Whether they’re an ER doctor putting their life on the line to save a stranger, a police officer responding to an altercation, or a social worker helping those in need, many people choose careers in public service because of the satisfaction it brings them. But the reality is that government workers don’t often get the recognition they deserve, and that’s a shame.
Public services are those that are deemed so vital to modern society that there is a general consensus that they should be provided by governments, as opposed to private businesses that operate on a for-profit business model. These services may be provided through direct government provision or by financing privately provided services, but are subject to regulatory authority that goes beyond that of most economic sectors.
The public sector comprises all local, state and federal agencies and programs, and is staffed by elected officials or hired employees, called civil servants. Those who enter the public service arena are typically seeking to serve the citizens of their municipality, state or nation through policy changes, community improvement and other means.
While there are a number of ways to work in the public sector, the most popular is through civil service exams. These are administered by a state’s Department of Civil Service, and they are designed to suit a particular job or class of jobs. For example, the NY Department of Civil Service has a series of air conditioning mechanic tests, as well as clerical, administrative and legal exams.