Government

Positions in government can be with local municipalities or counties, at the state level, or with federal agencies. Public service positions can be in nearly any career field, working for the common good at think tanks, non-profit organizations, hospitals, national security agencies, research or policy level entities, national parks, diplomacy/international affairs, Capitol Hill, Congressional support offices, executive offices and agencies, judicial offices, special interest and lobby organizations, advocacy groups, museums and arts organizations, print and broadcast media, and foreign service offices.

These positions are considered to be in the public service arena, as staff work to help citizens, inform the public, and work toward the common good. Employers look for staff who are highly accomplished, have a college education, and possess skills & experience needed for the broad base of positions.  Since staff work with the public in many roles, employers are seeking candidates with strong written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, problem solving, data analytics, and teamwork abilities.

Necessary Skills

Must-Have Skills for Careers in Government
Public service recruiters are looking for college graduates with top-notch skills and management potential. Although positions in government vary widely, there are some key skills that will help you impress recruiters and succeed at work regardless of your area of specialty. Whether you're applying for internships or jobs in federal or local government, you'll need to show your mastery of skills such as communication, organization, research, data analytics, teamwork and problem solving. You'll also find it helpful to research the specific skills sought for the roles you're interested in and direct your application materials at what an employer is seeking in candidates.

1. Communication

  • Convey ideas clearly through verbal, written, interpersonal, and nonverbal communication.
  • Adapt style to suit different audiences (colleagues, public, cross-agency teams).
  • Build rapport and nurture professional relationships.
  • Show in applications/interviews: concise writing, active listening, rapport-building, and clear messaging.

2. Organization & Management

  • Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects effectively.
  • Deliver quality results on time and within budget.
  • Demonstrate preparedness, attention to detail, and time management.
  • Show with examples: leading projects, supervising staff, or building a portfolio of work.

3. Teamwork

  • Collaborate and adapt to diverse teams across roles and departments.
  • Contribute actively in group settings and respect others’ working styles.
  • Show with examples: group projects, volunteering, or professional teamwork.
  • Demonstrate in assessments: active participation and constructive collaboration.

4. Innovative Thinking & Problem Solving

  • Analyze information and evidence to generate creative solutions.
  • Apply lateral thinking to improve services and efficiency.
  • Show with examples: academic analysis, customer service improvements, or initiating new approaches.

5. Specific Skills (Employer-Focused)

  • Research and tailor skills to employer expectations and competency frameworks.
  • Civil Service example:
    • Setting Direction: big-picture thinking, decision-making, change management.
    • Engaging People: leadership, collaboration, capability building.
    • Delivering Results: commercial outcomes, value for money, quality service, efficiency.

 

Typical Entry-Level Jobs

Government/Public Service positions are available in every career field, as organizations need all types of employees.  You can choose to be an Accountant with the GAO, a Human Resources Manager with your local city, or a Policy Analyst for state government, for example.

Here are some overall qualifications needed for entry-level jobs in government:

  • For Associate positions: significant internship or full-time experience at an agency, publicly-traded company, media outlet, or on the Hill/Administration
  • For Analyst positions: experience conducting research and performing financial or economic analysis, writing and distilling complex ideas and concepts into a digestible format
  • Expertise and interest in a specific policy field; familiarity with business, economics, politics and the legislative process
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple, competing priorities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong data management and analytical skills
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining Excel spreadsheets that combine multiple data sources a plus
  • Willingness to learn new skills and participate in new projects
  • Ability to take initiative; motivated and self-starting
  • Solid presentation skills and strong attention to detail

Some sample job titles in the U.S. Federal Government:

  • Capitol Hill
    • Staff or Legislative assistants
    • Member assistants
  • Department of Justice
    • Paralegals 
    • Legal Assistants
  • Environmental Engineer – Environmental Protection Agency
  • Contract Specialist - Department of the Interior
  • Auditor
  • Geologist
  • Personnel Security Specialist - Department of Defense Information Systems Agency
  • Biological Science Technician - Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service
  • Realty Specialist - Office of the Secretary of the Army
  • Budget Analyst
  • Contract Specialist
  • Computer Specialist
  • Office Clerk/Court Judicial Assistant
  • Intelligence Analyst 
  • Physicist – National Institute of Stands & Technology
  • Foreign Service Officer – Department of State
  • Program Analyst & Program Manager
  • Team Leader – U.S. Agency for International Development
  • Scientist / Researcher – National Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin.
  • Special Agent
Industry Trends

Since the 2000s and until recently, overall the federal civilian workforce has grown significantly. Workforce expansion reflects national priorities such as defense, cybersecurity, AI, and economic stability. Federal agencies increasingly recruit IT security and data science talent, using initiatives like the Pathways program to attract students and graduates via USAJobs. At the same time, government is accelerating digital transformation, emphasizing cloud adoption, automation, and customer experience. By 2026, over 70% of agencies will use AI for decision-support, while investing in workforce modernization, reskilling, and closing technology skill gaps. More than 60% of government organizations will prioritize investment in business process automation by 2026, up from 35% in 2022.

