lowendnewbie

Hi,

I've had 3 internships / co-ops so far and they've all been for the Federal government. If I want a Permanent position in the private industry will this be harder for me?

I've been told that private companies don't really value government experience. Is this true?

Oh, I'm in Environmental Engineering.

thanks!

chuy

I'm not sure that they value it as much but in my experience they still value it. I worked for the government after my freshman year and the experience still seemed to help quite a bit when I was interviewing for this summer. At any rate there's not a lot you can do about it now, so I wouldn't worry.

nshah9617

"I've been told that private companies don't really value government experience. Is this true?"

I have never heard that rumor. I have many friends who worked with local state or city utility companies, and have received very nice private company jobs.

Experience is experience and with your vast internship/co-op profile, I say you have an excellent chance of working in the private industry.

lowendnewbie

thanks for the replies so far. Anyone else?

lil_killer129

Is there any reason why you want a position in the private sector? I was thinking of interning for the federal government next summer and then take on a full-time position there after graduation.

lowendnewbie

I've never had an internship with the private sector before. Whats that like?

I don't necessarily want a private sector job, I just wanna see what my options are.

Dr.Horse

you guys are lucky you can find internships.

ken285

I used to work for a state agency before moving into the private sector. The biggest differences are that there's way less bureaucracy and things get done a lot faster. You typically get paid more, but you're not guaranteed to keep your job for life.

lowendnewbie

Hey Ken,
Did you have any trouble getting a job in private? I'm concerned because government experience is the Only thing i have.

lil_killer129

Government experience is pretty good. Atleast you HAVE experience.

lowendnewbie

Don't you have experience? I looked at your profile and it seems pretty impressive.

lil_killer129

Me? I don't have any experiences.

knightdragon115

i was wondering which is going to earn more money in the long run? private or govt? and after like 20years will the salary start to decay?

lowendnewbie

Oh, I guess internships are harder to get in America.

ken285

I actually got my first job in the private sector through a friend. You will earn more money in the private sector period. Salaries do not go down. See lil_killer129's recent "Salary Tables" thread.