The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore Generation Y students’ perceptions toward federal work and perceived reasons why members of Generation Y might not apply for U.S. federal jobs. Interviews were conducted with 20 Generation Y students aged 18–30 from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, to offer insight into how the U.S. federal government might attract the next generation of qualified workers. The findings generated 23 themes that revealed influences on Generation Y career choices and offered insight into how U.S. federal government leaders might attract the Generation Y population to federal work to sustain critical government services. Results of the study include recommendations for U.S. federal government leaders including a modified hiring initiative to target potential candidates from the Generation Y population who might help counteract a negative federal government reputation, a lack of information about federal government jobs, and a lack of familiarity with federal government recruiting events and initiatives. A modified hiring initiative such as this is significant to leaders of all federal government agencies to understand how to recruit and retain Generation Y workers to fill the void that will grow as the baby boomers retire. The recommendation to implement a modified hiring initiative to target potential candidates from the Generation Y population might lead to recruiting qualified workers successfully to sustain critical services and provide quality programs in federal government agencies.