The world of public policy is constantly changing and evolving to meet the needs of populations around the world. Public administrators are always hard at work trying to find ways to improve communities and make their impacts on society as a whole.
A career in public administration can be extremely rewarding, and can lead down several paths in the world of public service. Each sector is unique, and brings its own challenges. However, all of them have one thing in common–you will be making a real difference in people’s lives.
Here are some of the top job sectors where public administration graduates can make their mark on the world.
Interested in Public Sector & Government Work?
The public sector is the largest employer of public administration experts by far. Bureaucratic roles include city management, policy analysis, and budget analysis. All three jobs within governmental operations have the same goal of making sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. It’s this behind the scenes work that will make life better for citizens.
Along with these, there are also more niche roles within this branch. Urban planners design plans for land use and development, and help to create sustainable and functional communities. And for anyone who has a separate interest in media, public affairs specialists handle communication between the government and the press. These people manage the ever-vital public perception of policy.
Want to Work in the Private Sector & Consulting?
Political work isn’t for everyone, and there are plenty of opportunities for public administration graduates outside of governments. Management analysts help to improve the efficiency and profitability of organizations. They analyze all of the company’s data, identify main issues, and recommend new solutions and strategies.
For private sector work that’s more people-oriented, there’s human resource management. You can utilize public admin skills in the processes of recruiting and hiring, training and development, and performance management. These are all vital steps in getting and maintaining an effective team for any company.
Are there Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector?
Nonprofits are all about serving people and communities. Being a nonprofit program manager is similar to any other management position, but with an extra sense of responsibility. This role oversees programs that make immense positive impacts. Making sure these programs run smoothly for the people who need them is exceptionally important, as well as fulfilling.
Additional niches within nonprofits include grant writing and management, and nongovernmental organization administration. Applying for and managing grants is an essential part of nonprofit work. This money is what funds operations, and drives the good being done. NGOs are nonprofits that are more specific to policy work and advocacy, and play an important role in holding governments accountable.
Do you have an Interest in International Opportunities?
Public administration opportunities are not limited to domestic work. You can represent your country abroad through diplomacy and foreign service. International relations are becoming increasingly vital. We need skilled policy and development experts to make sure everything runs smoothly on the global level.
Really, knowledge learned here can be applied anywhere in the world. This is the case with the role of international development officer. You would get the opportunity to work in policy implementation in developing nations. It also would put you in a unique position to collaborate with global agencies like the UN, World Bank, USAID, the WTO, etc.
What’s the Best Next Steps?
You can unlock opportunities in any of these sectors with a Master’s of Public Administration from SDSU Global Campus. This intensive 16-month program is online and asynchronous, so you can learn from the experienced faculty of SDSU’s School of Public Affairs anywhere and any time when it fits into your busy schedule.
Our MPA program is ranked #1 among all CSU schools, and #7 in all of California. Of the 38 MPA students who completed the program in 2020-2021, 97% were employed within 6 months. These results speak for themselves–this program is a proven stepping stone toward a successful career in public administration.
SDSU Global Campus also offers a Public Administration Minor that can be completed with just 21 units. This minor can be easily added to any degree program, and will equip you with leadership skills and an understanding of public policy.
