The work of public service affects millions of people and has a profound impact on their lives. It includes responding to natural disasters, setting workplace standards, managing food and drug safety, and maintaining the environment. It also involves ensuring that the government operates efficiently and democratically. According to a recent survey, Americans are generally satisfied with these efforts, even though satisfaction has declined for some of them (such as the reduction of poverty).
This work is done by individuals working at all levels of government and in many private organizations, including non-profits and B Corporations, which have legal status to balance profit and purpose. The common element is the commitment of employees to serve the public interest above their own personal interests. It is a career that requires exceptional character and the ability to be selfless and empathetic to the needs of others.
To qualify for a job in this field, a bachelor’s degree is required in most cases and additional training may be necessary depending on the area of work. Many graduate programs seek students who are interested in making mission-focused contributions and have a strong commitment to public service, and they often require students to be involved in the community through classes, co-curricular activities, internships, volunteerism or other outside engagements. Getting to know the work of a particular organization or sector through networking and informational interviews can help you decide whether it’s a good fit. Public service professionals need to be innovative, adaptive and creative in order to meet the evolving challenges that come their way.