Government and Public Education Careers

What's it About?

The primary goal of careers in the government and public administration cluster is to improve the lives of citizens and the overall quality of the community. Careers exist at local, state, and national levels, requiring different levels of education, from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree or more. This cluster offers employment opportunities in finance, management, politics, safety, policy, and planning. It includes unique roles such as elected officials and military personnel. Individuals in this field manage, supervise, and influence regulations and public policy to meet the needs of the people and communities they serve.

Key Skills for Success

In addition to job specific skills in the chosen discipline, those working in a government and public administration career should possess the following skills: Communication (Written and Verbal), teamwork, time management, adaptability, empathy, critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail. Additionally, students should enjoy course work in political science and government, history, economics, mathematics, psychology, and human development.

Career Opportunities

• Court Clerks
• Transportation Security Screeners
• Coroners
• Policy and Budget Analysts
• Emergency Management Directors
• City Managers
• Elected officials
• Urban and Regional Planners

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West Virginia 4-H Opportunities

West Virginia University Extension provides opportunities to explore your career interests through a variety of projects and educational activities.

4-H Project Areas

• Community Service
• Career Exploration
• Leadership
• Finance
• Your Thoughts Matter
• Self-Determined (Design Your Own)

Educational Activities

• Public Speaking and Presentations
• 4-H Leadership in Clubs and Camps
• Legislative Day
• 4-H Charting Program
• 4-H Teen Leaders and State Teen Council
• National 4-H Leadership Conferences

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Contact the WVU Extension Service Office of Communications at 304-293-4222.