I think I want to work for the Government

[Ice]

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I've decided I want to work for either the SEC or IRS. I'm an accounting major and I'm currently working on my masters/undergrad degree so I can have the 150 hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam in most states. I'm also considering a law degree after undergrad, but that's not a finalized decision yet. I really want to contribute something back to society when I first start working, and not get a typical job on wall street. I'm actually starting to hate many of the people I see there.

So my main question is: What can I expect? Does anyone here on the org work in either the Internal Revenue Service or Securities & Exchange Commission?

[KukriKhan]

I don't work for either the SEC or IRS, but I've been a Fed employee of some kind since age 17.

With both accounting and law degrees,

I'm actually starting to hate many of the people I see there.

You can do something about that in the FBI. Many of their agents are not armed. But how do you feel about 'packing'?

-edit-
As to what you can expect: (-) you won't get rich (as in millions), but (+)you and yours can live a fairly comfortable middle-class life. (-) Long hours at first, when you're working in 'the trenches'. (+) Retirement available after 20 years (on 50% of whatever your 'top 3' years' wage was). (+)Job satisfaction. (-) Work directed by others, usually not initiated by you.

[seireikhaan]

A government job, eh? Welcome to the Proletariat, Comarade!

edit: How's PSU do in regards to the helping people be ready for the CPA?

[Ice]

A government job, eh? Welcome to the Proletariat, Comarade!

edit: How's PSU do in regards to the helping people be ready for the CPA?

They are doing better now. Since Pennsylvania just adopted the 150 hour rule, they developed a masters program to help out with it. I'll be the first class.

[Ice]

I don't work for either the SEC or IRS, but I've been a Fed employee of some kind since age 17.

With both accounting and law degrees,

If you don't mind saying, what do you do?

You can do something about that in the FBI. Many of their agents are not armed. But how do you feel about 'packing'?

I wouldn't have problems carrying a gun.

-edit-
As to what you can expect: (-) you won't get rich (as in millions), but (+)you and yours can live a fairly comfortable middle-class life. (-) Long hours at first, when you're working in 'the trenches'. (+) Retirement available after 20 years (on 50% of whatever your 'top 3' years' wage was). (+)Job satisfaction. (-) Work directed by others, usually not initiated by you.

The SEC semi entry level accounting job was paying 83,000 with full benefits. I mean, it looked pretty good to me.

[Hosakawa Tito]

One of my sisters has been a CPA for 20+ years in the private sector. Right now she's working for HSBC Bank, but her job is being moved to Tampa, FLA in 2010. She doesn't want to move there so she is also looking to apply to the IRS, NYS, and the SEC. I think it's a good move for you also. The private sector is not very stable, and the chance for advancement with the Feds or State relies less on office politics. Entry level salary at $83,000 plus health & pension benefits sounds like a great job for one just graduating college. Good luck!

[seireikhaan]

They are doing better now. Since Pennsylvania just adopted the 150 hour rule, they developed a masters program to help out with it. I'll be the first class.

Good for you. My UNI has been that program style for a while now. Not trying to brag, but we did have a 54% first time pass rate at the CPA last I checked.(average is apparently 15-20% nationally )

The SEC semi entry level accounting job was paying 83,000 with full benefits. I mean, it looked pretty good to me.

That's an awesome starting salary out of college, man. Good luck.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I also want to do the same. I will attempt to join the Foreign Service when I finish my undergraduate degree.

[Ice]

That's an awesome starting salary out of college, man. Good luck.

Yeah well, it sounded too good to be true. I went back and checked and apparently they hire for that pay grade based off of 3-8 years of work experience. Opps.

Overall though, I like the idea.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Yeah Foreign Service is $48,000 after undergrad. Not the best, but out of college, it is not bad at all. If I get my masters I would start at ~$53,000 I think. The best part is that working for the government usually allows you some pretty decent benefits (at least our government). Good luck, bud.

[Strike For The South]

Government jobs? Why would you work for the machine?

Seriously though. That sounds like a good career choice. You can help me hide my money once I hit oil out here

[Megas Methuselah]

Hey, great choice, Kush!

I have an aunt who works for the provincial government; good money. I'm thinking of majouring in accounting, too, but I want to give a few other classes a go before I walk down that road.

Come what may, my primary goal is to get a job in the government. You can't ask for a higher honour.

[Old Geezer]

In the old days the IRS used to "chain you to a desk" if you worked in D.C. The "new" FERS retirement system is not very good. The journeyman level for a lawyer with the Feds is GS-13 and on that salary one may be able to just get by in the DC area if you are frugal and not married. Most of the IRS lawyers in the old days just stayed 2 years and left for private practice where they could make some money. I retired after 36 years as a lawyer/judge and have good retirement benefits but it is under the old CSR system. Living in the DC area for 10 years was fun; kinda like living in Disney World - especially under Carter. I'd recommed the CPA career - any idiot can be a lawyer.

[Ice]

. I'd recommed the CPA career - any idiot can be a lawyer.

I'm actually planning on both for that reason.

I also agree D.C. is a great area. I grew up in Northern, VA (Fairfax County) a stone's throw away. I hope to live there again someday.

[drone]

I'm actually planning on both for that reason.

I also agree D.C. is a great area. I grew up in Northern, VA (Fairfax County) a stone's throw away. I hope to live there again someday.

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