When it comes to public service, the desire to help others is a big part of what drives people into careers in the field. But that’s not all, and it’s important to understand how broad public service really is before committing to a degree or career path.
From policing to education to maintaining clean communities, government-run agencies provide vital services for their citizens, whether it be responding to natural disasters or providing access to healthcare and educational resources. The work that public servants do can be challenging. It’s not just about balancing the needs of individual consumers — it’s also about making sure that value is being created and not destroyed (Lipsky 1980; Hupe and Buffat 2014; Tummers et al. 2020).
For many people, the satisfaction of their work is enough to make public service a rewarding career choice. A recent survey found that Americans are generally satisfied with the way their government handles natural disaster response, setting workplace standards, managing food and medicine safety, and keeping citizens safe from terrorism.
But while the societal benefits of working in public service are clear, some potential employees may be concerned about the amount of time spent at work and the potential for burnout. Luckily, there are ways to mitigate these concerns. Government positions offer a range of benefits, including generous salaries and benefits packages, tuition reimbursement or loan repayment, and opportunities for flexible work schedules (with Agency approval). These incentives can go a long way towards creating a rewarding and fulfilling career in the public sector.