• Counties
• Municipalities
• Townships
• School districts
• Special districts

Learn local government job application procedures.
Develop a network of contacts.
Check statistics on growing communities for best
opportunities.
Obtain internship or volunteer in interest area.
Conduct applicable research that could be useful to
your community.

STATE GOVERNMENT
Administrative Services

Legislature

Judicial

• Various departments of state government
• Legislative agencies including Legislative Reference Services, Bill Drafting Services, Legislative Councils and Budgeting and Auditing staffs.
• Personal staff of legislators
• State Supreme Courts
• Intermediate Appellate Courts
• Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
• Trial Courts of Limited Jurisdiction

Research the organization of your state.
Contact individuals in agencies for information.
Develop specialized skills and interests for particular
populations or issues, e.g. disabilities, education,
homelessness, etc.
Develop research and writing skills.
Make political contacts through local legislators of
both houses.
Volunteer time on staff or campaigns.

Many positions will require a law degree.
Make contacts through referrals and informational
interviews.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Professional
Administrative
Technical

Legislative Branch

Legislative Agencies

Legislature
Administrative Staff
Washington-based
Home District
Committee

• Various federal departments and agencies
• Offices of senators and representatives

Obtain an internship in a federal agency or
department. Often this is the best way to get a foot
in the door for a permanent position.
Learn federal job application procedures and how to
write a federal resume.
Research the various agencies and departments to discover which ones may be the best fit for your
major and experience.
Conduct informational interviews with agency
employees.

Understand structure of Congress and various
opportunities available.
Develop excellent research, writing, communication
and organizational skills.
Make personal contacts with representatives.
Develop networks.
Explore districts other than your own.

• Environmental Protection Agency
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• General Services Administration
  NASA
• National Archives & Records Administration
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Office of Personnel Management
• Panama Canal Commission
• Securities & Exchange Commission
• Small Business Administration
• Smithsonian Institution
• Tennessee Valley Authority
• U.S. Information Agency
• U.S. International
• Development Cooperation
  Agency
• U.S. Postal Service

Judicial Branch

Executive Branch
Office of the President
Management and Budget
Administration
Council of Economic Advisors
U.S. Trade Representatives
Executive Departments

• Supreme Court
• U.S. Courts
• Supporting organizations
• Office of the President
• Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services,
  Housing and Urban Development, Interior,
  Justice, Labor

Some positions require law degree and bar certification.
Understand the structure and functions of the
federal judiciary system.

Take courses or minor in applicable interest area(s).
Research applicable public service exams and hiring
procedures.

• Local and national nonprofit agencies and foundations
• Charitable organizations
• Trade or professional organizations

• Political Action Committees (PAC)
• Various industrial, educational, public interest groups
• Political parties
• Lobbying organizations

• Business firms
• Contracting and consulting firms
• Association management firms

HEALTH/MEDICAL

Healthcare Administration

• Hospitals
• Healthcare facilities
• Nursing homes
• Social service and community agencies
  

GENERAL INFORMATION
• Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level position in government and business.
• Graduate degree in public administration or public health administration very helpful for management and administration positions.
• Consider Law school for careers in upper level politics, administration or management.
• Obtain broad liberal arts background including written and verbal skills, communication and foreign language skills.
• Part-time, summer, internship, volunteer experience extremely helpful in government affairs, organizations, or public service areas.
• Develop strong leadership skills; run for office in clubs and organizations in school or community; volunteer to organize or lead an event or project.
• Get involved in Student Government.
• Demonstrate interest/involvement in community affairs/events.
• Join related social and/or professional organizations.
• Employment opportunities in local government tend to follow population trends in terms of growth and decline in availability of positions.
• Develop network through informal contacts.
• Political connections are helpful for appointed positions. Most agencies respond to professional connections.
• Expect competition for federal positions.
• Develop patience, persistence and drive in obtaining government positions.
• Explore application to Administrative Careers with America (ACWA) and the Outstanding Scholars Program for federal positions.
• Learn applicable application process for area of interest.
• Research websites and books that address various government job opportunities, pay structure and hiring processes.
• Consider military experience and training as an entry way into government jobs and public service.
• Plan on following a flexible career path to higher positions. Many people begin on the clerical or entry level in order to gain experience and network.

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Related Links:

• Jobs in Public Service
• Federal Jobs Resources
• USA Jobs
• NASPAA for Students
• Partnership for Public Service
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• GovtJobs.com
• International Research and Exchanges Board
• US DOL Stats - Federal Government
• US DOL Stats - State and Local Government
• US DOL Stats - Advocay, Grantmaking and Civic Organizations