Why Public Service?

Now more than ever, the United States Government is seeking out the best and brightest American citizens to answer the call of public service to our great nation. Federal employees are even now, serving their fellow citizens by protecting the environment, ensuring the soundness of our national defense, working on cutting-edge research to find the cause of and cure for disease, and keeping our skies safe for us to travel, and keeping our homeland safe, fulfilling vital missions critical to the accomplishment of our collective mission as public servants and as Americans.

Civil service is a demanding, yet rewarding, opportunity. For the Federal Government to be efficient and effective, it requires the active participation of individuals with ethics and integrity, eager to serve their fellow countrymen and who are willing to share their knowledge, skills, and energy for the betterment of our nation. The contributions Federal employees make today, tomorrow, and in the future guarantee that America will remain the world leader, successfully responding to the foreign and domestic challenges of the 21st century.

By joining the Federal workforce, you will make a difference. You will find the opportunities available within the Federal Government to be stimulating and professionally satisfying. Salaries are competitive, work-life balance is a reality and in return for a career in public service, a generous package of retirement and health benefits is available. One of the most significant advantages of a career working for the Federal Government is that career training and development are part of the professional culture within the Federal workforce and there are real opportunities for advancement. The career opportunities available to you as a Federal employee are endless. Once on board, the track you take and how far you want to go depends entirely upon you.
(source: USAJobs.gov)

Did you know?

1. The Nation's Largest Employer is Hiring
- In the next five years, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) projects that more than 550,000 federal employees—one-third of the entire full-time permanent workforce—will leave the government.
- OPM further projects that by 2016, 40 percent of all current federal employees will retire—that’s a lot of job openings!

2. You Can Make a Difference
- The work of government employee impacts the lives of every American.
- You can play a vital role in addressing pressing issues, from homelessness to homeland security.

3. There's a Job for Every Interest
- There are federal jobs suited to every interest and skill, from art history to zoology.
- You can combine your skills with your interests—for example, use your accounting background to improve your environment, your engineering degree to improve airport security, or your biology degree to conduct cutting-edge medical research.

4. The Federal Government Can Help Pay for School
- Federal agencies may help you pay back up to $10,000 per year of your student loans.
- Some agencies may pick up the tab if you decide to pursue a graduate degree.

5. You Can Advance Quickly
- Federal agencies offer excellent training and development opportunities.
- There are a number of “fast track” possibilities for advancement within your field.

6. There are Federal Jobs Around the Country… and Around the World
- Nearly 85 percent of federal jobs are located outside of the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
- More than 50,000 federal employees work abroad.

7. The Federal Government Values Diversity
- The federal government has steadily increased the diversity of its workforce.
- Federal agencies actively encourage minorities and individuals with disabilities to consider government service through a variety of internship and fellowship programs.

8. Federal Jobs Pay Better Than You Think
- Average government salaries are competitive for most professions.
- Pay can increase pretty quickly for top candidates with strong education and experience.

9. Flexible Work Schedules and Benefits Encourage Work-Life Balance
- Flexible work schedules are a major upside for those with busy schedules.
- Federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement and vacation, are extremely competitive with the private sector.

10. The Federal Government Is a Career Builder
- Advance your career by developing highly marketable skills.
- Utilize your federal experiences as a building block for an exciting and diverse career.
(source: The Partnership for Public Service)

Ready to find out more about opportunities in public service? Please check out these resources provided by the Partnership for Public Service for additional information:

- Red, White and Blue Jobs: Finding a Great Job in the Federal Government
www.makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/documents/rwbjobs_2nded.pdf
- Red, White and Blue Jobs: Business Jobs www.makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/documents/rwbjobs_business.pdf
- Business Jobs in the Federal Government www.makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/business.shtml