Many people do not think about employment with government agencies when considering a career choice. With the current private sector job market being as competitive as it is, preparing for a career in government has never been more attractive.
Government, in general, is a wide open employment market. In order to deliver public goods and services in an efficient and effective manner, all levels of government need trained professionals in critical positions to make the necessary decisions for the public good. The primary difference between working in public and private sector jobs is that companies can fold when they become unprofitable. Profit is not the mission of government. Government's function is critical to society in general and the range of employment possibilities is vast.
Having a job in the military:
Many individuals choose a branch of the military to begin building their career path. For those who are equipped mentally and physically to serve, it is a very important component of all government operations. The Air Force may be the most effective in training individuals with skills that can be utilized after a completed tour of duty. The operations and missions of the Air Force tend to be more technical than other branches and personnel establish qualifications that transfer easily into future occupations. It also is an excellent way to finance post-secondary education through military educational benefits. The combination of training and experience, along with military preference in some positions, allows the individual an advantage over other candidates for any position.
When you join a branch of the Armed Forces, you are making a serious investment in your future. Countless people just like you have built skills, earned money, and discovered abilities they never knew they had through service to their country. Aside from giving you a competitive paycheck and substantial benefits, military service hones the skills and attributes that will be an asset to you wherever you go: loyalty, duty, respect, honor, integrity and courage. The military helps you become mentally sharp, physically fit, and ready to rise to any challenge.
Enlisting in the U.S. military is an opportunity to help your community, your state and your country. In times of disaster or civil disturbance, branches of the Armed Forces stand ready. When international conflict arises, you can be there. The benefits are substantial too. The U.S. military recognizes the value of education and provides tuition assistance and training worth thousands of dollars. For almost every job in the civilian sector there is a military equivalent, so no matter what your interest you can take advantage of specialized training and hands-on learning. You get paid to learn!
If you are a college graduate or a college student with 60 credits, you may even be eligible to become an officer. Your time in the military counts toward military retirement benefits, giving you something extra down the road, too. Life is full of challenges you can't avoid. The skills and abilities you learn in the Armed Forces can help you meet them, overcome them and succeed.
Federal Government Jobs & Employment:
Employment at the federal level is often achieved through service at the lower levels, but not always. Every federal agency needs technically trained professionals. Agencies such as the FBI and Homeland Security are always on the lookout for qualified personnel and training in government is an excellent method of preparing for a career in either agency. They are also integral to future of the United States, though a degree in government does not necessarily mean that the American government is the only potential employer. The Social Security Administration is also an example of departments in need of professional level employees, as the agency operates its own separate court system to handle social security and disability claims.
Local & State Government Jobs:
State governments also have the same need for qualified personnel and can be easier positions to attain. At the state level job applicants often have a network connection to the agency that they are applying. The potential of taking advantage of knowing individuals already established with the group can impact the choice of training to pursue. In many cases, technical degrees can be as effective as full four-year degrees from established schools with physical campuses, but any applicant should invest the necessary time to look at certifications that can be earned through an internet format. Time management, comfort, and economic advantages can be substantial for those who are willing to utilize the power of digitized learning to achieve their employment goals, even if it is just a component of the overall education process. Many times employment in a local government operation while the student is still doing the necessary professional upgrade is a practical method of beginning a career.