Government Gets High Marks From Student Job-Seekers

Red tape is one issue in an employer's reputation, but reputation problems in some agencies go well beyond bureaucratic headaches.

"Undergrads place great store in high ethical standards," according to the survey.

So with all of the bad press the CIA has received -- stories about extraordinary renditions and torture, for example -- how did the spy shop get such a high rating? Well, it didn't do well in the "high ethical standards" category, but "the prestige of working with a particular well-known agency overrides concerns about attributes otherwise deemed more important," the report explained.

The flip side of that is the Peace Corps. It's near the top of the list of employers with high ethical standards, but ranks near the bottom on pay and work-life balance.

One survey respondent said the Peace Corps "is a wonderful organization, however, I am attending college entirely on student loans that I will have to begin paying off after I graduate, so I don't think it fits into my life at this time because I will have to search for a high-paying job."

More and other panelists encouraged federal recruiters to balance low pay concerns by pushing the government's strong array of benefits, and its opportunities for advancement and training.

The government looks good to students compared with the private sector on the work-life question, because many agencies offer flexible work hours, telecommuting, day-care centers and fitness facilities.

Employment security is another factor in the government's favor. If the survey were done today, it might score even higher on job security, given the economy's accelerated decline in the past few months.

JoAnne Key, a Howard University MBA student and panelist, talked about her work-related travel, even as an intern with the Federal Aviation Administration. "A lot of people do not know the opportunities the government has," she said.

To improve federal recruiting efforts, the partnership and Universum offered recommendations, including "use high-tech, but don't diminish high-touch," meaning: The Internet is a powerful information and recruiting tool, but it can't replace human contact.

That's where current staffers can make a big difference.

"You need to make the very most of any opportunity for face time," the report advises federal employers. "Use your current employees -- especially your recent interns and new hires -- as ambassadors to attract new ones.

"Send quality to attract quality."

The survey can be found at http://www.ourpublicservice.org.

Contact Joe Davidson at federaldiary@washpost.com.