I was in a similar position 8 years ago, graduating with an ME degree.

I took a job with the Feds. I enjoy the work and I feel well compensated - it's true that the initial salary offering may be lower than at a private company, but the Fed benefits are better overall (can't listen to old guys on CSRS on this, of course CSRS was better - 80% pension for lifers! - so were the old UAW benies but times are a changin), job security is good, etc.

Starting BS engineer pay this year in the DC area maxes at about $54k. In 2-3 years, assuming you're a good performer, you could be in the high 60's to 70. My salary doubled in 6.5 years, your mileage may vary. We've been under an NSPS-like pay system since the mid 90's, I've been very happy with it.

79-900t's advice was the best. Pick the job that you think you're going to enjoy the best that will accomodate the things you're looking for - location, work environment, etc. In my case the Fed job fit the bill and I've never second guessed my decision.

Let me know if you'd like some more info, we can take it offline.

jeff

posted by 192.5.27...

• College Grad...Industry v. Government employment, Nikos, Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:33:18
  • Industry, NickR, Thu, 22 Mar 2007 08:30:02
  • Re: College Grad...Industry v. Government employment, MJM , Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:42:46
  • sort of an answer, Railhead , Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:46:37
    • Thanks for the responses, nikos, Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:20:29
      • Re: Other parts of Europe to see?, swede-murphy , Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:43:54
      • Greece!, ChuckD , Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:49:07
  • Stop! See the world first., ChuckD , Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:35:40
    • Re: Stop! See the world first., steve, Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:53:57
  • Re: College Grad...Industry v. Government employment, jeff in MD, Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:50:55 <-- Viewing This Message
  • 37 yrs with feds/engineer/15/NSPS maybe, sloopjohnb, Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:11:47
    • One other thing..., sloopjohnb, Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:15:56
      • Plastics...., sloopjohnb, Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:20:30
  • Re: College Grad...Industry v. Government employment, EGD , Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:13:07
  • Re: College Grad...Industry v. Government employment, 79-900t , Mon, 19 Mar 2007 21:54:26
  • When I got my BME, I initially worked for private>, Mike in Anchorage, Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:33:44
    • Re: Civil Engineer (PE), both Govt . and private, PhilB, Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:44:21
      • PE with 30+ years in private sector....., MI-Roger , Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:36:40

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