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News Release
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
Tel: 202-606-2402
OPM Director Kay Coles James Challenges Wellesley Students to Look to Future in Public Service
Working for America a "Noble Calling"
Boston, MA - Speaking today at the Wellesley College Lecture Series, U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James invited Wellesley students to continue the noble tradition of service and love of country by becoming civil servants.
"For those of you considering opportunities in the Federal government, I encourage you to take that step. It is a high and noble calling," stated James. "Public servants have been given a special trust by the people of our country, given the unique ability to serve them and to contribute to the betterment of this nation and the freedoms we cherish."
"President Bush is dedicated to selecting men and women not only of great ability, but also of the highest ethical and professional integrity to serve his Administration," remarked James. "These same standards apply to the thousands who serve as career public servants. My duty as the director of OPM is to encourage the next generation of America's leaders to consider serving their nation through Federal service. Speaking today at Wellesley College, I know I am communicating to many who will honor their responsibilities as citizens by serving and advancing the principles of American democracy."
Sparking their attention by stating there are over 17,000 jobs available right now in the Federal government, James told the students about the OPM USAJOBS website, www.usajobs.gov, the one-stop location where careers in the Federal government are posted.
"The variety of careers available will let you see the necessary skills needed for each job," James remarked. "It will give you insight into many professions you might not have considered."
James also spoke of e-Scholar, www.studentjobs.gov/e-scholar.asp, where students can find hundreds of Federally-funded educational scholarships, internships, grants, and cooperative programs.
James reminded students who choose public service that they will work harder than they ever have before, but with greater purpose. "The sacrifices may be great, but the rewards of such service, for you and those you serve, are priceless. Recruiting good people into government is a whole lot easier when people realize that public service is a truly noble calling."
The lecture was co-sponsored by the Wellesley College Multicultural Council, the sociology and political science departments, and the Committee for Political & Legislative Action - a non-partisan college group designed to encourage student political involvement. Today's lecture focused on the American tradition of public service.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the leader in workforce management for the federal government. Our agency builds, strengthens, and serves a federal workforce of 2.2 million employees with programs like hiring assistance, healthcare and insurance, retirement benefits, and much more. We provide agencies with policies, guidance, and best practices for supporting federal workers, so they can best serve the American people.