Explore Careers in Government & Public Administration
Careers in Government and Public Administration relate to planning and performing government functions at the local, state and federal levels, including governance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, and regulations.
A primary goal of virtually all careers in public service is to help improve the quality of life and livelihood for the citizens represented, while supporting the betterment of the overall community.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Policy Analysts and Advisors
Research, develop, and evaluate policies that shape laws, regulations, and public programs at every level of government.
Public Administrators and Managers
Oversee the day-to-day operations of government agencies and programs — managing budgets, staff, and services that communities depend on.
Foreign Service & National Security Professionals
Represent U.S. interests abroad, support diplomatic missions, and contribute to national defense and intelligence efforts.
Elected Officials and Legislative Aides
Support or serve in elected roles — from city councils to Congress — helping to draft legislation and advocate for constituents.
What is the Role of Government and Public Administration?
The federal government deliberates and passes laws and administers many programs. Federal jobs support a variety of agencies responsible for:
- strengthening the economy
- representing U.S. interests abroad
- national security
- determining how natural resources are used
- taxation
- establishing and enforcing regulations for many industries and products.
State and local government offices support similar activities at their respective levels, that include:
- protecting the environment
- passing laws and ordinances
- public education
- police and fire departments
- parks
- collecting taxes
- managing budgets
- enforcing laws and ordinances
Career Pathways
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of industries and career pathways you can enter with a background in Government & Public Administration:
- Policy analysis and development
- Public administration and city management
- Legislative and regulatory affairs
- Foreign service and diplomacy
- National security and intelligence
- Budget and financial management
- Urban and regional planning
- Public health administration
- Environmental and natural resources management
- Law enforcement and public safety
- Nonprofit and advocacy work
- Think tanks and research institutions
Employers
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of employers who recruit and hire for roles in Government & Public Administration:
- Federal government agencies (e.g., State Department, DOD, IRS)
- State government offices and agencies
- City and county governments
- Public school systems and universities
- Law enforcement and public safety agencies
- Nonprofits and advocacy organizations
- Think tanks and policy research institutions
- International organizations (e.g., United Nations)
- Military branches and defense contractors
Career Navigation Strategies
Internships and Simulations:
- Discover organizations that offer internships in government, law, advocacy, and nonprofits
- Complete a simulation with Forage to gain skills in government and public policy
- Find administrative assistant positions through your city or state’s website
- Participate in research for a think tank
Volunteering & Civic Engagement:
- Get involved with local politics — attend city council meetings, work on a campaign, or join a board or commission
- Become a poll worker for elections
- Volunteer with AmeriCorps, the United Nations, or volunteer.gov
- Shadow an elected official or legislative aide
Frequently Asked Questions
Government and public administration is a broad field with opportunities at every level. Common paths include policy analysis and development, public administration and city management, legislative and regulatory affairs, foreign service and diplomacy, national security, budget and financial management, urban planning, public health administration, and nonprofit and advocacy work. The right path often depends on which level of government interests you most — local, state, federal, or international.
Strong communication and writing skills are essential, as much of the work involves drafting reports, policy briefs, and correspondence for diverse audiences. Other key skills include analytical thinking, project management, budgeting, and the ability to navigate complex regulations and bureaucratic processes. Relationship-building and civic engagement also matter greatly — knowing how to work across departments, agencies, and community stakeholders is central to most public sector roles.
Federal hiring is known for being a longer process than private sector hiring — it often takes three to six months from application to offer, and sometimes longer for roles requiring security clearances. Most federal jobs are posted on USAJOBS.gov, and applications require more detail than a typical resume. Starting early, tailoring your application carefully to the job announcement, and being patient with the timeline is key. State and local government hiring timelines vary but are often faster.
It depends on the role. Many government positions welcome candidates from a wide range of academic backgrounds — political science, public administration, business, law, economics, communications, and more. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) is common for mid- to senior-level roles, though not always required to get started. A WGU business or management degree, paired with civic experience and targeted certifications, can be a strong foundation for entering the field.
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) — required or strongly preferred for accounting and auditing roles
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) — highly regarded in investment management and portfolio analysis
- CFP (Certified Financial Planner) — for roles in personal financial planning and wealth management
- Certifications can strengthen your candidacy and demonstrate commitment to public service. Some useful credentials include:
- Certified Public Manager (CPM) — a nationally recognized credential for government managers
- Project Management Professional (PMP) — valuable for roles managing government programs and initiatives
- AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) — for urban and regional planning roles
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) — for roles in public sector accounting and finance
- Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) — the entry point for U.S. State Department careersSeries 7 / Series 63 — required licenses for securities trading and brokerage roles
- CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) — valued in internal audit and risk management
Certifications can strengthen your candidacy and demonstrate commitment to public service. Some useful credentials include
Professional associations offer networking, job boards, professional development, and advocacy resources. Key organizations in this field include:
- ASPA (American Society for Public Administration) — the leading organization for public administration professionals
- ICMA (International City/County Management Association) — for local government managers and administrators
- NLC (National League of Cities) — focused on city-level governance and policy
- NAGC / NASPAA — academic and professional networks for policy and administration graduate students
- Young Government Leaders (YGL) — a network specifically for early-career federal employees
