A public administrator is a government employee who works in a variety of capacities, including ambassador, consultant, urban expert, and legislator. Non-profit organizations, such as charities and hospitals, employ many public administrators. To work as a public administrator, you’ll need administrative experience and a master’s degree in a relevant field.
A master’s degree in public administration or a degree in a specific field, such as law, medicine, or education, can be obtained by someone interested in becoming a public administrator. Before beginning a master’s program, many graduate schools require students to take an entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE®). The passing score varies depending on the school and program.
Those who have earned a master’s degree in a specific field have already decided what kind of public administrator they will be. A public administrator with a legal background, for example, could serve as a legislator. A master’s degree in medicine will almost certainly lead to employment in a hospital.
A master’s degree in public administration allows graduates to apply for almost any government position. Many go on to work in administrative roles, such as budgeting or fundraising. These positions can be found on a local, regional, or national level.
Public administration is a broad field with numerous options for various degrees. Because most public administrators work with non-profit organizations, compassion and intuition are desirable qualities for those who want to work as a public administrator. Public administrators benefit greatly from strong communication skills, as well as leadership and problem-solving experience.
Strong math skills are required of public administrators because they are frequently responsible for creating budgets and raising funds for organizations. Strong computer skills are advantageous, but they are not required of a public administrator. Because technology is always changing, most employers will gladly teach the necessary computer skills if the applicant has good interpersonal skills.
Public administration jobs are concentrated in the United States. The majority of public administrators will be employed by either the federal or state governments. There are opportunities to work with American-based organizations in other countries. Fluency in multiple languages is ideal for these jobs.
Before a qualified student graduates, potential employers will frequently contact him to suggest that he pursue a career as a public administrator. Prospective employees are offered special federal government incentives. The Presidential Management Internship (PMI) is a program that allows students to get a glimpse into the world of public administration. To be considered for this program, one must be nominated by their school and pass a series of tests.