Tara
Mathematical Statistician 

I really enjoy the statistical support aspect. I love being a consultant. My projects
are different monthly. I feel it’s really nice to be able to see a sample of the serving
methodology aspect from start to finish. We design the sample, we help the people
select the sample, we do the analysis on the data and then we produce the report.
I don’t think many places you get to see a project from start to finish.

One of the best benefits is the competitive salaries and the cost of living allowance
every year that you receive. I think that’s something that’s really unheard of in the
private sector – that every year your salary is going to increase if you don’t get a
promotion it’s at least going to increase for cost of living.

Another benefit is the tuition assistance program that I’m a part of. I’m getting my
master’s in Survey Methodology. The IRS is paying for me to take two classes per
semester. They pay for books, and in the private sector I know that a lot of places
don’t pay for the class up front, they make the employee pay for the class and then
once the grade is received you have to get reimbursed. Well that’s not the case with
the IRS – they pay for the class for you upfront, with the stipulation that you
 get a “B” or higher. 

Take advantage of that time when you’re just learning things. Absorb everything your
co-workers are saying. Listen to everything that’s going on around you. Take that
time to do the research on what your section actually does, because sticking with
the job I think is most important definitely during the first year. Take advantage of
any training that’s offered to you – there’s tons of training that’s available - also just
the time to sit back and just absorb everything that’s going on.