“Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation,” said Margaret Chase Smith, an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, she served as a U.S. representative and a U.S. senator from Maine.
When it comes to planning their future career, most people choose between the two best options, the private sector, and the public sector. People who want to support their society and country prefer public services first, but people who want to make a lot of money in their life always go to the private sector. Although the private sector offers more money than the public sector, private sector jobs move fast and you will not be able to balance your personal and professional life. However, working in the public sector gives you limited time and on-time pay, and there are several other advantages that will make you want to leave the private sector.
Here are some tips for building a career in public service.
Where do you fit into public service?
The desire to help others is a very good reason to consider a public career, but it’s just the beginning. Public service is a very broad field, encompassing a wide range of jobs in government, non-profit organizations, education, and non-governmental organizations known as NGOs. You must look beyond your desire to help others find specific areas of public service that best suit your personal needs, interests, and strengths.
Start volunteering:
Volunteering in a field you think you’d like to work in is one of the best ways to determine if it’s right for you. Volunteering can also help you get hired, as public sector employers tend to hire people with volunteer experience in their agency or specialized field.
Salary and career requirements:
Once you’ve volunteered and are convinced that you want to pursue your career, it’s time to do your financial due diligence. Earning potential and growth rate are important factors to consider before making a final career decision and enrolling in the educational program that will get you there.
Understand the educational requirements:
Before you can start a career in public service, you must receive the appropriate education and training for your specific career choice. As the chart above shows, nearly all civil service jobs require a high school diploma as well as post-secondary education, which often means higher education.
Karen McCleave Crown Attorney is one of the best examples of a public servant, as she worked for more than 30 years in the public service sector. Karen McCleave Crown Attorney has been honored with several awards, including the Doug Lucas Award for excellence in the pursuit of justice through science and two Ontario Excelsior Awards, both for Outstanding Achievement.
