A person with a desire to help others is often drawn to a career in public service. But it’s important to consider more than that when deciding to pursue this career path. Public service is a broad field that encompasses many areas of employment, including government, nonprofit agencies, and education. It also includes work in non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). The minimum requirement to start a career in the public sector is a high school diploma or equivalent and postsecondary training, often resulting in a college degree.
Public service is a set of values and practices that guide the way employees act, treat each other and serve the public. These values include integrity, respect and fairness. Public service employees are expected to act ethically, regardless of the outcome of their actions or how others perceive them.
People who work in the public sector are committed to their mission, and they have a strong sense of obligation to their community. They are willing to adapt and change their policies and services to meet changing needs. They are also dedicated to their cause and will fight for it in the face of challenges.
Many federal jobs offer excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, employee assistance programs staffed by professional counselors and public service loan forgiveness. Many agencies also offer flexible work arrangements, such as flex schedules or remote work. All federal employees have access to health care coverage, and some agencies offer child or dependent care programs at no cost to the employee.