Working in the Public Sector

A desire for a career in government and public service signifies a commitment to working in the public sector. In the United States, the public sector is defined as any job or organization that is part of any government: local, state, or federal. While many people think primarily of elected officials or members of their staffs working to advance the legislative process at the state level or on Capitol Hill, there are as many types of occupations in the public sector as in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. For example, you can work as a doctor in the Veterans’ Administration, as an attorney in the Federal Court system, as a social worker for the Department of Social Services, or as a policy researcher at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Individuals who want to work in the public sector generally desire to help others and improve the world through the channels of government. The skills necessary to succeed in government and public service vary depending on the type of career desired, but a commitment to improving the lives of fellow citizens spans the spectrum of skill sets. In general, pay is lower in the public sector than in the private sector, but is comparable to and sometimes better than salaries in the not-for-profit sector.

Budget constraints and the desire in recent administrations to reinvent government as a smaller more efficiently run entity have changed the way many government offices are run. While the number of employees across the board has declined, some offices are experiencing growth. The federal government is anticipating that between 2006 and 2011, 44% of its work force will retire. Many positions at all levels will be available.

It is important to note that a smaller number of governmental employees in a department does not equate to a smaller workload for government. Often, there is relatively high turnover, particularly on the staffs of elected officials, due to burnout. This means that there will be continuous openings, but that one should be aware of the potential for long hours and heavy workloads. Many people who are happy with their careers in public service find these challenges invigorating. The best way to find out if a career in public service or government suits your skills and values is to gain experience in the sector.

Professor Emeritus Alan Schechter, Political Science, comments that it is important to obtain work experience in government as opposed to focusing on graduate school immediately after finishing your undergraduate degree. In part, this suggestion stems from his belief that working in government is rarely a lifetime commitment. In his view, public service jobs should be viewed as ones to gain experience in and exposure to the workings of government, not as long-term career paths. In addition, Schechter emphasized repeatedly the necessity of utilizing one’s network, particularly the strong network of Wellesley alumnae who work within the government. Because opportunities arise unexpectedly within government, you should tell as many people as possible about the type of experience you would like to gain so that your name will enter their mind when they encounter an opportunity that matches your needs.

Using the information presented on the following pages will facilitate your government and public service career development by providing information on both Wellesley-specific and general resources.