Getting Into the Government

Whether you’re interested in getting into the government, or just a fan of the work it does, there are several different gov jobs that you can consider. From school counselors to building management specialists, you’re sure to find one that fits your skills and interests.

Attorney – Investigate and prosecute criminal and civil cases

Getting a government job as an attorney involves a lot of work. You will be involved with both criminal and civil court cases. You will also be tasked with public outreach. Some states have specialized units that handle particular types of cases.

A prosecutor has to be admitted to the bar. In addition to a law degree, prosecutors typically receive additional training in the administration of justice. These include legal research and evidence gathering.

In some countries, prosecutors are judicial civil servants, while in others, they are elected by the citizens. For example, in the United States, the United States Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement official in each judicial district. In Canada, a prosecutor is known as the director of public prosecutions.

Most states have a state attorney. In some states, the prosecutor is referred to as a district attorney.

Economist

Besides working for the government, economists may also be in banking, finance, and marketing. They may also be involved in economic development, which involves creating models to help integrate resources from all sectors.

Some economists specialize in macroeconomics. They research the effects of legislation and public policies. They may also work with statisticians to analyze data. They analyze how the economy works, and they advise governments and other organizations on the impact of their decisions.

Most economists work full-time, but they can also be part-time. Their work schedules are generally well-organized. They may be required to travel for their job. They may also have to work under tight deadlines.

A bachelor’s degree is typically sufficient for most entry-level jobs. A master’s degree is necessary for some positions. A doctorate is typically needed for top positions in the government and other organizations.

Building management specialist

Several of the federal government’s largest and oldest agencies employ building management specialists. For example, the Department of Energy has 27 industrial property management specialists. Aside from the technical work involved in contract administration, these individuals also have to know something about business practices.

There are several other agencies where building management specialists work, including the Defense Department, the General Services Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management. The average salary for a building manager is $70,473 in 2004, but this number could go up in the coming years. In addition to directing a variety of service functions, building managers also oversee the provision of concessions and food service and evaluate new materials and methods.

These professionals are responsible for providing safe, secure, clean, and sustainable facilities. Aside from managing the building itself, these pros are tasked with promoting community use of Federal facilities. They may also be tasked with finding new ways to conserve energy.

Transportation security officer

Known as TSOs, transportation security officers protect the traveling public by securing airplanes and airports. They work with various screening equipment, including x-ray machines and imaging scanners, to identify objects that pose a threat to air travel. They also mitigate potential threats to other modes of transportation.

To qualify as a TSO, you need to be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. You also need to have a clean criminal history. You should not have a record of drug or alcohol abuse, a previous conviction for a crime, or a past delinquent tax or child support debt.

TSA employees must complete 120 hours of on-the-job training and pass an annual certification process. The certification process includes a written exam and a third-party evaluation. TSA also requires applicants to undergo a background investigation.

School counselor

Using interpersonal skills, school counselors assess and work with students to help them achieve their academic, social, and career goals. While working with students, counselors also interact with their families and the community. They coordinate resources and support services to help solve developmental and social issues.

The field of school counseling is growing faster than most other careers due to the increasing demand for education. Additionally, as the economy becomes increasingly complex and technology continues to expand, the role of school counselors expands.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of positions for school counselors will increase over the next 10 years, making this job a great choice for career growth. These jobs are available in public, private, and nonprofit educational organizations. They also are available in healthcare agencies, social assistance organizations, and various other settings.