Public Service & Safety (formerly two clusters – Government & Public Administration and Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security) encompasses jobs in politics, those in civil service at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels, as well as in the court system, police and fire departments, security companies, ambulance services, and more. These jobs impact the work of many other sectors. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s industry clusters and their economic outlook, and visit CareerOneStop’s public service & safety page to continue your career exploration.
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!”
It’s not all traffic stops and arrests
From detectives and medical examiners to cybercrime investigators and FBI agents, law enforcement offers a wide variety of careers, according to 22-year veteran Erich Wilson.
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.
Chemistry training led to a career in regulatory compliance
A chemistry background helped Greg Chambers solve a safety challenge for Oberg Industries and the solution helped pave the way for his career in regulatory compliance.
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.
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.
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.
Taking the law to a different court
Kacie Farmer got her law degree only to learn she didn’t feel cut out for life in a law firm. The legal background still comes in handy, however, as she caters to legal clients for Thomson Reuters.
Always working to perfect a craft is key
Walter A. Bernard credits his early training as an athlete with giving him the discipline to make two major academic changes, go to law school, and found his own law firm after an injury cut short his pro football career.
Change doesn’t come overnight
Key skills needed in law are “attention to detail, reading and writing,” said Ned Mulcahy, a Staff Attorney for Group Against Smog and Pollution. In environmental law, he said, you can add one more: patience.
A satisfying job that takes a “thick skin”
A Criminal Justice Professor recognized Marino Swanson could roll with the punches and recommended him for a job with Allegheny County Juvenile Probation. It seemed tailor-made for someone who aspired to mentor youth.
Retiring into an entirely different career
Guido Girimonti had a whole career in safety, as an EMT and firefighter, before retiring early to become a Land Manager for the Allegheny Land Trust where he says “the woods is my office.”
Go beyond textbook learning
For an attorney, being “able to maneuver” is an important skill, according to Ryan Srnik. Quoting Bruce Lee, he advises: “Be water, wherever you are.”
Same talents, different job
A knack for building relationships and telling stories served Dana Hackley, Ph.D., well during her years in broadcast news. Now she draws on those same talents doing public relations and marketing for a law firm.
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