Yesterday (January 20) was a federal holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging Americans to “celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions.” (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service website)
President Barack Obama and his daughter Sasha, right, make burritos at DC Central Kitchen as part of a service project in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Washington. Also helping were first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia Obama. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) The Associated Press [copied from U-T San Diego online 1-21-14]
Are you determined to “do well by doing good”? Want to make service the focus of your career? You are in luck! There are many rewarding jobs and careers through which you can help solve some of our most complicated issues, support your community or just plain help people.
And, just in case you think that a public service career is only about working for the government, according to PublicServiceCareers.org:
The “new public sector” refers to the complex network of relationships among organizations that has emerged over the past thirty years in response to the realities of today’s public policy and public administration needs. Whereas a public service career once meant government employment, we now recognize the connections between governments, nonprofits, NGOs the private sector, and universities. Persons employed in any of these types of organizations can have highly producti.ve careers that contribute directly the public good
Professional public service today thus offers many career opportunities including those in governments at all levels, in nonprofit organizations and NGOs, in higher education, and in private sector companies that work under contract to governments. These opportunities provide good pay and benefits, numerous choices of where to work in the United States and around the world, and resources for further training and education.
The PublicServiceCareers.org website is an informative and useful resource for exploring these types of careers and finding opportunities. Here are some key links from their site:
- Why Public Service? The Opportunity to Make A Difference!
- Education for Public Service Careers (NOTE: Other types of training can also prepare you for public service, e.g., social work and public health degrees.)
- Career Advice and Resources (including data on salaries)
- Find a Position (including internships)