In early 2025, a federal civilian hiring freeze was enacted by presidential memorandum, with exceptions for national security, public safety, some internships, and USPS roles. Workforce reduction efforts, including buyouts and deferred resignations under the new Department of Government Efficiency, aim to further cut staff. Federal employment has declined by roughly 97,000 since January, signaling contraction across agencies.

The Office of Personnel Management introduced the “rule of many,” giving hiring managers greater flexibility to assess candidates based on skills rather than rigid ranking systems—benefiting applicants with nontraditional backgrounds.

Nationwide, job growth has slowed, and internship postings remain below pre-pandemic levels. However, demand persists for specialized federal roles in cybersecurity, data analysis, policy, accounting, and HR. Agencies are increasingly prioritizing skills over credentials, and some internship and fellowship programs, including virtual ones like the VSFS, continue despite broader hiring restrictions.

Sources:

https://www.the-future-of-commerce.com/2024/10/21/government-trends-2025/

https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/government-public-sector-services/government-trends.html

https://ourpublicservice.org/fed-figures/beyond-the-capital-the-federal-workforce-outside-the-d-c-area/#:~:text=The%20D.C.%20area%E2%80%94Washington%2C%20D.C.,Service%E2%80%94are%20not%20publicly%20available.

What To Do Now To Prepare

Take Advantage of Resources and Opportunities

Connect with Professionals

Once you have gathered background information and ideas on government employment, connecting with professionals can offer next level insights and answer more specific questions.

See: Networking Resources on The University Career Center website

UCAN (University Career Alumni Network) - Search and connect with U-M who have volunteered to chat with U-M students about all things career-related!

LinkedIn Groups - Beyond just joining LinkedIn, groups are a great way to expand one’s network, contribute to a community, and get questions answered. Some LinkedIn Groups in Government are...  

  • American Association of Political Consultants
  • Political Social Media Marketing

Professional Associations - Offer great insight into the career field.

  • GovLoop
  • Young Government Leaders
  • UM Alumni Club of DC
  • American Association of Political Consultants

Join the Government Career Track
Want some coaching around navigating your Career Track?  Interested in talking with a Career Coach about your exploration of a Career Track?

  • Sign up on Handshake to receive the bi-weekly Government Track newsletter where you can find jobs and internships, events on campus with employer and alumni, featured resources from UCC, and more!
  • Attend a Career Center Program/Workshop to learn more about your Career Track in group formats.
  • Make an appointment on Handshake for “Exploring Options”.


Before Your Appointment: Explore and engage with the tools and links in Explore Your Career Track; Complete the 3,2,1 reflection exercise; Attend a Career Crawl/Workshop related to your Career Track.

Job and Internship Search Essentials

Your first step should be the University Career Center at 3200 SAB or its website at careercenter.umich.edu. Use the resources to help you launch your search.  Resources include career information, videos, tips, Handshake, on campus interviews, programs on specific topics, events, and Career Expo.

 

INTERNSHIPS
Gaining relevant experience while attending college is vital for your career, as you can put theory into action and try out a career field.  There are many sources to look for internships and U-M offers comprehensive programs including the University Career Center's Public Service Intern Program and LSA's Michigan in Washington program.  You can sign up for an Internship Lab offered at the University Career Center or meet with an advisor to help you get your internship search started.

Public Service Intern Program (PSIP) - The University Career Center’s Public Service Intern Program prepares undergraduates for summer internships in Washington, D.C., Lansing, and elsewhere while building career development skills and supporting participants during their internship experience. The nation’s oldest and largest program of its kind, PSIP has connected students with internships for over 50 years in Congress, executive agencies, courts, nonprofits, think tanks, advocacy groups, media, museums, and more. Throughout the year, students receive guidance on internship applications, networking, and professional skills, then benefit from alumni mentorship, career panels, and events in D.C., Ann Arbor, and Lansing. PSIP is highly selective, admitting about 100 committed students each fall. For more information, check out the PSIP website.
 

FELLOWSHIPS
Apply for Fellowships with the Partnership for Public Service and other organizations to work in a 1 year position to try out government employment.  The federal Pathways program also offers 1-2 year positions.

