Public service involves advancing the public good in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and international settings. This can range from improving fire department response times to creating more equitable conditions for children who live in poverty. It can also include tackling tough social issues, like racism and civil liberties, as well as fostering the civic life that is essential to a healthy community.
It requires people with up-to-date knowledge, skills and ability to do the job, but it also demands a character that is guided by principles of honesty, trustworthiness and moral uprightness. Unlike the self-serving opportunists of Ayn Rand’s fictional Atlas Shrugged, public sector employees want to serve the needs of their communities and they take pride in their work and they value long-term security rather than the ephemeral rewards of short-term success.
In addition, many public sector workers have to be able to balance the needs of individual users with the needs of a wider group. This necessitates moving beyond the market thinking that is common in the private sector, where realising individual interests means ignoring those of other stakeholders (e.g. the 2G spectrum allocation scam in 2010).
As a result, if you choose to pursue a career in public service, you need to be able to see where your clients and colleagues are coming from. This is especially important because they are often going through difficult circumstances, and being sensitive to their experiences, thoughts and feelings will help you find solutions that can improve their lives.