Jared Kushner is spotlighting the advantages of pursuing a government job, claiming they can really boost a young professional’s career.
During a recent episode of the “No Priors” podcast, he argued that working in Washington, D.C. might provide more value than just heading to the next big thing at a tech firm, especially in the AI sector.
“Taking part in government work guarantees you’ll make a real difference,” he shared. “It’s a chance to learn a ton and meet amazing people from all walks of life, resetting your perspective in the process.”
Although the financial rewards might not match what companies like OpenAI offer, Kushner — who is married to Donald Trump’s daughter — insists the true benefit lies in the knowledge gained: “Once you broaden your horizons, they never shrink back to their original limits.”
He cheekily termed this opportunity as “a two-year business school stint.”
This push for government roles isn’t just a do-gooder mentality; it comes with practical gains like networking, grasping the inner workings of government, and honing sector-savvy instincts that come in handy once you transition back into the private sphere.
Kushner emphasized, “You’ll forsake a high-paying career, but you’ll hopefully depart stronger and wiser.”
He also noted how Trump’s administration is increasingly drawing talent from various private industries.
“There’s a solid roster of individuals from the private sector who consistently assist in renegotiating contracts,” he said, mentioning how these efforts are saving the government significant amounts of money.
Kushner did not engage with Business Insider’s request for further comment.
Declining Interest in Federal Jobs Among Recent Graduates
Interestingly, Kushner’s statement comes at a time when enthusiasm for federal careers seems to be dwindling among younger job seekers.
According to some data shared with Business Insider in April, federal job applications for the latter half of the school year dropped 40% compared to the prior year, making them the only sector facing a year-over-year decline.
This trend can partly be attributed to a slew of executive orders during the Trump tenure. The initiation of the Department of Government Efficiency introduced hiring freezes and sweeping cuts, contributing to a lingering sense of uncertainty that has tarnished the federal job landscape.
In an eye-opening July report, federal employees expressed emotional distress following these changes. Jill Hornick, who has worked in Social Security for 34 years, shared how the impact of the cuts left her feeling devastated. Her emotions, she said, shifted between denial and deep sorrow, akin to mourning a loss.
Others still in the workforce conveyed a feeling of burnout, with growing responsibilities and no time to take breaks or even enjoy lunch in between their jam-packed schedules.
