Public Affairs

Use your Public Affairs major to pursue careers in government, nonprofits, advocacy, and policy as you work to create positive change in your community.

  1. Academics
  2. Academic Advising
  3. Academic Pathways Advising
  4. What can I do with this Major
  5. Public Affairs

Local Government

  • City management
  • Financial administration
  • Budget analysis
  • General services
  • Community affairs
  • Social services
  • Urban planning

Employers

  • Counties
  • Municipalities
  • Townships
  • School districts
  • Special districts

Strategies

  • Get involved in community organizations and events and develop a network of contacts.
  • Employment opportunities in local government tend to follow population trends in terms of growth and decline in availability of positions. Be prepared to relocate to find the most opportunities.
  • Gain relevant experience through internships and/or volunteer positions.
  • Conduct applicable research that could be useful to your community.
  • Research local government job application procedures and applicable public service exams.

State Government

  • Executive Branch functions
  • Finance and administration
  • Human resource management
  • Environmental management
  • Public safety and criminal justice
  • Risk management
  • Emergency services management
  • Commerce and insurance
  • Purchasing and acquisitions
  • Budget analysis
  • Community services
  • Social services
  • Urban planning
  • Legislature
  • Judicial

Employers

  • Departments of state government (varies by state)
    • Legislative agencies:
  • Legislative Reference Services, Bill Drafting Services, Legislative Councils, and Budgeting and Auditing staffs
  • State Supreme Courts
  • Personal staff of legislators
  • Intermediate Appellate Courts
  • Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
  • Trial Courts of Limited Jurisdiction

Strategies

  • Research the organization of your state government.
  • Develop specialized skills and interests for particular populations or issues, (e.g., disability, education, homelessness, etc).
  • Develop strong research and writing skills.
  • Make political contacts through local legislators of both houses. Use referrals and informational interviews to build a network.
  • Volunteer to work on political campaigns.
  • Consider pursuing a relevant graduate degree for more opportunities and advancement.
  • Learn the state government employment procedures and utilize your campus career center for assistance with the application process.
  • Research applicable public service exams.

Federal Government: Legislative Branch

  • Legislative agencies
  • Legislature administrative staff
    • Washington-based
    • Home district
    • Committee

Employers

  • Various agencies:
    • General Accounting Office, Library of Congress, Government Printing Office, Congressional Budget Office
  • Offices of senators and representatives

Strategies

  • Research the structure of Congress and various opportunities available.
  • Develop excellent research, writing, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Build a strong personal network.
  • Explore districts other than your own.

Federal Government: Judicial Branch

Employers

  • Supreme Court
  • U.S. Courts
  • Federal Judiciary
  • Supporting organizations

Strategies

  • Research the structure and functions of the federal judiciary system.
  • Some positions require a law degree and bar certification.

Federal Government: Executive Branch

  • Office of the President
  • Management and budget
  • Administration
  • Council of Economic Advisors
  • U.S. Trade Representatives
  • Executive departments

Employers

  • Office of the President
  • Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor

Strategies

  • Research various agencies and departments to discover which ones may be the best fit for your major and experience.
  • Conduct informational interviews with government employees.
  • Apply for a government internship through the Pathways Program or other student programs to gain relevant experience.
  • Learn federal job application procedures and how to write a strong resume. Use your campus career center for help with the application process.

Federal Government: Independent Agencies

  • Finance and administration
  • Budget analysis
  • Purchasing
  • Human resource management
  • Environmental management
  • Security and protection
  • Enforcement and compliance
  • Commerce and insurance
  • Purchasing and acquisitions
  • Program management
  • Risk management
  • Emergency services management
  • Social services
  • Legal

Employers

  • Independent Agencies include the following (not an exhaustive list):
    • Coordination and Public Safety
    • Emergency Response Policy
    • Environmental Protection Agency
    • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
    • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
    • Federal Emergency Management Agency
    • General Services Administration
    • National Archives & Records Administration
    • Nuclear Regulatory Commission
    • Office of Personnel Management
    • Securities & Exchange Commission
    • Tennessee Valley Authority
    • U.S. Information Agency
    • U.S. International Development Cooperation

Strategies

  • There are a large number of niche areas and specialized agencies within the federal
    government. Do extensive research in order to find the area that best matches your skills and interests.
  • Take courses or minor in applicable interest area(s).
  • Maintain a high grade point average to qualify for government employment.
  • Apply for a government internship through the Pathways Program or other student programs to gain relevant experience.
  • Research applicable public service exams and hiring procedures.
  • Earn a graduate degree to be more competitive for positions.

