The problem begins early: Public-sector opportunities are rarely advertised at career fairs or on TigerTracks. Students must apply for most federal government jobs through usajobs.gov, a site that is much less customer-friendly than the typical private-sector application process. Applicants must sift through a deluge of job announcements on the site to find those for which they are qualified. Exciting and desirable jobs requiring only a bachelor's degree are often difficult to find since codes under which the jobs are listed are poorly publicized. Given the federal government's underdeveloped recruiting effort, students without connections to the government may find the process daunting. If the government is to attract high-quality applicants, it must improve its recruiting process.
Though the University cannot fix the government's bureaucratic hiring system, it can work to demystify this confusing process. While the University already provides encouragement to seniors considering such jobs, it needs to do more to assist students navigating the federal application process. Some alumni working in government regularly come to speak to seniors about their experiences, but they rarely address the nuts and bolts of how to launch a career in government.
To address these issues, Career Services could create a list of government jobs that Princeton seniors would likely find especially appealing. For jobs in the federal government, the listing could include job codes so as to make the list easily searchable. Career Services should also publish a brochure or handout with helpful tips for how to use USAJOBS. The University can also host a networking event for government jobs or help students connect with alumni in government service who can help them find meaningful work. Such interactions should be designed to create a self-sustaining network of alumni who can support the entrance of Princeton students into government service.
Princeton prides itself on its bright and motivated graduates and its commitment to being in "the nation's service." To connect these two things, the University must help seniors navigate the transition from studying government to becoming a part of it. By doing so, the University will provide a service to its students so that they in turn can provide a service to the United States.
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