Public Administration

As a public administrator, it is your responsibility to avidly work to implement laws and other services that aid in improving justice, security and the overall quality of life for the general public and communities. With that said, pursuing a career in public administration can lead you to work in a variety of different sectors and industries, including the government and a variety of non-profit organizations. Those wanting to get into this industry should be able to acquire an abundant of career opportunities since the job outlook for public administration looks promising, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of course, options will be expanded or limited based on level of experience, type of degree earned and location.

Common Career Paths:

Parole Officer

A parole officer may not be the first career option one may think of, but it certainly fits the bill of a public administrator. This is because parole officers are responsible for ensuring that offenders who are freshly released from prison are closely monitored and are abiding by court rules and orders. Parole officers are also responsible for ensuring that their assigned ex-convict has acceptable housing arrangements and employment opportunities. This act alone is a service to the community since parole officers are in charge of making sure that the offender is causing no harm to him or herself and most importantly to the community. In order for one to become a probation officer a bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, criminal justice or a related field is generally required. In addition to a training program provided by the State or Federal government, applicants must also be at least 21-years-old but must be no older than 37 if working at the Federal level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With that said, the job outlook for parole officers is expected to be wonderful. In fact, the Bureau predicts that employment opportunities will increase about 19 percent within the next decade, placing 123,300 new jobs in the market. Salaries will vary depending on years of experience, location and employer (State or Federal level) but on average one can expect to earn anywhere from $35,990 to $60,430 a year.

Policy Analyst

A policy analyst works to improve society by researching and evaluating current issues as well as suggesting solutions to imperfect governmental policies. Policy analysts use a variety of different methods including surveys ,cost-benefit analysis, focus groups, and other tools to determine whether developing an entirely new or a just a revised policy is necessary. No matter what decision the policy analyst chooses to do, the new or revised policy is then monitored and evaluated for an extended period of time to see whether it truly corrected the issue(s) and or if it was effective in completing its mission. Depending on research specialty, a policy analyst can also be classified as a political scientist, economist, or urban and regional planner for example. With that said, anyone pursuing this career should work to obtain an advanced degree such as a master's degree or PhD in public administration, public policy, economics, political science or another related subject. Sometimes even a law (J.D.) degree is necessary depending on the exact work you aspire to do. As far as salaries are concerned, they vary on degree level obtained and the employer. For example, Federal agencies typically pay anywhere from $93,000 to $145,000 however these jobs are highly competitive and limited. While jobs at non-profit organizations are easier to land and usually only require a master's degree, some only offer a starting salary of $31,740, according to The Occupational Outlook Quarterly.

Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and regional planners work to create strategic plans that effectively make use of land, space and other resources in the region they reside in. Thus specific job duties may vary whether one lives in an urban, suburban, or rural community. But more generally, urban and regional planners are responsible for helping local and governmental officials come up with solutions to issues pertaining to residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational facilities. This may include formulating both public and private zoning regulations and recommending the best locations for schools, other infrastructures and the placing of new roads. No matter what project an urban and regional planner is working on, he or she must always consider short-term and long-term effects on the community as well as the economical and environmental issues it may have on the area and population. With that said, a majority of urban and regional planners are employed by local, Federal or State governments. Most entry positions in this department do in fact require a master's degree in urban or regional planning or in a related field. But to get accepted into most master degree programs one must earn a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science or environmental design for example. Career opportunities for those who pursue this field are expected to be good, with 7,300 new jobs predicted to be added into the market throughout the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, one can expect a salary ranging anywhere from $57,000 to $75,000 the Bureau states.