A career in public service can be rewarding and challenging. It requires a person with a strong sense of mission and the ability to work well in a diverse, complex environment. It also requires a certain level of sensitivity to the public’s needs and interests. Whether working in local government or the federal bureaucracy, you will be involved in a crucial process to ensure that society works as best it can.
The technical definition of a public service is any service available to people in a jurisdiction that is either run directly by the government or paid for in part by taxpayer dollars (e.g., fire and police, trash collection). But the broader idea of public service is a societal commitment to promote the common good, develop policies, and support communities at local, national, and international levels.
A person can work in a public service position at any level of government – local, state, and federal – or for nonprofit organizations. Those interested in a career in this area can choose to focus their studies on topics such as environmental issues, public policy, human rights, or social assistance. Many undergraduate programs offer courses in these areas, while graduate degree programs such as a Master’s or Ph.D. will place a greater emphasis on the development of key analytical and managerial skills.
The challenge for a person interested in a public service career is that the traditional rule-oriented model of the civil servant is changing quickly. New pressures are being placed on governments to recruit more aggressively at middle- and upper-level positions, and to open their doors to competition from outside the department. In addition, it is now possible for a public service worker to find himself or herself in a situation where professional conclusions do not align with the wishes and needs of citizens (e.g., granting an alcoholic access to alcohol even though it may be harmful).
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