GAO App complete! Just under the wire, ‘cuz, well, I’m still me, and old habits die hard. And the fax number was busy, making it difficult to get the transcripts through, but even they made it before 5. Unfortunately, my “why I am perfect for this department” essays were painfully brief, which may work against me, but I’m sure there are other opportunities out there I can apply to which I would like just as much, so I won’t stress over it, and I will apply elsewhere.
Sometimes simply applying is that psychological “first step.” Even if you don’t get it, I’m sure the experience was good for you. But I hope you get it.
I hate to be a nag, but I am.
Not that this was the holy golden opportunity of all time, but: In school, getting in JUST under the wire is de riguer. In job applications, getting it in JUST under the wire is often useless.
Those who are hiring have little interest in digging their way through the entire pile of applications, and usually stop after they find a handful of promising ones. You might try to consider the opening of the application window your deadline for govt. type jobs.
Let me start by saying that you are completely right.
I did put myself on the “mail me when there are updates” list. I never received the email about the internship application. I may have a chance because I’m a rarity among policy students: a techno-math-wiz (by their standards) with a genuine interest in many different policy bits, and some writing ability. Plus I made a favorable interviewing impression, they place special emphasis on “be sure you apply”. Hopefully that will work in my favor.
But I absolutely should be doing my internship hunt more proactively and early-in-the-cycle.