an hour that Chicago was not the right place for me, but on paper it looked like a really good match. Your instincts about these things are usually pretty valuable.   - Kendall LeVan '05 

 

How does one recover or learn from a bad job or position or program?

 

It is a requirement in life to recover and learn from our experiences good or bad.  Pay attention, listen and figure out what it was that happened and what didn't happen.  It is actually a simple process, but very few people know how to do it, much less, actually do it.  Think about how the experience affected you in both positive and negative ways and what changes you need to make in yourself, your environment and your attitude.   Many times a bad experience is actually the beginning of a good experience, but you have to be willing to recognize the differences and the requirements for moving forward.  Too many people look at the negative in an experience instead of looking for the positive while being aware of the negative, but not allowing the negative to control.  Mike Lantz - '68

 

A bad job/position/program is a learning experience. Most everyone at some point will at have at least one job or position that just isn't what he/she thought it would be. It's important that you take that experience to learn what not to do -- or to do -- the next time. What were the parts of the job/program that you liked? What would you change? Answering these questions honestly will help make sure that the next opportunity is one that will hopefully better meet your needs. Shalen Fairbanks '96

 

This is something that my dad once told me- having a bad position is just as good as having a good one in terms of leading you to your dream job.  It gives you personal insight as to your strengths, weakness, likes and dislikes and prepares you for finding a better fit.  Use it to your advantage.  Liz Perry '03

 

By comparing notes with your peers, particularly people a few years older than you.  Clark Yerrington '82

 

You focus on the positives, both personally and professionally.  On a personal level, two or three or even fours years is such a short amount of time over the course of a lifetime that it isn’t worth dwelling on so you move on.  On a professional level, when asked about it in job interviews, let people know why that job or program was the best course of action for you at that time, what you learned from it and how you left for a better opportunity.   That way, you come across as confident in your decision-making ability.  Very often events do not proceed as planned so just because a situation didn’t turn out the way you thought doesn’t mean you didn’t make the best decision given the information you had at the time.  However, people who express regret or negativity come across as poor decision-makers who lack confidence. Of course, you should follow up that job or program by going after the job or program you thought you were getting to begin with (if that’s an option).  But above all, work with what you have.  Life doesn’t always go as planned.  Not every P&G major gets into Harvard law, the State Department or the CIA.  Just like not every MBA student lands their dream job at Goldman Sachs or Google and not every pre-med student goes on to medical school.   But it doesn’t mean you won’t be successful or wealthy or happy or whatever it is for which you are striving in life, so make the most of where opportunities take you.  Brian Zackary '96

 

 

If I'm interested in working in some internationally-focused job or career, how can I get my foot in the door?

 

I advise international students at a small, private, liberal-arts university. Most people I know get their feet in the door by doing volunteer work at universities/colleges, and by teaching/tutoring English. Some time overseas is absolutely essential, as well. It's truly the most important qualification for my field, I'd say. - Megan Serenco, '97

 

Peace Corps! You spend real time in a foreign country, often doing development/teaching/NGO related work. By the end of 2 years you are familiar with the country and hopefully where oppurtunities may be--there, or in international sectors in general. Not to mention the fact that your volunteer experience and international training is very appealing to employers. Jennifer Eidum Zinchuk '03

 

This is the hardest part in the politics business. The best way to start is through an internship in Tacoma- get started now! If it's an unpaid internship but you really like the job, take it. This is how I look at it. You are all paying for school right now and learning valuable lessons. If you take an unpaid internship, you arrive at an equilibrium- you are not paying for it.... but you are not being paid either. After the internship experience, and hopefully a few intense research projects, you will be able to get a PAID job! Apply for the Watson, apply for any research experience possible. This will give you an edge over other applicants. Linz Heppe '07

 

Having lived in Washington, D.C., for the last 11 years I've seen lots of people move on into International careers from internships in congressional offices, internships at non-profits with international arms, internships at the state department, etc.  This is a place where I think networking with UPS alumni could be very valuable, in addition to all of the advice above. Shalen Fairbanks '96

 

