When do I go to Plan B?

[APhi Sailorgirl]

Here's the deal:

I am about to finish graduate school on August 12. I am in the process of looking for my first job (i went straight from undergrad to grad).

I pretty much have my heart set on working for the federal govt in DC. It's a family tradition of sorts, I've had internships there and I know it's what I want to do.

Here's the thing. I have been applying non-stop for jobs since mid may in various fields i would go into, but heavily public affairs/writing/marketing positions. The parents are also making calls, forwarding resumes etc on my behalf. It's just I have only heard from 3 places out of well over a dozen. Not even a nice form letter saying thank for your application that most agencies send out. While I know it's still early and the process can take a while sometimes, I'm feeling ansy.

So here's the deal, when do I go outside the government into agencies and other companies in DC/NOVA? I don't want to work for an agency, I'm interning at one now and it sux. I really want to work for the govt so I dont want to take a job and then leave when one of the govt ones comes through. I mean I would feel bad taking a job for a short period of time (well hopefully a short period).