Tag Archives: Federal Government

Career Spotlight: Government Contract Specialist

A Contact Specialist for the government develops and awards a full range of contacts for goods and services used by the government.  Duties of a contract specialist may include:

  • Plan solicitations for supplies and services and analyze contract proposals.
  • Negotiate and evaluate contact terms.
  • Award contracts and perform detailed administrative functions.
  • Ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions during term of contract.
  • Terminate contracts when necessary and perform contract closeouts.
  • Formulate contracting strategies and advise on contracting actions.
  • Meet with employees at all levels on all types of procurement issues and concerns.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of clients’ procurement requirements and serve as subject matter expert on the clients’ professional fields.

Career Spotlight: Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research, evaluate, and shape policy.  Policy analysts can be involved in developing new policy or in analyzing existing policy, and their role will usually be determined by the type of organization for which they work.  Policy analysts can work in a variety of settings including government offices, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, and corporations. 

Key skills that a policy analyst should possess include an analytical mind, an ability to think creatively, attention to detail, excellent oral and written communication skills, and an ability to understand and analyze statistical information.

Most policy analysts have a graduate degree such as a masters degree, J.D. or Ph.D.  Policy analysts will usually start out by specializing in a particular field to develop an expertise in that area.  Because most employers seek policy analysts with particular specializations, it is very important to gain experience in this field prior to graduation.  Experience can be gained while in school through internships, working with professors, and joining public policy clinics. 

Check out these resources for additional information on a career as a policy analyst:

 

Law Clerk Internship on Capital Hill

Interested in being involved in federal politics?  Log onto your Symplicity account to get more information about a Law Clerk internship with a U.S. Senate Committee.  The position offers law students the opportunity to gain substantive experience while participating in the legislative process. 

The Law Clerk will assist the Committee staff in conducting document review, policy and legal research, drafting memoranda, contributing to reports and preparing for hearings. 

This position is open to current law students and recent graduates.  The position is located in Washington, D.C., and applicants should be available full-time.

Interested in Working for the Federal Government?

Alberto Ruisanchez with the US Department of Justice will be talking to students at Florida Coastal about employment with the federal government, on Thursday, February 23 from 12 -1 in Roonm 510.  Mr. Ruisanchez’ discussion will focus on:

  • Debunking myths associated with federal government employment (including myths associated with the location of federal government jobs and the undergraduate majors needed for federal government service)
  • Identifying resources available to assist people interested in working for the federal government
  • Identifying Department of Justice internships available for those interested in civil rights work
  • His work as a civil rights lawyer at the Department of Justice

Pizza and drinks will be served.  If you plan to attend, you must RSVP using Symplicity.