Your major offers you a wide and interesting array of job possibilities in both the public and private sectors. When analyzing the job market, don’t forget to consider the public sector. There are roughly 2 million civilian jobs, at more than 120 federal departments and agencies, and even more positions available if including the U. S. Postal Service.
Benefits to working in the public sector:
- The opportunity to play a vital role in ending social problems and creating solutions.
- Top candidates with work experience and strong academic backgrounds can quickly increase their pay, move up within their department, and enjoy competitive benefits.
- Opportunities to relocate easily as positions are located all over the country and in every function and role.
- Greater possibility of work-life balance compared to roles in the private sector.
While there are many benefits, there are some considerations you’ll want to make note of prior to applying to a the public sector role:
- Government agencies are typically bound by a complex system of rules and procedures.
- The hiring process may be long, as there are many regulations that must be followed.
- Many government salaries are competitive, however there is a pay ceiling for a range of positions that cannot typically be increased, no matter the qualifications.
If you are intrigued by the public sector, start by conducting research into the different levels and agencies within government. Explore federal, state, county and city internship and job programs to discover opportunities and evaluate how they might match your career goals. You will find agencies and organizations that have a large scope of opportunities in almost every area of interest. Remember, making a difference is a marathon, not a sprint, and you may not see the immediate results of your work right away. Want to talk more about this topic? Schedule an appointment with your Career Coach to evaluate all the possibilities and take a look at the following resources.
Ten Reasons to Work for the Federal Government
