If you go into government / research (like I did at the start of my career), they only judge you based on your interview and education (NO whiteboard questions,

If you go into government / research (like I did at the start of my career), they only judge you based on your interview and education (NO whiteboard questions, easiest interview you've ever had), though the salary will be 30% less than industry. The U.S. National Labs are a superb work environment. If you manage to get an entry-level job somewhere like that, they will often pay for you to then get a PhD/MS/etc.