Dinosaur7

Since I originated this thread totally stressed out , I just wanted to check back in and let people know that I did hear from GPPI today and was accepted! Big sigh of relief. No request for scholarship essay yet, but based on what you all said it seems like that could come separately in the next day or so. 

I've worked in private sector policy (consulting) in DC for four years and currently for a prestigious firm. I will say this...I really don't think it is as bad or as difficult to find a permanent position as that article makes it out to be. And granted, I know that the plural of anecdote is not data, so take this with a grain of salt as it is just based on my and my friends' experiences.
 
Sure, there are a few people that get internship after internship. But most people I know that are currently in internships/recently left had full time offers that they turned down because they weren't "the right fit" or enough money. Maybe that was the best decision for them, but I think they were being overly picky. It's more important to get your foot in the door somewhere.
 
I will say this: jobs are increasingly looking for "jack of all trades" types, especially for us 20-somethings. They want you to write, do stats, lead calls, interview candidates...etc. You won't be considered an "expert" in anything for many years, no matter how rigorous your coursework or how specific your thesis. I think that's another issue with internships--more frequently you can get an internship focused on the subject you are really interested in, but full time positions will be broader and less specific. 
 
Also, I don't think it is based as much on connections/networking as people think, especially in the private sector. I got contacted for interviews after submitting my resume/cover letter for several positions, despite having no connections. I do think that connections/networking help big time for Hill/agency jobs and ultimately are more important there. 
 
So basically, if you are willing to take something that is slightly-less than your dream job, I don't think the DC job market is anything to fear. Obviously, if you want to go public sector straight out, network your butt off and focus on what sort of $$ you can get from schools because those positions are low(er)-paying. But I sincerely doubt that any of us talented candidates on the boards would be stuck in an internship-level position for many months/years on end if we don't want to.
 
I'm happy to answer any questions about DC that people have!

I swear, if I get one more email from "Wagner Admissions" that is about an upcoming webinar, not about actual admissions, I'm going to scream!

Since I originated this thread totally stressed out , I just wanted to check back in and let people know that I did hear from GPPI today and was accepted! Big sigh of relief. No request for scholarship essay yet, but based on what you all said it seems like that could come separately in the next day or so.