What can I do with a major in Public Administration?
Public Administration majors work with the public and with political agencies to implement and manage public programs. They may work for the government or for community agencies as urban planners, managers, policy analysts, mediators, or enforcers. Public Administrators may work at a local level for the city and county or at a national level for the federal government.
Related Occupations:
| Administration Officer |
Announcer |
Campaign Worker |
| City Manager |
Congressional Aide |
Customs Inspector |
| Diplomat |
Editor |
Educator |
| FBI/CIA Agent |
Foreign Service Officer |
Government Worker |
| Hospital Administrator |
Industrial Relations Specialist |
IRS Worker |
| Judge |
Labor Relations Specialist |
Lawyer |
| Lobbyist |
Management Analyst |
Mediator |
| Military |
Parole/Probation Officer |
Penologist |
| Politician |
Political Consultant |
Political Correspondent |
| Public Official |
Public Relations Specialist |
Public Health Official |
| Research Assistant |
Survey Researcher |
Urban Planner |
Possible employers of Public Administration majors:
| Newspapers |
Law Firms |
| Non-profit Agencies |
Private Businesses |
| Local/Federal Government |
Magazines/Journals |
| Colleges/Universities |
Banks |
| Community Organizations |
Environmental Agencies |
| Consulting Firms |
Radio/Television Stations |
Skills important for Public Administration majors:
- Ability to speak articulately, read comprehensively, and write well
- Ability to organize and interpret social, economic and political data
- Understanding and sensitivity to community needs
- Ability to analyze and synthesize information
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to lead others
- Ability to evaluate problems and make appropriate decisions
- Ability to relate well to people of varying backgrounds
- Ability to think logically and analytically
- Ability to think critically
- Ability to understand and influence others
Personal attributes important for Public Administration majors:
- Ambitious
- Outgoing
- Tactful
- Poised
- Desire to render public service
- Proficient in planning, coordinating and directing activities
- Willingness to take risks
- Organized
- Patient
- Flexible
- Charismatic
Related activities for Public Administration majors:
- Do an internship
- Attend political rallies and lectures
- Study abroad
- Volunteer or work part-time for a political campaign, newspaper, or television
- station.
- Participate in student government
- Take electives in areas related to your major Join a professional association
Print Resources:
-
Asher, Donald. Asher's Bible of Executive Resumes & How to Write Them. Ten Speed Press, 1997.
-
Career in Finance. The Financial Management Association International, 1995.
-
Career Opportunities for Minority Graduate. Paoli Publishing, 1997.
-
Garner, Geraldine. Careers in Social and Rehabilitation Services. VGM Career Horizons, 1994.
-
Morgan, Bradley J. Public Administration Career Directory. Visible Ink Press, 1994.
-
Rowe, Fred. The Career Connection for College Education: A Guide to College Education and Related Career Opportunities. JIST Publications, 1994.
Internet Resources:
- Management Analysts, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists and Managers, (Mediators), Occupational
- Government, Chief Executives and Legislators, (City Managers), Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Urban and Regional Planners, (City, Urban Planners), Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Health Services Managers, (Hospital Administrators), Occupational Outlook Handbook
- American Society for Public Administration
- What Can I do With a Major in Public Administration
Professional Associations
- American Society for Public Administration
- The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
- International Personnel Management Association
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
