Here you can explore careers dedicated to public service. Whether you are interested in a profession that enforces laws and policies or promotes political and social change; individuals interested in this career community tend to have an overarching desire to improve society. Individuals who pursue careers in government, public administration & law will attain competencies in intercultural communication, writing, research, conflict resolution, logical reasoning, critical thinking, data analysis, and public relations.
The GPAL Career Community is dedicated to providing resources and tools to successfully explore various career paths including gaining in-depth knowledge into academic requirements, internships/fellowships, and necessary skills to succeed in the 21st-century job market.
Government- virtually every occupation can be found within government (e.g. finance, IT, social work). There are over 170 federal departments and agencies in existence- https://gogovernment.org/ The goal of this community is to shed light into career paths ONLY found within government. Sample professions include: national security, international affairs, foreign service, politics, public policy, emergency management, law enforcement, legislative services, human rights.
Public Administration– shapes society through public service at the local, state, and federal levels. Careers in this field focus on managing public systems, executing leadership in the public sector, all while working directly with people. Sample professions include: elected official, city council-manager, court administrator, county clerk.
Law-choosing a career in the legal profession brings diverse career opportunities. No matter the type of law you choose to practice, you will focus your efforts on serving clients and resolving complex issues.
Sample professions include: prosecution, defense, corporate, nonprofit/public interest, lobbying, mediation.
Sample Professions Include:
- Law (i.e. attorney for federal, state or local government)
- City, Community, Regional Planning
- Security and Protection (i.e. law enforcement, compliance officer, investigations coordinator, probation officer)Â
- Foreign Service Officer
- Public Information Officer
- Legislators
- Policy AnalystsÂ
Tips/Strategies for Success:
- Seek leadership roles through campus involvement
- Become involved with local advocacy and government focused organizations
- Research your own local and state laws
- Complete an internship in a government agencyÂ
- Participate in local and national election campaigns
- Educate yourself on government application procedures
Professional Associations
Law
American Bar Association – https://www.americanbar.org/
Political Science, Public Administration and Government Â
American Political Science Association – https://www.apsanet.org/
American Society for Public Administration – https://www.aspanet.org/
Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management – https://www.appam.org/
International Association for Political Science Students – https://www.iapss.org/
Criminal Justice
Academy for Criminal Justice Sciences – https://www.acjs.org/
American Correctional Association – http://www.aca.org/aca_prod_imis/aca_member
National Criminal Justice Association – https://www.ncja.org/
American Probation and Parole Association – https://www.appa-net.org/eweb/
Sociology
American Sociological Association – https://www.asanet.org/
Global Studies
Central Intelligence Agency – Â https://www.cia.gov/index.html
Defense Intelligence Agency – https://www.dia.mil/
Disaster Relief Agencies – http://www.disastercenter.com/agency.htm
Devex – https://www.devex.com/jobs
Go Government – https://gogovernment.org/
National Security Agency – https://www.nsa.gov/
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