“There can be no greater satisfaction than dealing first-hand with the most important issues of our time, with no other purpose than serving the public interest.” - Paul A. Volcker
A career in public service isn't just a job—it's a calling to serve your community and shape the future of our democracy.
What Makes Public Service Different?
Public servants have the opportunity to:
Make Meaningful Change – Work on issues that directly impact millions of lives, from local communities to the entire nation
Serve the Public Good – Build the democracy of our future through work that prioritizes the public interest above all else
Develop Expertise – Join a civil service system that values experience and domain expertise, where you can become a leader in your field
Find Job Security – Pursue a stable, rewarding career with opportunities at federal, state, and local levels
Federal, State, or Local: Where Will You Serve?
Federal Government Work on national and international issues across 15 Cabinet departments and dozens of agencies. Federal roles often involve policy development, national security, interstate commerce, and programs that serve all Americans. Examples include the State Department, EPA, NASA, and CDC.
State Government Shape policy and deliver services at the state level, working on education systems, transportation infrastructure, environmental regulation, and public health. State agencies implement federal programs while addressing the unique needs of their populations. Examples include state departments of education, transportation, and health.
Local Government Make direct, visible impact in your community through city and county governments. Local public servants work on issues like zoning and urban planning, police and fire services, parks and recreation, local economic development, and community services. This is where policy meets the people it serves most directly.
A Career Path for Everyone
Public service careers span every field imaginable:
Policy and Administration
Technology and Data Science
Healthcare and Public Health
Education and Social Services
Environmental Protection and Energy
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Urban Planning and Infrastructure
Finance and Budget Management