One of 16 career clusters that the U.S. Department of Labor tracks, Government & Public Administration encompasses jobs in politics as well as civil service at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels. Careers span the many activities that government offices and agencies oversee, from the local level where jobs might include municipal planning and code enforcement to state and national levels, where work can range from agriculture to international relations. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s industry clusters and their economic outlook.
Adults using these resources to help students explore careers may also find it helpful to use the Career Journeys Supplemental Materials we’ve prepared for teachers and counselors.
A political career takes passion and plans
Marita Garrett was never drawn so much to politics as public service. But when she recognized that Wilkinsburg, the neighborhood where she settled, needed change agents, she was off and running for mayor.
Leading, learning, making a difference
Major Dave Judson originally planned four years in the Army, but said he’s stayed 12 because he continues to learn, make a difference, and find new challenges every day.
Applying hard science to social issues
As a scientist at the intersection of science and policy, Neil Brown enjoys “simplifying the complicated and complicating the simple.”
Analyzing policy means seeing both sides
Working on policy issues for a state senator prepared Briana Mihok for her role as senior policy strategist with the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics.
Paying a community debt in public service
State Rep. Austin Davis suggests students considering careers in politics or public service should start small and start now, working on community projects.
Helping a city and its youth become more tech savvy
As Digital Inclusion Director for the City of Pittsburgh and as Founder of Beta Builders, Maximillian Dennison is trying to make technology accessible to all.
Raising awareness about gender & equity issues
Mayor Peduto’s Gender & Equity Commission stimulates visibility and partnerships to sensitize our community and workplaces.
Finding out what a community wants and needs
The mantra of an Environmental Justice Organizer like Kat Bakrania is “Follow the money, confront the power, be the change!”
Food for thought
From finding ways to strengthen farmers’ markets across the region, to thinking about improvements in meat processing, Sam Applefield likes that his job brings people together around issues related to food.
Manager, farmer, and community builder, all in one
With a job that calls for administrative and hands-on skills, Raqueeb Bey works alone and as part of a team, staying “stubborn about goals, but flexible about methods.”
Same skills, two different paths
A career plan to work in government has taken Jennifer Halaszynski from the public sector to private industry as Manager of Regulatory & Government Affairs for Comcast.
Advocating for people and their environments
As Sustainable Communities Director for the Green Building Alliance, Alyssa Lyon is passionate about advancing environmental justice and ensuring that marginalized people and neighborhoods get the amenities and resources they need.
Curiosity to follow a winding path
As Digital Organizer for Re-Imagine Beaver County, Connor Mulvaney helps engage the community in the dialogue and decision-making needed to protect their air and water while attracting industry and jobs.
