<p>I'm due to graduate and currently have 2 job offers: An electrical engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers or and electrical engineer with the main electric utility company in my state. Both positions are developmental positions, meaning that I need to work a few years to reach a targeted pay grade and position. The starting pay at the electric utility is a lot higher that that of COE. However, when comparing the long run, both seem to offer the near same amount of salary compensation. Both jobs offer quick salary increases (6 months to 1 year per increase). My major concern here is with the unexpected furloughs and shutdowns, should I still go ahead to pursue a career in the government? Anyone here ever worked for COE or a gov agency able to give me some advice in the best direction to head in starting out my career?</p>