Intern in DC.  Spend a summer in DC and go to every event you can wrap your schedule around.  Go to happy hours, meet people, meet people, meet people.  Kari Manlove '06

 

Go abroad!!!  Actual experience abroad goes a long way in solidifying one’s international credentials.  English teaching is a great way to secure that first work visa and once in the country of your choice, after you make a few connections and figure out how the job market works, you can probably transition into a job closer to your desired field.  It is also a way to learn a lot about a countries culture and society because you essentially get paid to talk to people.  You can leverage that knowledge into another job.  By the way, while most see teaching English as a short term job, I have met many a career English teacher who has seen more of the world than people with high-flying careers. Also, don’t listen to people who have never lived abroad because they often have the “oh-getting-a-visa-is-impossible attitude” or the “oh-no-one-will-hire-you-if-you-don’t-speak-the-language attitude”.  Those of us who have lived abroad know that visas and languages are, while obstacles indeed, not impassable roadblocks some make them out to be. Whatever you do, do not lose sight of the fact that you have to develop other skills as well.  Speaking Japanese alone isn’t going to get you a job as an accountant in Japan.  However, an accountant who happens to speak Japanese has a leg up on the accountant who doesn’t.  Depending on your career, sometimes it is necessary to focus on aspect at a time.  For example, get the international experience, then get the technical experience and then combine them.  Over the long haul, starting a serious career at 25 years old is no different than starting one at 21 or 22.  Brian Zackary '96

 

What are the tradeoffs in working in the public versus the private sector?

 

I currently work in the public sector and I can speak to the pro's and con's of my current position.   I am able to make my ends meet with my entry level salary as a government employee.  Since my job is in the Metro DC area, my salary is adjusted to reflect the cost of living here which is nice.  Some of the other pro's would be the schedule (I usually am out of here by 4:30 or 5 and can't recall staying past 5:30 ever), time off and holidays (I get all of those Federal holidays I didn't know existed back during my UPS days and also earn a solid amount of annual leave and sick time).  One of the major con's that I am finding out is all of the bureaucratic red tape I need to deal with.  Just yesterday, I had to call international and I couldn't make the call myself and it had to be approved by another person.  There is also a huge debate right now at NIH regarding the work moral over the conflict of interest laws (an old article can be found here).  I understand why these regulations need to be in place but the amount of paperwork I had to complete in order to serve as an UPS Admission rep in DC was ridiculous. Ned Culhane '06

 

I spent the first 10 years out of college working for non-profits. I foudn that the larger non-profits tend to have decent benefits and relatively decent salaries, but I definitely didn't have the salary levels/bonuses/raises/stock options of my friends who work for private, for-profit companies. Now working in the private sector the benefits and salary packages are definitely better, but I've lost some of the flexibility and work/life balance of the non-profits. Obviously all of this is dependent on your job, however.    -- Shalen Fairbanks '96 

 

What are the tradeoffs in working in the public versus the private sector? Private- not government regulated, usually less bureaucratic, can be more creative/more flexibility Public- usually better benefits, potentially more stable, usually higher paying, hard to lose a job, usually more mobility (because it is more hierarchical) I’m thinking about private not profit vs. state, county jobs. – it’s where I have experience- answers skewed by experience too.  Liz Perry '03

 

In the public sector you will likely be in a bureaucracy of some variety, with all of the attendant drawbacks -- a culture that stifles innovation and initiative.  The upside of the public sector is they'll take good care of you, and in some ways you may have much better opportunities.  You probably already know which realm you're more suited for.  Clark Yerrington '82 

 

Does it make more sense to go where you want to live and pursue a job there, or pursue the best job irrespective of where it's located?

