Government

If you've ever wanted to serve your country and transition away from the private sector, the government offers numerous opportunities for PhD holders. Beyond the option of military service, it's crucial to acknowledge the wide range of civilian roles available within various governmental departments and agencies.

Entry Points

The many governmental departments and agencies include:

  • National Institute of Health

  • National Science Foundation

  • Department of Agriculture

  • Department of Commerce

  • Department of Defense

  • Department of Education

  • Department of Energy

  • Department of Health and Human Services

  • Department of Homeland Security

  • Department of Housing and Urban Development

  • Department of Justice

  • Department of Labor

  • Department of State

  • Department of the Interior

  • Department of the Treasury

  • Department of Transportation

  • Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Executive office of the President

  • General Services Administration

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities

That's not even exhaustive rundown! Unless you've recently studied US government or are pursuing a PhD in this field, I doubt you could rattle off all those departments and agencies on the spot. The truth is, your PhD will definitely have its uses somewhere in the public sector.

For those leaning towards the military, most PhD holders enter as officers, typically achieving the rank of captain in the Army, Air Force, and Marines, or lieutenant in the Navy and Coast Guard (all sitting at the 0-3 pay grade). If you have aspirations for the FBI, CIA, or NSA, you’ll likely start as an analyst. However, if you’re action-oriented and under 37 years old (they do have an age limit), you might qualify for a special agent role if that suits your desire for adventure.

When considering other positions in governmental departments and agencies, your specific expertise will significantly influence your role. Expect to be in high demand for positions that hinge on research skills. While it may seem straightforward to connect your skills with certain departments, it's beneficial to explore beyond the obvious. Unexpected opportunities abound; for instance, the Army has historian roles, and the Department of the Interior seeks biologists.

Application Process

The application procedure for government roles is quite clear-cut. Job openings will be posted on the relevant website, along with the position's requirements (ensure that your resume and application include the right keywords; failing to do so may result in your application not passing the automated screening). Depending on the specific position and the level of security clearance needed, you may undergo thorough background investigations, and in some cases, a polygraph test to confirm your honesty during the application process. For roles that involve physical activity, there's typically a fitness requirement, so if you aspire to be a special agent with the FBI, it's time to swap those potato chips for a running routine.

The websites you will need to visit include:

For civilian jobs, there’s basically a one-stop shop for openings at all departments and agencies at http://www.usajobs.gov. 

For the army there’s http://www.goarmy.com and http://www.army.mil

For the navy there’s http://www.navy.com and http://www.navy.mil

For the air force there’s http://www.airforce.com and http://www.af.mil

For the marines there’s http://www.marines.com and http://www.marines.mil

For the coast guard there’s http://www.gocoastguard.com and http://www.uscg.mil

Career Progression

Career advancement in government roles is typically straightforward. Clear promotion pathways exist, accompanied by escalating salaries and management duties. While certain qualifications may be necessary for advancement, individuals holding a PhD generally face no significant hurdles regarding educational criteria, although some specialized courses for certifications may be required. A frequent complaint among government employees is that as one ascends to higher positions, the pace of promotion tends to decelerate, relying heavily on the departures or retirements of superiors to create new opportunities.

Work Hours

If you hold a civilian role in the government, your work hours are typically a dependable 9 to 5. However, for more hands-on roles demanding fieldwork, your schedule may be unpredictable, resembling that of a surgeon on call who must be ready to respond 24/7.

Compensation

Individuals who enlist in the military have a straightforward and definitive understanding of their expected salary, as they are typically classified at the 0-3 pay grade, amounting to $3,835 monthly ($46,020 annually). While this figure may appear modest, it is important to note that the military also offers additional benefits, including a clothing allowance, housing allowance, and a cost-of-living adjustment.

Similarly, government roles in the civilian sector provide a high level of transparency, with job postings clearly indicating the salary range alongside detailed descriptions. For civilian positions, the pay range is established based on the series and grade of the job, also noted in each listing. Positions seeking PhDs in the civilian job market usually offer salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to well over $100,000.

Exit Options

Government roles offer significant stability, with the rare exception of base closures, and provide excellent retirement benefits. After investing a few years, you might find it hard to leave. However, if you choose to move on, many employers value the organizational and leadership skills gained from government experience. Most government positions align closely with their private sector counterparts, facilitating a smooth transition.