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.