 

When you are younger, you go to the best job (finding the money). When you are older, you go to the best place to live  (Already having the money). Mike Lantz - 68

 

This is a very difficult question and I think it really depends on the individual.  I knew that after graduation I wanted to be back east but this left quite a lot of options on the table.  After interning in Cambridge, I decided I wanted to stay in Boston or move to DC.  All of my connections from internships were in the District and that is where I was able to land a solid job.  Looking back at the last year or so, I think it is important that you like where you are living.  I understand that your first job right after undergrad will open doors later but you want to strike a balance of work and social life.  If you are living in a city where you do not know anyone outside of work it can be a taxing situation. Ned Culhane '06

 

I think it's important to keep in mind, if you're single now, you might not be single for long. The choice of where to live vs where to work becomes very tricky if you have a two-career family. My general advice is to find a job someplace you like to live, otherwise you'll end up living through your job. - Megan Serenco, '97 

 

If this is a question you find yourself laboring over it is my advice to simply choose one or the other to focus on, otherwise you will probably keep yourself in limbo until you go crazy. There is a reason that I don't give a definitive answer to this question - it's because I don't believe there is one.  If you do not have a particular direction you're sure to go in after college then the countless opportunities become daunting and stressful.  At some point you'll need to simply make a decision, go with it, then figure out whether it's a direction you wish to continue.  (By the way, if it turns out that that is not the direction you want to go, that is just as important as figuring out that it was). - Chris Pohlad '07 

 

This is a very difficult question. The idea of being "tied down" to a particular location is enough to make anyone a little weary. Luckily there are only a few places in the country that offer an enormous amount of job opportunities in the politics field, Washington DC and NYcity being among the best. Keep a watchful eye out for job opportunities through the Politics blog. The department has a few websites listed for internship/job opportunities which are VERY useful. Alliance for Conflict Transformation being one of them (ACT). My best advice is to apply to the job before you have moved. Nobody wants to move to DC and be without work for a prolonged amount of time- rent will wipe you out.  Making a long suggestion short: Find the job before you move.  -Linz Heppe '07 

 

I agree that this is a tough question and depends on the person to some degree. I think it does help to at least know one person wherever you go, only because you're completely on your own if the "dream job" doesn't turn out so "dreamy." This is a place where the UPS alumni network comes in handy!!    -- Shalen Fairbanks '96 

 

Depends on what your dream is.  If you dream of living in L.A., go there and look for a job.  If you dream of working for Emily's List, pursue that with all your might.  Life is short - follow your dream and don't worry about being so practical.   Julie Peterson '86 

 

Depends on your personal situation and priorities.  In some fields you have little opportunity to choose where you live  and in others much choice.  I think it is important to be in a place where you feel comfortable and enjoy life and have the support you need- if it’s a few years of grunt work and then the possibility to have more choice in where you live- the few years might be worth it- if it is a lifetime of living somewhere not to your liking- could be a long road. Again- we all have different priorities.  Liz Perry '03 

 

Go where you feel like going, for whatever reason, regardless if it seems rational or not.  If you don't, you'll have too many regrets later. Clark Yerrington '82 

 

Depends on how you rate the importance of geography against career because there can be trade offs.  This decision should be made in this context.  However, early in your career, my personal advice is to go where the job takes you.  You can always move again in a few years.  It is easier to do this early in your lives before you have spouses with careers or aging parents to consider.  I have found that the geographic considerations grow with age.  Brian Zackary '96 

 

It seems like many people really change what they want to do across their careers.  If you did this kind of career shift, what was the impetus and how did you do it?

 

It is not unusual to change jobs or careers in some form or another every ten years.  It is hard to explain the how and why without considerable life detail.  In most cases, it is not planned.  Life just provides the avenues and you get to pick which one you want to follow.  Live a good life in your heart and the rest will follow.  -  Mike Lantz '68 

 

Even though I am an '06 graduate, I find myself in this position right now.  At graduation, I knew that I wanted to obtain an advanced degree but could not decide between a Ph.D. in some psychology related area or a J.D..  I managed to intern at a Harvard psychophysiology lab last summer and work at the largest funding agency of biomedical research.  All of my peers are thinking of going on to medical school or a Ph.D. program in molecular biology (or something like that).  These experiences have taught me that I do not want to follow in their footsteps and I am seriously considering applying to law schools this fall.  I like what I do at NIH but do not see doing this as career.  Very early on here I learned that I would need to get a Ph.D./M.D. or any combination there of in order to seriously further my career here. Ned Culhane '06 