The STEMGradStudents.science.gov site was established to be the primary source for searching Federally-sponsored opportunities for graduate students and graduate study programs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) areas. These advanced degree opportunities range from graduate fellowships and research internships that graduate students can apply to directly to funding opportunities for academic institutions to establish innovative graduate training programs.

OTHER FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Students Pursuing an Advanced Degree 

Postdoctoral & Current Students Pursuing an Advanced Degree 

Students With a Bachelor's Degree Required (Minimum)

 

EMPLOYER SITES WITH FULL-TIME AND INTERNSHIP POSITIONS

Federal Government - USAJobs is a recruiting website that lists all the information about job openings within the U.S. government.  Search and apply for positions on it.
Tips:  GovLoop Blog – tips on applying for federal government jobs in the US

Congressional - Find full-time positions and internships with the US House and Senate as well as with the MI House and Senate.

US Senate Employment Bulletin 

US House of Representatives Employment Bulletin 

MI Senate Open Positions 

MI House of Representatives Open Positions

MI House of Representatives Internships

 

Local or State Government Jobs
Apply directly with cities, counties, courts, and states on their websites (see the State of Michigan Employment site for openings)

Careers in the FBI - www.fbijobs.gov
Information on internships and full-time positions with the Federal Bureau of Investigation
They also hire contractors with specific skills, such as language.

Careers in the CIA – www.cia.gov 

Candidates for CIA agent jobs in clandestine services must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, possess a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0. GPA, as well as having strong interpersonal skills and a strong interest in international affairs.

 

INTERNSHIP AND JOB POSTING SITES

Job Posting Sites are not a primary recruiting tool for organizations and should be a small part of your job search efforts; however, many students begin their job search on job search boards. Some of the popular ones are:

 

NEW: TraverseJobs.com - all-encompassing job board that includes full-time and internship opportunities with federal and state agencies, Congress, think tanks, nonprofits, law firms, consulting firms, PR and media companies, and more! U-M students can access this website with the login credentials below -

  • Username: uccpublicservice
  • Password: governmentjobsforwolverines

 

While job search sites are a great place to start, online search engines are not the most effective tool for most of you. We recommend focusing on specific employers of interest, doing your research about employers and positions, and connecting with real professionals in those organizations.

 

WHERE ELSE TO LOOK FOR INTERNSHIPS/JOB OPENINGS

Handshake - There are hundreds of job postings specifically looking for you as a University of Michigan student.
Use the “Job Search” filter to narrow down your search to specific areas.
You might try: Government, public service, analyst, intelligence, national security, political organizers

Academic Departments – Faculty/staff receive internship information and they post in newsletters, on bulletin boards, and via email.  Let U-M faculty/staff know you are looking for an internship.

Networking - Use your network to locate openings in your field (See “Connect With Professionals” further below)

Congressional Employment Bulletins - Add your email to newsletter and job bulletin lists from the U.S. Capitol and other employers

Resumes

For the basics of a great resume, check out our resume resources page.

 

Hiring Managers for government/public service are really interested in candidates who want to work for the common good. Make sure your resume highlights work you have done in politics, campaigns, public service work, and volunteer projects.  

 

If you have researched extensively or written about political issues, you can list the title on your resume. Prepare writing samples for those employers that request them.

 

Federal Resumes - applying to federal jobs requires a resume that differs from standard formats. Federal resumes are typically longer—often 2–5 pages—and must include detailed descriptions of your experience, accomplishments, qualifications, as well as dates and time ranges of employment. They should also mirror the language in the job posting and align with federal hiring standards. Most federal positions are listed on USAJobs.gov. 

 

Federal Resume Example #1

Federal Resume Example #2

Interviewing

Research: To prepare for interviews in the public arena, remember to research the organizations of interest and the field broadly. You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and interest through your own preparation and research. 

 

“Why Public Service?”: Interviewers often ask why you’re interested in a public service career. Be prepared to clearly articulate your motivation, values, and passion for issues that impact the public. Stay informed about current events at both the national and local levels. If you're interviewing with a specific office—such as a member of Congress—research their key policy priorities, recent legislation, and public statements to show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.

 

Articulating skills and Experiences:  Think through the specific skills you will need to do the job and thus will likely be asked about in interviews. Consider the transferable skills you have acquired from other jobs as well as from academic and extracurricular activities; these skills could include leadership, teamwork and collaboration, adaptability, project management, etc. Prepare to discuss any prior experience you have and/or research you have conducted and how that impacts the issues you are targeting.