iSchool Chat
What is the secret to getting a job in the federal government?
On September 9th, 22 iSchool students attended an SLA-sponsored chat session with three information professionals currently working in federal government libraries and got the inside scoop. Robin Dixon (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Library), Richard Huffine (U.S. Geological Survey) and Mary Ann Leonard (National Agricultural Library) gave students glimpses into the work they do and offered valuable advice on how to break into a job in the federal government. They also gave students hope on the job front: Yes, government agencies are still hiring, and they’re even trying to streamline the application process.
Among their tips for snagging that government job:
1. Get to know people already working in the federal government by being active in professional associations and/or by contributing to government information listservs.
2. Intern at an agency you find interesting. Take the initiative in pursuing internships by contacting someone at the place you would like to work. Be clear about what you would like to do.
3. Think more broadly than just libraries when looking for positions. Library and information management skills can often be applied in other positions, such as Web content developers, technical information specialists, analysts, writers, trainers and more.
4. Consider applying before your MLS is complete. Many federal library jobs do not require the degree, though some combination of education and experience will need to be satisfied. Read the postings carefully to be sure you will qualify.
5. Do answer the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) section thoroughly even when presented as optional.
All three speakers are willing to be contacted for further information. Students: see the iSchool Ning for details.
Meet and Greet
At last month’s student organizations Meet & Greet, iSchoolers proved that they can sure work up a hearty appetite. Just one hour into the two-hour event on September 24, nearly all of the snacks generously provided by Student Services had been decimated. But iSchool students weren’t only hungry for chips and brownies, they were also eager to hear more about the student chapters of the American Library Association (ALA), the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and the American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), as well as Student Archivists at Maryland (SAM), the student chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SAA).
Representatives from each of these student groups were on hand to provide information to potential new members about their group’s planned activities for the 2009-2010 school year. Many flyers and brochures were distributed over cups of lemonade and iced tea, but more importantly, students made new connections that may prove to help them both during school and beyond.
If you were unable to attend the event, but would like to participate in one of these groups, check for future event announcements on the iSchool listserv or contact Student Services to find out how to get in touch with representatives from a particular group.
Jamie Peacock and Kate Lanahan
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