Public service is a career option that can open doors to a wide range of careers in the fields of government, education and non-government organizations (NGOs). A desire to help others is a good place to start, but it’s important to understand that a job in public service will likely require specific qualifications.
To qualify, you should focus on a career field that aligns with your unique strengths, interests and skills. You should also be familiar with the language of the sector you’re interested in working in and consider if you need a formal education or certification to enter that field.
Many people choose a career in public service because of the rewards it offers, including generous benefits, such as separate vacation and sick days, paid federal holidays, and good health insurance coverage; and the opportunity to participate in government pension and retirement plans and loan repayment programs for certain positions. In addition, many public service jobs allow employees to have a significant impact on their community and society.
Despite the challenges, the need for high-quality public servants is more than ever. The Volcker Alliance has worked with partners to identify solutions for strengthening the federal civil service, especially at the leadership level. We’ve identified three primary areas of action: setting executives up for success, improving senior-level talent management and strengthening the link between political and career leadership. These are crucial to maintaining a strong, vibrant and well-prepared civil service in the future.
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