Stucture your resume so it leans more to the software developer side with systems engineering experience as well then.. I'll let HR know the preference when I drop off the resume.

 

The only problem w/ government is: it's tough as crap to make anymore than 120k a year

 

120k a year is fine with me

 

+1!

 

Then again if I was going to start in the government with just a Master's degree (I think that's GS-9) it would probably only be around 70k?

 

Make your 120k retire then come back as a contractor for 160k

 

120k is fine, but the only problem w/ 120k is that u're STUCK THERE! (for most ppl) and being stuck at 1 paycheck for years to come sucks buuuuttt

but keep in mind, if you get govt make sure to stay in govt. If you go elsewhere, its really hard to come back. I got a buddy that left his govt job, graduated, and he's been jobless for months now.

 

Troof! But would you rather be stuck at 120k per/year and enjoy job security for 30+ years or would you rather make up to 250k one year, lose your job and have to settle being the greeter at Walmart because no one in the private sector would hire you at that salary?

 

You dont even need a degree to be a GS-9. And at GS-9 enry level they only like to start you off at step 1 -3, which is BS.

 

Ahn,
Who would frown upon a 120k a year salary? That would just mean your life style out weighs you job. Around here 120k a year is a pretty good living. I know there are super ballers out there and more power to ya if you are bank over 150k a year.

I dont make 6 figures and I live however the hell I wanna very comfortably.

 

Etan, if you're interested, I can put in a good word for you here at NIST

 

Best of both worlds working for a Private Sector Defense contractor company.

 

HAHA... the question is how do I apply to NIST? I'd love to work with Paul and Rick!

 

I'm at work right now, so I'll go ask around... I'm pretty sure there's a website you go to to submit your resume and application. Once I find out, I'll send it to you.

I think it works by sending your application and resume out to an 'application database' that can be accessed by basically all of NIST, so MEP can access it and possibly the BIG DOGS at iTac.

 

Cool! Let me know!

 

You could always come back to booz allen... when I started working there this fall there were a few people in orientation with the title "Comeback Kids".

 

As much as I enjoyed my experience at Booz Allen, my last few weeks there went REALLY ugly and I'm really hesitant about becoming a "Comeback Kid". Also I'm planning on going back to graduate school and Booz' $5000 a year tuition assistant/external training budget really doesn't cut what I am looking for. I guess I'll look into it when I'm really desperate.

 

Depends on the person really. Some play it safe and stay N/A w/ their factory warranty, and some push their motors @ its limits w/ a Turbonetics kit. Sure you might blow up or in this case (lose your job) but that doesn't mean rebuilding isn't a possibility.

120k is great, but the point of it is not 120k, it's growth potential.

Govt job is like a maxed out VQ motor in N/A form, you can get 297whp and be safe for years to come no doubt, but can never taste 400! For some, 297whp is fine, but for others it would drive them nuuuuts! ...Like yourself Mr. Newly-Found Twin Turbo!

 

nuclear navy...120K at the 4 year point, plus job security, plus benefits

 

Ethan, you work for Sogeti right now? I think CapGemini owns that company right? We work for the same relative ;-) I had a close friend who was a developer at Micros for 3 or 4 years. He moved on to ManTech... you might want to check them out as they have offices all over, but I think they focus on Government contracts.
You might also want to check out moving to Capgemini directly as they hold projects all over the east coast.

Good luck man, and keep your head up. It's a rough market out there right now.
--B