Public Administration & Policy Career Info
A successful public administration career requires more than communication skills—it also involves professional training in the development, implementation and study of branches of government at the federal, state and local levels. From social worker to government official, public administration and policy applies to a wide range of disciplines and numerous occupations, including the following:
- Human resources – involves planning and implementing employee policies, managing benefits and helping settle confrontational workplace situations
- Finance -- includes the monetary affairs of all businesses and government agencies to help reduce risk and maximize profit
- Social work – assesses the needs of clients often in government settings and refers them to the appropriate sources of help and monitor their progress
Education & Training in Public Administration and Policy
In most cases, public administration and policy employers prefer candidates who hold degrees in public administration or liberal arts. For management positions, a master's degree in public administration and the appropriate work experience is widely recommended.
Public Administration and Policy Salaries
Median annual wages of top-level public administrators in 2008 were $91,570, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Related Public Administration Careers
If running for office doesn’t seem too appealing, other options in public administration and policy exist. Check out related careers you could excel at, including: director of development, human resource manager, city planner, public health minister, communications manager, program coordinator, salary negotiator and legislator.
