Public Administration Careers

Public Administration Management Career Overview

Public administration defines administrative positions in non-profit and governmental sectors. While public administration is often a thankless career path, it is one that is essential to the day-to-day operation of many of our most important institutions.

In government, public administrators are needed at organizations at all levels, from local to federal. The skills an individual can gain working for a government agency are very valuable in the private sector. The opposite is also true. Public administrators act as the nation’s civil servants in government, administering policy set by the country’s elected leaders while at the same time assessing the effectiveness of current government projects.

In the private sector, managers in public administration have roughly the same responsibilities as a manager in a corporation; they are responsible for the people working under them in making sure the company’s and or non-profit’s goals are met.

The private sector holds many opportunities:

• Special interest groups
• Religious organizations
• Political groups

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Public Administration Management Training and Education

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is a definite must in pursuing a career in public administration. Though majoring in public administration is generally not required (or even possible at some schools), employers would like to see that recent graduates have a familiarity with the subject area most related to their administrative roles.

Though the specialty of the company or agency ultimately determines a desirable employee, employers in public administration want analytical thinkers who excel in problem solving under time constraints.

Like many fields, an advanced advanced degree in public administration can open doors for both recent college graduates and those already working in public administration. For those wishing to earn a graduate degree in public administration, a Masters of Public Education(MPA) is the most commonly pursued route.

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Public Administration Management Career & Salary Outlook

The career outlook for an individual largely depends on both experience in the field of public administration and job performance—although those with an MPA are often hired into a higher position due to their advanced degree.

Salaries in public administration depend on a variety of factors. Is the job part time or for only a few months a year? A part time council member may only earn a few thousand dollars a year while salaries in for major public institutions like government agencies or large universities can go well into the six-figure range.

Generally, initial salary outlook largely depends on the level of education the person has when going into public administration. Depending on the specialty, a new employee with an MPA degree can expect to earn roughly $45,000 their first year on the job. This figure is a median salary between government and private sector positions. Salaries in government agencies tend to be lower, and roughly six thousand dollars a year less for an MPA degree-holder right out of school.

The median salary increases to $74,000 after ten years and tops off at $86,000 after twenty or more years of experience. Some of the highest paid holders of MPA degrees work as city managers ($100,000+ per annum), while program coordinators in non-profit organizations tend to have the lowest salaries among MPA-holders ($39,000 per annum).

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Career Fields/Specializations

Community Development Career

Community Development Specialists are those government and non-profit workers who work at the community level. They work within local groups to plan programs that encourage the health and safety of a community, or simply for recreational purposes. Their work often includes raising awareness of social ills and implement changes that will correct the problems faced by a community.

Program Research Analyst Career

Program research analysts are responsible for the research and assessment of public programs and policies. As an analyst they are responsible for determining if a program is effective. If a program is seen as ineffective based on their research Program Research Analysts' may research possible policy changes and their expected effect. Their suggestions influence an employer’s next step in regards to the research and policy.

Program research analysts often analyze how program money is spent, draft program plans and budgets, and create reports on the program achievements. Different types of programs require program research analysts with different strengths.

Municipal Management Career

Town/City managers are appointed officials who supervise the daily operations of all city departments. They interact with elected officials, municipal employees, contractors, and citizens to ensure municipal operations run smoothly. The town/city manager oversees all:

• Municipal Planning
• Public Works
• Police
• Fire
• Emergency Services
• Economic Development

Though citizens get to vote on major issues concerning the municipal district, day-to-day issues are taken care of by municipal managers.

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