As a public service professional, you may have a strong will to work for the federal government. The skills and knowledge that you may have learned through experience or through your MPA program could be utilized by pursuing a career in local government. Making procedures work more effectively, making a difference in your local city or county, and being a part of local change could be beneficial to local citizens and the most satisfying career move.
Having the responsibility of the future success of your community as a City Manager is a tedious task, but with the many professionals retiring, being a city official or manager could benefit the causes and initiatives you believe in. The types of manager positions that could provide the greatest opportunity is a County Commissioner, Manager of Fire Services, or implementing new policies for driving through the historical landmarks of the city.
Like many of us in public service, we want what we do to be meaningful. City and County Managers put the goals and needs of the city’s citizens in action. The local residents depend on you to make their community better. This is where it can become challenging because everyone gets to participate in the local projects, procedures, events, and planning of the city. Everyone has a say and the local government agencies value all of the input from its citizens.
Other benefits of developing a career in the local government are that there are more financial benefits. The salaries of managerial positions are just as competitive as the private sectors, making local government an attractive career. Public agencies need employers in a wide variety of skill sets and talents. The most common positions needed are Accounting Managers, IT managers, building inspectors, and engineers. With the constant demand for services, public needs resources such as libraries, utilities, and other programs need steady projects to improve.
What you will learn in the local government is endless. Making executive decisions regarding laws and regulations, advancing in technological resources, and demographic changes, but the most important thing that the local government needs are young professionals that are eager to develop new ways of doing business and providing services.
If you decide to enhance your education, your knowledge, skills and abilities will be beneficial in the procurement, planning, human resources, mental health services, and public works. Also, being a budget analyst is the most critical position to have because you may learn the process of the budget of the city or county, how it is utilized and what the most critical services are. Obtaining this position may give you a better transition into executive management positions.
If you believe that a local government career is for you and you want to improve your local communities, while exploring unlimited opportunities, apply now. Managers have excellent benefits, with gas mileage expense, and more. You could bring your management expertise, dedication, drive, training, and dedication to local government and make a difference that could have long lasting impact in your community.
