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While an undergraduate with an eye towards law school, Jamel was also working for a small nonprofit and, while designing their website, developed a strong interest in technology. Still considering law school, but wanting to delay the application process, Jamel applied for a post-BA judicial fellowship through the Center for California Studies.

During her 11 months as a fellow with the Administrative Office of the Court, her self-taught technical skills were put to good use. Six months ago, at the end of the fellowship, she was offered a full-time position in the Information Systems Division of the Judicial Council of California.

Jamel is essentially a project manager with the Judicial Council's web unit, working with 3 analysts to implement new web development projects, design prototypes, demo to judges, and do some maintenance and usability testing. Currently her unit is working on a project to redesign the internal site statewide.

When asked what she likes about working in the public sector, Jamel had this to say:

"There is a lot of talent here. I work with really bright colleagues, and there is an immense amount I learn on a daily basis. The agency I work for doesn't have the money to hire outside consultants so they allow you to test the waters, move into new territory, and expose yourself to new skill sets… At the same time it's more relaxed. I can work 9-5 and go home at night"

Contrary to popular opinion, the pay is very competitive for technical workers, and job security is much greater than in the private sector. One 'techie' in her division who quit to work in the private sector has recently come back to work there.

"I also really like that I can keep in tune with the legal world and the world of politics. With private sector positions it doesn't come so automatically, you need to work at it to keep abreast of it"

On the down side, Jamel admits that sometimes the "bureaucracy" can slow a project down, but often it's also an over-used excuse. The weighty role played by seniority in the public sector can also be frustrating.

Jamel has a couple of pieces of advice for students. She encourages students to consider the post-BA fellowship option. The contacts you make open many doors. Her mentor in the fellowship program played a pivotal role in helping her land her current, permanent position.

"Apply for jobs in government, try it out, even if you are ultimately headed for the private sector. It's great exposure to one part of the job market."