Government & Public Administration
About
Careers in Government and Public Administration relate to planning and performing government functions at the local, state and federal levels, including governance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, and regulations.
A primary goal of virtually all careers in public service is to help improve the quality of life and livelihood for the citizens represented, while supporting the betterment of the overall community.
What is the role of government and public administration?
The federal government deliberates and passes laws and administers many programs. Federal jobs support a variety of agencies responsible for:
Careers in Government and Public Administration relate to planning and performing government functions at the local, state and federal levels, including governance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, and regulations.
A primary goal of virtually all careers in public service is to help improve the quality of life and livelihood for the citizens represented, while supporting the betterment of the overall community.
What is the role of government and public administration?
The federal government deliberates and passes laws and administers many programs. Federal jobs support a variety of agencies responsible for:
- strengthening the economy
- representing U.S. interests abroad
- national security
- determining how natural resources are used
- taxation
- establishing and enforcing regulations for many industries and products.
- passing laws and ordinances
- public education
- police and fire departments
- parks
- collecting taxes
- managing budgets
- enforcing laws and ordinances
- protecting the environment
- Quick facts -
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Civilian careers About 1.6 million people work in civilian occupations in this cluster. |
Armed forces careers There are currently approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel in the U.S. Armed Forces, who work in more than 800 different occupations. |
High demand Increasing population in many areas, along with growing demand for public services, is fueling higher than average employment growth in this cluster over the next 10 years. |
Industry trends Regulatory and compliance careers are growing within this cluster, and impact large-scale public issues such as lending practices, or anti-corruption work in government. |
Is a career in Government & Public Administration a good fit for me?
People who work in public service, from workers in government offices to military service members and legislators, often feel drawn to the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives and to create a better society.
Here are some points to keep in mind:
People who work in public service, from workers in government offices to military service members and legislators, often feel drawn to the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives and to create a better society.
Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Careers in this cluster may offer the opportunity to influence public policy and programs that affect many people’s lives.
- In general, people who work in government and public administration experience high job satisfaction.
- Typically, 9-to-5 work schedules (without overtime), flexible schedules, and part-time opportunities are more common than in private sector jobs.
- Elected positions require campaigning, public speaking, handling conflict, and maintaining voter support.
- High-demand fields include government program eligibility interviewers, construction and building inspectors, license clerks, and revenue agents.
What are some careers in Government & Public Administration?
In addition to many more familiar occupations, this cluster includes some unique career categories: military and elected officials. Military occupations vary tremendously; enlisted service members may operate equipment, conduct combat operations, or build airfields, bridges, and water purification systems. Officers typically enter the military with a bachelor’s degree, and perform duties such as organizing operations, managing enlisted personnel and providing medical, legal, and technical services.
Elected officials are also included in this cluster; they create laws and oversee government operations at different levels. Typically, they have at least a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, though most offices have no formal education requirements.
Explore the list below to learn about government and public administration careers at different levels of education. Click any link to find out more about a career, including typical tasks, average wages, employment projections, training requirements and more.
High school diploma Short-term training
In addition to many more familiar occupations, this cluster includes some unique career categories: military and elected officials. Military occupations vary tremendously; enlisted service members may operate equipment, conduct combat operations, or build airfields, bridges, and water purification systems. Officers typically enter the military with a bachelor’s degree, and perform duties such as organizing operations, managing enlisted personnel and providing medical, legal, and technical services.
Elected officials are also included in this cluster; they create laws and oversee government operations at different levels. Typically, they have at least a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, though most offices have no formal education requirements.
Explore the list below to learn about government and public administration careers at different levels of education. Click any link to find out more about a career, including typical tasks, average wages, employment projections, training requirements and more.
High school diploma Short-term training
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Coroners
- Eligibility Interviewers for Government Programs
- Various Compliance Officer Positions
- Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
- Financial Examiners
- Parks Directors
- Policy and Budget Analysts
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
- Statistical Assistants
- Urban Planners