 

Following law school, I did a judicial clerkship (great experience) and then practiced for three years. In 2005, I decided to go into teaching because I have always loved working with kids, I wanted the human contact, and I wanted to be able to positively impact the lives of others. A lot of lawyers out there are very unhappy. Many of my friends from law school who work at large firms are miserable because of the long hours and time they must spend away from their families. Aside from the money, the overall quality of life can be quite low (again talking large law firms). Do what makes you happy. Three years ago, I switched careers by participating in a program called D.C. Teaching Fellows (similar to Teach for America) where you teach and get your Masters at the same time (an added bonus is that the coursework is all paid for). Now that I'm in the classroom, I feel like I am in a much better position to accomplish many of the goals that led me to go to law school! . I don't regret at all having gone to law school (other than the student loan debt) and I think that for almost any career shift you might make, a law degree can only help you.  Richard Kamm '96 

 

If someone asked me when I started college where I would be, I would never have told them it would be where I'm at today. As you start moving forward in your career there are so many different doors that open up and each decision in turn impacts where you go. Making a career shift is difficult, but really thinking through what you want based on experiences to date and planning for any changes (ie: income/benefits/additional school) helps make those moves easier. Shalen Fairbanks '96  

 

I'm in the same overall industry but have moved around a lot within it, which I think is a real benefit. Through various jobs, I have developed a wealth of experiences, contacts and skills, and those who hire me benefit from what I have learned from other employers.  I get bored about every 5 years, so I like to look for new jobs that provide new challenges, settings and practices.  I have consciously built a strong network of professional contacts and that is generally the means of moving between jobs.   Julie Peterson '86 

 

I think so many experiences give us the skill sets to change or shift career paths.  You can use those experiences to demonstrate how they will help you to be successful in a different environment, with different job requirements.  Try not to shut to many doors and follow what interests you.  I attend any training that I can even if I don’t know much about it- helps me to refine my direction.  Liz Perry '03 

 

Haven't done it yet... I got into what I'm into (climate and energy, after studying Latin America, comparative politics, and nat'l security... and really not liking the environmentalist movement) because opportunity came knocking.  And now my impression of policy (versus industry or engineering or something) is changing, and maybe in a few years I'll find myself in something more technical.  No real "impetus" but I think experience and then self-reflection refines your knowledge of self much more than we're willing to trust at first.  In other words, just try stuff, and you'll figure out pretty quickly what you fit and what you don't, and I think people understand when you need a change as long as you do.  Kari Manlove '06 

 

At the beginning of my first year at UPS in 1978, President Phibbs gave a speech where he said the graduating class of 1982 would have seven jobs in their first 25 years of work.  It prompted a few people to write back later and say things like, it's only been two years and I'm already on my fifth!  But what he was saying is, in this fast-changing, crazy world you will have to be more nimble and more willing to make some quick decisions, and not be fearful of change.  I made the shift just once, right out of college.  I wasn't too sure what I wanted to do but was thinking of something in journalism or advertising/PR.  Since I wasn't making any headway breaking in, I accepted a part-time job working in my dad's architectural firm.  He kind of framed it this way: "We could use a hand right now, and you could still look into other jobs you really want while you're there."  So I couldn't refuse.  In about a year I moved on to a larger firm, and have worked for six or eight others in the 24 years since.  It's been fantastic and I'm glad I didn't get hung up about it back then.  Clark Yerrington '82 

 

This is what I do best.  I have taught English, worked at an insurance company, worked for an accounting firm and now I work for a sports products company.  The reasons for the changes have been a number of factors but all of them came down to exposure to something new which struck me as interesting or at least more interesting than what I was doing at the time.  It’s one thing to want to be a lawyer based on what you have heard about it.  It’s an entirely different thing to want to remain a lawyer based on what you have experienced firsthand.  Some career shifts require re-tooling your skill set by going back to school.  Some other career shifts simply require passion and high energy.  Brian Zackary '96

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