Resources for learning more about the public sector

Resources on the Federal government

Note that more Federal jobs exist outside of Washington, D.C., than within. Choosing Federal employment does not mean you must relocate to the Capital.

• Partnership for Public Service is a national nonprofit "that works to revitalize our Federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by transforming the way government works."

• AmeriCorps*VISTA and Peace Corps both offer first-year alums noncompetitive eligibility for federal government jobs. That means these recent program grads can apply for jobs not open to the entire public.
• Many service corps have placements in local and state government agencies that give professionals a taste of that work environment and access to new, highly relevant networks for this work.
• USA Jobs is the official site for government-sector jobs; Hill Zoo is another place to look online.
• The U.S. Public Service Academy movement aims to make public sector careers as clear-cut and supported an option as military careers have been for centuries. Listen to an Idealist podcast episode featuring Myers Asch.
• Young Government Leaders — a professional organization for young federal government workers with chapters in cities throughout the United States.

Resources on all levels of government

• American Society of Public Administration (ASPA)
• Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard "advances excellence and innovation in governance and public policy through research, education, and public discussion."
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) — fostering excellence in public policy research, analysis, and education.
• Career Opportunities in Politics, Government and Activism by Joan Axelrod-Contrada offers listings of over 70 job titles in government including education and resources for learning more.
• Governing magazine — unites leaders from all levels of government and across the United States with relevant content and news.
• Gov Loop — a social network for current and future government workers. Job seekers may want to check out the Rock Your Resume group within the network.
• IBRInfo explains legislation that offers student loan cancellation in exchange for (years of) public service employment.
• International Public Management Association for Human Resources — for HR professionals in the government sector.
• Public Service Careers — a career resource from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

• BACK to Public sector knowledge.