With the economy in shock the federal government is poised to compete well for recent college graduates who are increasingly warming up to the idea of working for Uncle Sam, according the Partnership for Public Service.
PPS teamed up with Universum USA to consider input from 32,000 American undergraduates about their thoughts on future employment.
"With the slumping economy, a lot of job seekers are giving our federal government a second look," said PPS president Max Steir, adding, "This poll suggests young applicants will like what they see."
Government and public service were the most frequently cited industry category out of 46 options, selected first by 17 percent of respondents. That was followed by 13 percent that selected health care, 12 percent selecting education and 11 percent selecting marketing and advertising.
The most frequently cited federal employers of choice were the Department of State, NASA, the Peace Corps, the CIA and the FBI.
Respondents identified a healthy work/life balance as the most important career goal, followed by the desire to serve the greater good and job stability.
The report recommends that agencies try to brand and present themselves in the context of what this new generation of students want and expect. It also recommends meeting students online and at career fairs, and cautions against relying too much on USAJOBS.
