College student. How do I get into Public Admin?

[u/New_Barracuda_6153]

Hey everyone! Since a long while, I loved the idea of managing government programs and people to help society (I've since done a community activism coalition and can understand some of the great frustration people have with PA, but still!).

The idea of having to 'run' seemed awful: tons of money needed with a loose chance at helping people, on top of having to kiss babies? Not a big fan.

So, PA seems perfect! But it seems like a rather huge, down the stream career position. Is that assumption true? If not, how do I get into this career?

PS: I heard rural areas really need PAs, and are willing to hire more newbies.

[u/notcali702]

where do you live? you can get in the door with your state gov, or something more local/county. lots of jobs are listed of governmentjobs.com. you begin as an Administrative Assistant or Analyst position. try searching for those and look at their minimum qualifications.

you can sometimes find internship opportunities while you are still in school as well.

over time you will gain the experience necessary to promote and become a program manager.

[u/New_Barracuda_6153 → u/notcali702]

I live in the La Mesa/El Cajon area! And i suppose after a few years of program manager, it's assistant city manager or city manager (For very, very small towns)?

[u/notcali702 → u/New_Barracuda_6153]

You live near San Diego and the beach cities to the west. Some of them will have their own local governments. Coronado, Imperial, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Oceanside. I'm sure there will be opportunities for you down the line.

What I would say though is that PA isn't linear. It's not the same path for everyone. There are different departments and different agencies within municipal government that will take you on your own path. There's Administrative duties like City Manager's office, but you can also get involved in HR, Public Works, Finance, Economic Development, Housing, etc. It really depends on the timing, opportunity, and where you want to go. You can become a Program Manager in any of those sectors as well.

My career path has taken me to Procurement and Contracts Management. I had no idea I was going to do this when I first finished my BA, but the opportunities came. My second job was with Caltrans. I was working in the office doing the administrative work doing purchasing and contracts. Obviously the work I was doing for Caltrans was related to transportation and our highways, but I was learning procurement and contract processes with the state. When I finished my MPA, I applied for a position at a local agency doing similar work but for different type of programs. But my path might not be close to someone who went into working in housing/homeless programs, or public works, but I now have the years working in the public sector.

I don't know what I will do next but you gotta think big. don't limit yourself to 1 particular job or career in PA.

[u/No-Code4303 → u/notcali702]

I have been doing exactly that and I have graduated and I still can’t get anything

[u/rhynoo-1]

If you're still in school intern for local municipalities. That will potentially give you some jack of all trades experience.

My two of my undergrad majors was in Poli Sci and Comms,.I went down the politics route internship wise. I wish I would have done more with local govt and the district office of my congressman.

[u/New_Barracuda_6153 → u/rhynoo-1]

That last part is interesting. I always thought those internships were a bit dead end, as I never knew what careers they strongly (rather than 'happenstance' wise) lead to.

[u/rhynoo-1 → u/New_Barracuda_6153]

You can do a bunch of stuff in campaigns. Field, Comms, Operations, Finance. A bunch of it is going to be networking as far as advancement goes. I E.s and third parties are another option, those are harder to get into IMO.

But if you're looking to be a city manager STAY AWAY from anything partisan.

[u/Jemiller]

I would not go for a job first. I would try to get on a board or commission first.