NEW YORK (MONEY Magazine) - Gilbert Wilson graduated from Allegheny College in 2003 with a double major in political science and religious studies, and a single dream: a paying job in international policy work.
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Eric Fulmer - He credits his new job to his energy and enthusiasm -- and his networking.
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Brenda Carter - Though unemployed, she stayed current in her field and learned new skills.
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Connie Guglielmo - A job-hunting and support Web site helped her impress the man who hired her.
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Eric Green - He cinched the new job by moving 700 miles in three weeks.
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Rebecca O'Mara - Volunteering for a Hispanic group led to her meeting executives.
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Gilbert Wilson - He used his technical skills to get his foot in the door.
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But with minimal savings and looming student-loan payments, he needed income fast. Since policy jobs were few and far between in his native Pennsylvania, he took a gamble and moved to Washington, D.C., where he might have a real shot at getting the job of his dreams.
"I knew the job market wasn't in my favor," says Wilson, 24, "but I was determined to try."
He had only about three months' worth of cash and credit, so he hit the ground running. He contacted more than 50 organizations that specialize in national security, international relations or conflict resolution, faxing and e-mailing his résumé and following up with phone calls.
His worst fears were confirmed. "I was told over and over that they loved my résumé but didn't have the money to hire me." He even beseeched his congressman for a recommendation and advice.
"I was just about out of options," Wilson says.
After almost three months of searching for the right position, Wilson spotted an advertisement for the wrong one -- Web editor at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. The institution was just the kind of place he wanted to work, and although the job wasn't what he was looking for, he did have the right skills for it.
| THE JOB OUTLOOK
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He'd spent his high school and college years, he explains, as a committed techie and computer hobbyist. "I participated in work/study programs in school, then worked part time in a local mom-and-pop computer business."
Sensing that the Web post might be a way into the international policy world, Wilson reconfigured his résumé to reflect his technical skills, then sent an e-mail and followed up with a phone call.
"I told them I ultimately wanted policy work," he recalls, "but I was willing to get in any way I could." Then he created and posted a Web site that offered customized Web-design ideas for the center.
"During my first meeting I asked the interviewer to pull up the URL," explains Wilson. "I wanted them to know that I wasn't just blowing smoke." He got the job. His interest in policy issues has turned out to be a real advantage. "Because I understand the nature of our mission," he says, "I can make better technical recommendations."
Wilson performs a variety of different technology tasks at the center, including Web site maintenance, database management and general office work. He also serves as the intern coordinator, sifting through students' résumés daily. Since he fixes all the computers and installs software, he works with senior staff on a regular basis.
"Everyone is always happy to see me." And, after seven months on the job, he's found some opportunities to do some research and policy work as well.
"I got in through the back door," he says, "and actually got what I wanted."
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