Why Gen Z Should Consider Public Service Jobs
Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. Since finishing college he has been trying his hand at being a freelance writer. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but technology and digital marketing topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or gaming.
A career in public service is a great way to gain skills and create tangible social change, and many of the the biggest issues we face today can be solved by collective action. As an employee in public service, you’ll be tackling important challenges like climate change, public education, and misinformation.
Careers with the federal government usually come with serious perks, too. Working for the federal government offers stability and high pay. You may also be eligible for serious benefits like great health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid vacation leave.
Public service can be particularly rewarding if you’re entering the workforce for the first time or are part of Gen-Z. Most public service jobs offer diverse opportunities and career growth is almost always possible if you work hard and strive for promotions.
Meaningful Work
Jobs in the public sector give you a chance to impact the lives of others and discover a meaningful career path for yourself. You can use your values and interests to guide your job search, too, as many federal positions are well-paid and relatively stable compared to private-sector careers. If meaningful work is at the top of your priority list, consider in-demand public sector positions like:
- Chemist;
- Health Services Manager;
- Civil Engineer;
- VA Nurse;
- Computer Scientists.
These roles are in high demand and can lead to lucrative promotions. For example, Medical Officers who work with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) can earn an average of $251k annually.
These roles usually have a private sector equivalent. This means that you can gather important skills and look for roles outside of the public sector if you want to work for a private business or company in the future. Your public service experience will look great on a CV or resume and will hold you in good stead for years to come.
Public service can be particularly rewarding if you’re entering the workforce for the first time or are part of Gen-Z.
LUKE SMITH
Skill Development
Working in the public sector can help you build employable skills that will serve you well for life. Many public sector roles encourage professional development and will actively support you through mentorship programs and funding for further education.
It’s worth bearing in mind that some public sector jobs can be slow-paced compared to roles with private businesses. This is due to the fact that public sector employers are beholden to rules and regulations that require additional oversight. However, learning how to navigate complicated, bureaucratic procedures will serve you well in years to come if you plan on climbing the career ladder.
While working in the public sector, you could be trusted with sensitive documents and classified information. Working with this type of data means you’ll gain hands-on experience with important projects and will be able to point towards employable skills when applying for promotions or higher-paying positions. Even skills like being able to properly shred and dispose of classified documents will look good on your CV and convince potential employers that you are trustworthy and responsible.
Many high-paying public sector jobs require a high level of education. While this may deter some applicants, it’s good news if you are a recent graduate or are currently completing a course in higher education. As you progress, you may even be eligible for reduced fees at state-owned universities and could have some of your tuition covered by your employer.
Social Change
Public sector organizations are usually beholden to a strict budget. However, unlike private businesses, the goal of public institutions is not to make a profit. Rather, most public sector organizations measure success based on the impact they have on the people and communities they serve. This means that you are effectively paid to promote social change and improve the lives of those around you.
As a young person, you’re perfectly positioned to rebuild trust in the public sector and advocate for the health and well-being of your community.
For example, many of your peers may struggle with their mental health but could be hesitant to reach out for support. As a young professional, you can help solve the Gen Z mental health crisis and help end the stigma around conditions like depression by planning public messaging that resonates with a younger audience. Working in the public sector can improve your mental health, too, as you won’t have to worry about job security or social isolation while working for a busy public-facing organization.
Conclusion
Working in the public sector can be a great way to start your career. You’ll gain plenty of important experience while working in the civil service and will have a chance to pursue further qualifications and education while working for the government. Working in the public sector can be deeply fulfilling, too.
Knowing that your hard work makes a real difference to people in need can bring serious job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Public service jobs are also secure and reasonably well paid, meaning you can forgo the mental strain associated with working for a private business during a period of economic downturn.
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