What Kind of Degree Do You Need to Get City Government Jobs?
City-government jobs are some of the most secure jobs in the country and come with a multitude of benefits. Additionally, city-government jobs can secure retirement packages and often student-loan repayment assistance. Most professional-office city-government jobs require specific degrees; the type of degree needed depends almost entirely on the type of position. Review the background information and requirements for your chosen positions on the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other People Are Reading
-
Finding a Position
-
Go to your local government website to search for employment information. If you do not know the Web address for your city's site, go through the State and Local Government on the Net web site (see Resources). Most city-government sites list their open positions, along with current staff members. To find the type of work or position that interests you, peruse the site to discover the types of jobs the city offers. Three samples of professional office position sectors that require degrees include accountants and auditors, urban and regional planners, and public relations specialists. Each sector requires a different degree type.
Accountants and Auditors
-
Most of the positions within this sector will require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, such as economics. If you want to apply for a more advanced position, certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, or a master's degree in accounting, or in business administration with a concentration in accounting may be necessary. It is important to review the requirements for specific positions within this sector.
-
Urban and Regional Planners
-
The degree requirements for these positions are a bit more stringent than for the previous sector. A master's degree in a urban or regional planning program is needed for the best possibility of being hired. A related master's degree in areas such as geography, environmental planning or urban design may also be acceptable. Certifications are just as important in this sector for job advancement as for accountants and auditors.
Public Relations Specialists
-
Typically, a bachelor's degree in public relations is the basic requirement for a position in this sector. However, a bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism or other communications-related fields may also be accepted. For the best chance of winning over employers, your degree should be combined with related work experience, such as an internship in public relations.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