Political Support/Lobbying

  • Elected or appointed leadership
  • Campaign management
  • Staff administration
  • Special interest advocacy
  • Political advising
  • Lobbying
  • Party administration

Employers

  • Political Action Committees (PAC)
  • Industrial, educational, and public interest groups
  • Political parties
  • Campaigns: national, state, or local
  • Lobbying organizations
  • Large business firms

Strategies

  • Get involved with a political party/group and develop a personal network. The ability to develop networks, coalitions, and alliances with other associations is highly valued.
  • Volunteer to work on political campaigns.
  • Gain experience with government agencies or departments to help build relationships. Develop excellent public relations, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Learn how to persuade and negotiate. Participate on a debate team.
  • Volunteer in organizations with similar interests and goals.

Nonprofit

  • Administration
  • Management
  • Public relations
  • Fund raising/Development
  • Policy analysis
  • Research
  • Grant writing
  • Direct service

Employers

  • Local and national nonprofit agencies
  • Foundations
  • Charitable organizations
  • Trade or professional associations
  • Special interest groups
  • Labor unions
  • Libraries
  • Museums
  • Historic sites/historical societies
  • Research organizations and think tanks
  • Educational institutions

Strategies

  • Gain experience through volunteering or completing an internship.
  • Supplement curriculum with courses in business, psychology, sociology, or social work.
  • Obtain leadership roles in relevant campus and community organizations.
  • Develop strong communication and research skills.
  • Learn how to write grants.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a specialty area, (e.g., public health, environment, urban issues).
  • Research organizations’ values to find a good fit with yours. It is critical that you are knowledgeable about and committed to the work you’re going to do.
  • Investigate term of service or service corps positions as a way to gain entry into the field.
  • Consider earning a graduate degree for more job opportunities and advancement.

Business

  • Human resources
  • Budget analysis
  • Management
  • Sales/Marketing
  • Purchasing
  • Management consulting
  • Occupational safety coordination
  • Public relations

Employers

  • Product and service organizations
  • Retail stores
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Manufacturers
  • Insurance companies
  • Print and electronic media
  • Consulting firms
  • Other business corporations
  • Association management firms

Strategies

  • Develop strong analytical, communication, and technical skills.
    Obtain related work experience in a business setting through internships and summer or part-time jobs.
  • Earn a minor in business.
  • Hone computer skills and learn software packages such as databases, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Get involved in student organizations and seek leadership roles.
  • Become knowledgeable about corporate social responsibility.

International Affairs

  • Governance
  • Policy making and analysis
  • Public sector reform
  • Poverty-reduction strategy
  • Ethics and anti-corruption
  • Human rights
  • Public law
  • Organization and management development
  • Resource development
  • Public-private partnerships
  • Media/Communication policy and practice
  • Education

Employers

  • Intergovernmental agencies, (e.g., World Bank, United Nations)
  • National governments
  • Non-profit agencies
  • Policy and research organizations
  • Private businesses
  • Contracting and consulting firms

Strategies

  • Obtain internships or volunteer in order to gain valuable experience in areas of interest.
  • Participate in overseas mission trips or spend a Semester at Sea.
  • Become familiar with national or international application procedures.
  • Research the history and culture of countries or geographic areas of interest.
  • Take steps towards obtaining work or study visas for various locations.
  • Become proficient in at least one foreign language.
  • Spend time studying or working abroad, especially working to make and maintain contacts in foreign countries.
  • Earn a double major or minor in order to gain additional skills or knowledge needed for various positions (i.e., Africana studies, Asian studies, business, psychology, sociology, etc.).
  • For higher level positions an advanced degree is necessary. Research different programs and the concentrations they offer in order to find the best fit for your interests.

