Government & Public Administration:
Skills & Job Outlook for this Career Cluster
On The Job:
- Government and public administration is a large employer of all types of workers. In Minnesota, 79,653 people work for the local government, 25,312 are state employees and 11,085 work for the federal government.*
- In Minnesota, city, county and America Indian tribal government positions are located all over the state. Most state and federal positions are located in the Twin Cities.
- Government positions can include jobs found in other industries, like accountants, managers, engineers, secretaries and health-care professionals. But some occupations are hired mainly by government agencies, like tax examiners, building inspectors and urban planners.
- Advancement in some positions depends on elections. Local council members, mayors, legislators, and some sheriffs and judges are elected into their positions.
- The military provides good background for many of these occupations, including interpreters and translators. Hiring preference is given to veterans for some positions.
*Source: MCIS
What Skills Do You Need?
- Communication skills for effective speaking, listening and written information with clients and coworkers.
- Confidentiality to guard clients' and organization's private information.
- Critical-thinking skills when making decisions about the lives of others and possible consequences.
- Organization and time-management skills to complete multiple projects on time.
- Patience when working with clients who are angry, scared, frustrated or stressed.
- Physical stamina to stand for long periods of time or endure long, stressful work shifts.
Job Outlook: FAIR
Because employment is affected by tax cuts and budget constraints, local state and federal jobs are expected to grown more slowly than jobs in other industries. However, government agencies will always be needed to manage transportation, utilities, natural resources, corrections and court systems, social services and other systems and services residents use every day.
Increased demand for services related to the elderly, mentally and physically impaired and children will stimulate hiring.
Minnesota also has a growing need for interpreters, translators and other multi-lingual workers who know the languages and cultures of the state's growing immigrant populations.
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