4 answers
Nate
Student
Whitmore Lake, Michigan
15
Questions
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What school did you go to?
I would like to be in the government and the public administration department. I think that I would be good at it. It was chosen for me because of the things I like. #government # carreer #school #graduate-school
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4 answers
Marybeth Mitts
Career Event Planner
2
Answers
Lenox, Massachusetts
Updated
Marybeth’s Answer
Hi Nate. You can study just about anything as an undergraduate and then choose to get a public administration degree in graduate school. Most state universities have excellent public administration programs. I attended University of Maryland, College Park School of Public Policy. The program is outstanding and very affordable if you are an in state resident.
Most state university (public) programs will be more affordable than private university programs. If your grades are outstanding you may be fortunate to receive merit aid to attend a program (public or private). The terrific thing about getting a public administration degree is that it prepares you well for federal, state or local government administration. You will develop public sector financial skills, project management skills, an appreciation for the way federal and state laws are made/interpreted and for the manner in which local regulations are developed and passed. These skills can also help you in the nonprofit sector as well.
It's a great idea to look into your state's university to familiarize yourself with the public administration program.
If you think you'd like to work for the federal government, it may be a good idea to attend a university close to the nation's capitol so you might be able to get a summer internship at a federal agency.
If you think you'd like to work in state government, look into the universities near your state capitol so you might get an internship in a state agency between your academic years.
Working in public administration is very rewarding as you are usually working to make some aspect of life better for the citizens of your city, state or country.
Most state university (public) programs will be more affordable than private university programs. If your grades are outstanding you may be fortunate to receive merit aid to attend a program (public or private). The terrific thing about getting a public administration degree is that it prepares you well for federal, state or local government administration. You will develop public sector financial skills, project management skills, an appreciation for the way federal and state laws are made/interpreted and for the manner in which local regulations are developed and passed. These skills can also help you in the nonprofit sector as well.
Marybeth recommends the following next steps:
Fatimah Ogungbade, MPA
Government and Community Affairs
3
Answers
Herndon, Virginia
Updated
Fatimah’s Answer
Hi Nate,
I studied Government and Politics at George Mason University, in Fairfax, VA. The school in the largest public school in Virginia and is 20 minutes away from DC but also in the heart of Fairfax County, which has a lot of government and public administration companies and jobs. Fairfax County is one of the most successful and educated places in America to also mention!
I got my masters in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Through this program I was able to work in Virginia's General Assembly with senators, delegates and legislatives aides in the state's capitol building.
I would recommend researching schools with strong government programs and/or schools that are close to the capital of your state and finding internships/jobs in the legislative bodies.
I studied Government and Politics at George Mason University, in Fairfax, VA. The school in the largest public school in Virginia and is 20 minutes away from DC but also in the heart of Fairfax County, which has a lot of government and public administration companies and jobs. Fairfax County is one of the most successful and educated places in America to also mention!
I got my masters in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Through this program I was able to work in Virginia's General Assembly with senators, delegates and legislatives aides in the state's capitol building.
I would recommend researching schools with strong government programs and/or schools that are close to the capital of your state and finding internships/jobs in the legislative bodies.
Sirlei Farley
Program/Project Manager
54
Answers
Updated
Sirlei’s Answer
Hi Nate,
I attended Broward College and University of Charleston for Business Administration and for my MBA.
I think regardless of major though, it’s always a good idea to research good colleges in your major and, if possible, visit a few.
At the end, you’ll be spending at least four years there and you want to go to a school that you feel welcomed in.
Best of luck!
I attended Broward College and University of Charleston for Business Administration and for my MBA.
I think regardless of major though, it’s always a good idea to research good colleges in your major and, if possible, visit a few.
At the end, you’ll be spending at least four years there and you want to go to a school that you feel welcomed in.
Best of luck!
David Huh
Finance Manager
21
Answers
Wanaque, New Jersey
Updated
David’s Answer
Though I don't work in the public sector, I attended Tufts University, majoring in International Relations (think Political Science with a focus on history and economics). I then obtained my MBA from New York University with a concentration in finance and marketing.
If I had to transition into government work, I would focus on financial or economic policy -- or administrative work with NGOs.
The point of my commenting here is to show that you don't have to necessarily study a specific topic or major in college to work in government or the public sector. The government is so large in scope that I think you should concentrate on an area that interests you and for which you develop a deep passion -- and transfer that to the sector of the government that can leverage those skills and knowledge base.
I hope that makes sense.
Good luck!
If I had to transition into government work, I would focus on financial or economic policy -- or administrative work with NGOs.
The point of my commenting here is to show that you don't have to necessarily study a specific topic or major in college to work in government or the public sector. The government is so large in scope that I think you should concentrate on an area that interests you and for which you develop a deep passion -- and transfer that to the sector of the government that can leverage those skills and knowledge base.
I hope that makes sense.
Good luck!