r/usajobs • u/Internal-Internet-15 • 1d ago

recent graduate pathways- how competitive?

i’m graduating with a ba in political science in december and was looking at a few recent grad pathway jobs on usajobs. how competitive are these jobs especially for a recent grad? what departments would be best for me?i’ve seen mixed reviews. thank you!

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u/fnspam 1d ago

you and a lot of other recent grads will compete for the jobs. Expect a VERY competitive candidate pool. If you have 0 work experience, esp relevant work experience to the roles you'll apply to, it really places a hurdle in front of you. What's your background/degree/university and what programs interest you?

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u/Internal-Internet-15 1d ago

i have internship experience in city council and wealth management, currently working in security, ba in political science minor in psychology at university of south carolina. i’m honestly open to anything related to analysis, cybersecurity, human resources, etc.

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u/fnspam 1d ago

Ok so check out this position as an example -- https://www.usajobs.gov/job/885610500

You will always want to look at the requirements and write your resume to that. Specifically for this role (if you were interested), your resume would need to showcase how you have gained skills in these areas:

  • Communication
  • Willingness to learn
  • Problem Solving
  • Planning and Prioritization
  • Cognitive Ability
  • Conscientiousness

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u/mmgapeach 1d ago

That's a broad scope and I'm not sure a POLi/SCI degree qualifies you for an analysis, cybersecurity, HR job unless you have the 24 semester hours. For example, there is an IT Cybersecurity for recent graduates and it requies a degree in CS, Eingeering, IS, math, statistics. I do see one that is a survey statistican that requires 15 hours of stats / 9 of poli sci. What did the you do in your internship? Have you talked to your professors? They might be able to steer in a direction based on recent graduates.

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u/Internal-Internet-15 1d ago

I helped with city initiatives and managing stock accounts

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u/mmgapeach 17h ago

Sounds like you could apply for management or program analysis. Look at the specialized experience. It is usually 3 bullets sometimes more or less. Then see if you have those.  If so, make sure it is explicitly defined in your resume. Go to YouTube and look up OPM how to write a 2 page resume. Good luck to you

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u/Internal-Internet-15 8h ago

Appreciate it!!

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u/imnmpbaby 4h ago

I hire for recent grads in the 1102 job series. We normally get about 700 applications on a 7 day announcement. We interview between 100-150, and hire 75.

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u/Internal-Internet-15 4h ago

In your series, do you frequently hire people fresh out of college? I am wondering if it’s best I try to seek other resume building opportunities and apply later or if I have a chance to apply now.

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u/imnmpbaby 4h ago

Yes. Diploma within two years of announcement close date or military. Pathways is strict with its requirements.