The term public service refers to services organized by a government or an official body in a particular society or community, such as health care or waste removal. It can also describe work that is primarily for the benefit of people and not for profit, such as a non-profit organization or a church. Private businesses can perform public services but may be subject to regulations that go beyond those that apply to most economic sectors for social and political reasons.
The work of government leaders and their staffs are often viewed as public service in the sense that they provide important services to the public. The most effective government leaders understand the need to set and meet a consistent standard of leadership in their agencies, focusing on core values and critical competencies that can make the difference between an agency’s success and failure.
There are many benefits to choosing a career in public service. In addition to the opportunity to improve lives, careers in fields like criminal justice, emergency management and fire science can be rewarding personally as well. Many employers offer competitive salaries and benefits packages. For example, employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation receive excellent compensation and generous vacation time, in exchange for a challenging job that can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
Many graduate programs are open to students from a variety of majors and career paths, including recent college graduates, mid-career professionals and those returning to work after having children. However, most degree programs look for candidates who show that they have a commitment to the causes or issues that are a focus of the program—whether it’s equity, sustainability, justice, reliable research or something else. This commitment can be demonstrated in many ways, including through classes, co-curricular clubs, volunteerism or through the successful completion of academic service learning experiences.
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