Healthcare

  • Health services administration:
    • Operation
    • Finance
    • Program management
    • Material management
    • Human resources
    • Medical staff relations
  • Health services administration continued:
    • Information technology
    • Marketing
    • Public relations
    • Facilities
    • Patient care
    • Provider relations
    • Government relations
  • Health policy:
    • Research
    • Policy analysis
    • Policy development
    • Legislative work
    • Lobbying

Employers

  • Hospitals, health systems, and clinics
  • Medical groups
  • Hospices
  • Home health agencies
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Mental health facilities
  • Managed care organizations
  • Health finance organizations
  • Insurance companies
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Academic medical centers
  • Federal government agencies
  • State government agencies
  • Public health departments
  • Advocacy groups
  • Health foundations
  • Nongovernmental agencies, (e.g., Red Cross)
  • Professional associations, (e.g., American Medical Association)

Strategies

  • Supplement your curriculum with business courses.
  • Gain experience through internships or jobs in a healthcare setting.
  • Develop strong communication and technology skills. Learn how to use database and spread-sheet software.
  • Get involved in student government or campus organizations related to health issues.
  • Learn to work well on teams and develop strong leadership skills.
  • Join related professional organizations and build a network of contacts.
  • Stay abreast of news in the healthcare industry.
  • Earn a master’s degree in public health, health administration, public administration, business, or a related field.
  • To prepare for positions in lobbying and legislation, some will earn a law degree.

Law

  • Prosecution
  • Defense
  • Contractual
  • Corporate
  • Nonprofit or public interest
  • Government
  • Mediation
  • Other specialties
  • Law assistance

Employers

  • Law firms
  • Federal, state, and local government
  • Private practice
  • Corporations
  • Special interest groups
  • Universities and colleges
  • State government agencies
  • Nonprofit and public interest organizations, (e.g., ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Legal)
    Services Corporation
  • Legal clinics
  • Other private legal services

Strategies

  • Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
  • Participate in debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
  • Choose courses or a minor to specialize in a particular area of law, (e.g., a minor in business for a career in corporate law).
  • Find part-time or summer work in a law firm.
  • Shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
  • Get involved in pre-law organizations.
  • Plan to attend law school and earn a law degree. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations. Prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
  • Obtain specialized certification for paralegal positions.

General Information

  • An undergraduate degree in Public Administration, with the appropriate experience, is sufficient for entry-level positions in government and business.
  • A graduate degree in public administration, public health administration, or business administration helps prepare students for management and upper-level positions. Research programs in order to choose specializations or concentrations of interest.
  • Consider law school for careers in upper-level politics, administration, or management. Explore joint J.D. and M.P.A. programs to see if they meet your career goals.
  • Obtain a broad liberal arts background including written and verbal communication, research, and language skills.
  • Part-time, summer, internship, and volunteer experiences are extremely helpful to find positions in government affairs, nonprofit organizations or public service areas.
  • Develop strong leadership skills; run for office in clubs and organizations in school or community. Volunteer to organize or lead an event or project.
  • Get involved in Student Government. Assist with campus, local, or national campaigns to gain experience and build relationships.
  • Demonstrate interest/involvement in community affairs and events.
  • Join related professional organizations such as the American Society of for Public Administration (ASPA).
  • Build a strong personal network through informal contacts. Political connections are helpful for appointed positions. Most agencies respond to professional connections.
  • Expect keen competition for federal positions. Prepare yourself with a strong academic background and good experience. Seek the classes and experiences that will best prepare you.
  • Develop patience, persistence, and drive in obtaining government positions.
  • Explore application to government internship programs specifically for college students, such as the Pathways Program at the federal level.
  • Research websites that address various government job opportunities, pay structure, and hiring processes.
  • Consider military experience and training or the Peace Corps as an entryway into government jobs and public service.
  • Plan on following a flexible career path to higher positions. Many people begin on the clerical or entry level in order to gain experience and network.

Professional Associations

Occupational Outlook

Related Resources

Employment Opportunities