Unemployment.
That’s not to say that I experienced unemployment in copious amounts or anything after obtaining my Political Science degree. Rather, that three months after graduating, I started work as an unemployment specialist for the Department of Labor, Division of Employment Security. Now, I know what you must be thinking. “I’m not undertaking the academic study of political science just to work with the unemployed of the State of Missouri.” However, I’ll give you a few reasons why this path of employment with the State of Missouri may also be for you.
1. It’s a great place to get your foot in the door.
After getting your bachelor’s degree, getting “real world” experience – if you’re not getting your Juris Doctorate or going straight into grad school (more on that in a moment) – is important. By working for the State of Missouri, you will find there are many different kinds of opportunities to get hands on experience serving the citizens of this state. Of course, that extends well beyond just unemployment. The Office of Administration, for example, works directly with the people who work for the state itself. Or, the Auditor’s office looks over the books of different organizations here in the state and makes sure that everything checks out. Those are just a few examples out of the many options available. To get more information on what may possibly be available see the Office of Administration’s website. On their section of the state website, they maintain regular postings of merit based positions and what county that position is open in. There are also non-merit based positions available on individual sections of the Missouri state website (such as for the courts, governor’s office, etc.)
So, not only are there a lot of choices open at any given time, but the state also actively seeks out talent from recently graduated college students. On the merit lists, look to narrow your search with the keyword “college graduates,” which they have listed under “Areas of Interest.” Put in your application through the EASE portal, which is what the state uses to accept resumes/applications, and if they are interested the appropriate office will reach out to you (usually per telephone call.)
2. Close to home.
If you’re from the state of Missouri, guess what? You get to stay here nearby friends and family! If you’re not from the state of Missouri, then you can go back to your home state and see what opportunities your state government has available for you. Not only do you get to live and work in your home state, but you also get an opportunity to support your friends, family, and local community through your state job. Again, that can be in a variety of ways. Whether that be helping someone in your community look for a job at a Missouri Career Center or working in the in the state parks to make sure they are maintained so that everyone can use them. There are a variety of options and again, all you have to do if you’re in Missouri is check the Office of Administration website to see what’s available.
3. Want to get your Masters? The State may have you covered.
I say “may” have you covered, because it depends on the department you’re working for. Some departments bring in more revenue than others and consequently, have more money to spend on schooling for their employees. The Department of Labor is such an example. Of course, you have to agree to work for the department for a year after completing your degree. And they will pay for up to whatever the highest amount is that a public university is charging per credit hour that year. Really, that’s not really a long time to work for the department after getting your degree (some other private institutions will expect you to work for them for up to five years after completing your degree.) So, that gives you the chance to pursue other opportunities after that year is up. You’ll be armed with experience from working with the State and a Master’s degree that you paid little to nothing to obtain.
Those are just a few of the many options that the state may be able to afford you after college. And if you work as an unemployment specialist (like moi) you’ll have never-ending stories. I could share, but that would take up another two pages worth, so for Dr. Connor’s sake I’ll defer this time. But, if you ever run into me in my hometown (St. Louis) feel free to ask!